Check it Twice: Holiday Cargo Theft Events Up 82% Since 2020

Keep an eye on that sleigh, Santa—holiday cargo theft events increased 82% between 2020 and 2024.

“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit—reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet.

Criminal selection often aligns with strong resale demand and price volatility, elevating risk for high-value shipments during year-end retail surges.

Verisk CargoNet analysis found reported events increased from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024. Across the five holiday periods reviewed, there were 353 recorded events, including cargo theft incidents, theft of tractors and trailers and supply chain fraud activity, with 16% occurring on the peak activity day, December 23. About 69% occurred between December 23–29, and 53% between December 26–30.

California recorded the highest number of holiday-window events in the five-year review (84), followed by Texas (41), Illinois (32) and Florida (32). At the county level, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County, California, and Shelby County, Tennessee, experienced the highest concentrations of activity.

Holiday-window reporting shows repeated targeting of vehicle-related commodities such as tires, auto parts and motor oils, followed by alcoholic beverages, televisions and displays, and computers and accessories. Additional frequently targeted categories include power tools, footwear and major appliances.

“Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID,” Lewis said. “A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.”

Throughout the holiday season, logistics stakeholders should strengthen layered safeguards, particularly on peak-risk days. Verisk Cargonet suggests that stakeholders:

• Verify pickups and appointment changes using known, trusted contact methods (call-back to verified numbers on file).
• Increase facility access controls and security coverage during off-hours and holiday closures.
• Reduce dwell time for loaded equipment and avoid unsecured parking locations.
• Use secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment.
• Deploy shipment monitoring for high-value loads, including tracking and alerting where available.
• Establish driver check-in expectations during closures and extended dwell periods.
• Report suspicious activity and confirmed incidents promptly to law enforcement and Verisk CargoNet through established reporting channels.

Topics Trends Fraud Trucking