Cargo theft in the US continues to rise, targeting new markets

Criminals are increasingly following freight deeper into supply chains, leading to significant increases in cargo theft across the United States

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by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

A US supply chain security firm reports that cargo theft in the United States is on the rise, and it is not expected to decrease this year.

The report published by Overhaul claims that US cargo theft is expected to continue growing at double-digit rates in 2025, although not as rapidly as in 2024.

The firm forecasts a 22% rise in cargo theft events in the US, from 2,217 in 2024 to 2,705 in 2025.

California was found to be the leading state for cargo theft in the country, accounting for 32% of total US theft events last year despite a 9-percentage-point drop from 2023.

The firm adds that Pennsylvania's percentage of all reported cargo theft in the US increased significantly from 1% in 2023 to 8% last year. Additionally, freight crime increased in Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia.

According to the Overhaul data, criminals are becoming more adept at following freight as it moves through supply networks and focusing on shipments where they are most susceptible.

Cargo rail thefts incur high costs

Cargo thefts from trains, trucks, and ships are a significant problem in shipping hubs across the country, and thieves are targeting new markets.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement estimates that cargo thefts along the supply chain account for between $15 billion and $35 billion in losses annually.

Cargo train thefts in particular inflicted losses exceeding $100 million on the six largest freight railroads in the country last year, according to an AP report.

According to the Association of American Railroads, the incidence of these thefts surged by approximately 40% to reach 65,000 cases nationwide.

Major shipping hubs like Los Angeles, Dallas, Memphis, Chicago, and Atlanta are frequent targets for organized theft groups.