The June 2025 Cargo Security Index from Verisk CargoNet and GearTrack reveals a rise in organized theft activity, with increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics targeting inland hubs and high-demand consumer goods. While California continues to lead in overall theft volume, states like Georgia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania are experiencing rapid increases.
According to the report, cargo criminals are shifting focus toward electronics, food and beverage shipments, and household goods, often using impersonation and rerouting scams to hijack freight.
June 2025 Cargo Theft by the Numbers
In May, California, Texas, and Illinois accounted for 113 reported thefts, comprising over half of all U.S. incidents, according to the index. However, activity is expanding beyond the usual hotspots:
- Georgia theft reports rose 34%.
- Maryland increased by 26%.
- Pennsylvania saw a 22%-spike.
Electronics theft jumped 28% over the previous month, while theft of household goods surged by 33%. Analysts say this points to increased targeting of high-value, high-demand items with strong resale potential.
Memorial Day week followed expected patterns, with notable theft of appliances, beverages, and TVs en route to big-box retailers. Ports and distribution hubs in Savannah, Ga.; Chicago; and Dallas remain key risk zones, with some cargo stolen shortly after container arrival.
Fraud Tactics Fuel Inland Theft Spike
The June 2025 Cargo Security Index notes a growing trend of using fraudulent carriers to reroute entire truckloads. Impersonation and phishing schemes are being deployed to secure freight pickups under false pretenses, making it more difficult for shippers to detect risks before handoff.
In response, federal and regional authorities are taking action. In Savannah, a $44.5 million U.S. Customs inspection warehouse will open in July at the Garden City Terminal. The facility will allow for more secure on-site container inspections, reducing vulnerability during transfer.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee advanced the bipartisan Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act. If passed, it would expand FMCSA’s enforcement authority to investigate and deter cargo theft and shipping fraud.
GearTrack Recommendations for Fleets
To reduce vulnerability, GearTrack offers the following guidance for shippers and carriers:
- Use real-time tracking with geofencing and asset-level visibility.
- Avoid unsecured parking, especially around holiday weekends.
- Train staff on new fraud schemes and impersonation tactics.
- Test all tamper sensors and alarm systems regularly.
- Minimize trailer dwell time when loaded.
- Monitor for surveillance activity at pick-up points.
- Conduct regular security simulations to find operational gaps.
With more theft moving inland and fraud tactics evolving, shippers and carriers alike are urged to treat security as an active, adaptive process.
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