Talking Supply Chain: Cargo theft’s new era

Cargo theft in the United States has entered a new phase, shifting from localized truck stop thefts to sophisticated schemes orchestrated by international crime networks, according to Scott Cornell, vice president of transportation risk and strategy at LogistIQ Insurance Solutions and chair of TAPA Americas.

In a recent episode of Talking Supply Chain, Cornell explained that cargo theft incidents increased roughly 93% between 2021 and 2024, while strategic cargo theft—fraudulent schemes involving brokers, carriers, and falsified documentation—surged more than 1,400%.

These organized groups increasingly exploit digital tools such as AI-generated phishing campaigns, manipulated shipping documents, and identity fraud to infiltrate supply chain transactions. At the same time, traditional theft methods remain widespread, including pilferage from parked trailers and truck stops.

Cornell said food and beverage shipments remain the most frequently targeted commodities due to their ease of resale and lack of traceability.

To mitigate risk, he urged supply chain leaders to build a culture of cargo security across their organizations, emphasizing employee training, stronger carrier vetting, improved shipment visibility, and closer communication among shippers, brokers, and carriers to close the gaps criminals exploit.

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