How to Prevent Cargo Theft During Periods of Increased Crime

Cargo theft is an ongoing issue impacting logistics and trucking operations nationwide, posing serious financial and operational risks. In recent years, this problem has escalated dramatically, driven by increasingly sophisticated thieves and high-value targets. According to Verisk CargoNet, incidents jumped from around 4 reports per day (2013–2022) to 11 per day in 2025, and organized criminal tactics like fictitious pickups have surged nearly 500% since late 2022. Plus, a CNBC investigation confirms Verisk's findings of a record‑high 3,798 incidents in 2024, growing 26% year‑over‑year, with losses officially reported at $455 million and likely near $1 billion

The repercussions aren't just monetary (though those are painful), they disrupt supply chains, erode customer trust, and overall create headaches for all involved.. 

While cargo theft is a constant threat, certain periods, particularly around major holidays like the Fourth of July, significantly heighten these risks. Extended facility closures, reduced security staffing, and distracted personnel create ideal circumstances for criminals.

Why the Fourth of July is Particularly Risky for Cargo Theft

While cargo theft is a year-round threat, the Fourth of July holiday dramatically magnifies the risk. Facilities close, staffing drops because employees are out enjoying fireworks shows and barbeques, and for those who are working, attention shifts elsewhere. Criminals know this creates prime conditions for theft and they're not afraid to act on it. 

Peak theft days are typically July 1st and July 3rd, coinciding with extended weekend closures. Consider these recent, jaw-dropping examples:

• Theft reports have surged from an average of four daily reports (2013-2022) to eleven daily reports in 2025.
• Geographic hotspots consistently include California, Texas, and Illinois, specifically Los Angeles County, Dallas County, Cook County, and others.
• Frequently targeted commodities include food and beverages, vehicle accessories, electronics, and appliances.

CargoNet data reports several million dollars in freight theft on the 4th of July in just the last few years. Clearly, these aren't isolated incidents, they reflect a persistent pattern during holiday downtimes. Don’t let yourself fall victim to this troubling pattern. 

Key Strategies for Protecting Your Cargo From Holiday Theft

To mitigate these heightened risks, businesses should adopt proactive and comprehensive security measures. The following best practices, recommended by CargoNet, offer actionable ways to safeguard trucks and freight:

Enhanced Facility Security

Facility security is the first and often the most crucial layer of defense against cargo theft. Thieves typically target locations they perceive as weak or easily accessible. If you need to park your fleet somewhere, look for facilities that offer 24/7 security, lights, and modern video security systems, like Unlimited Carrier.

Our operations team suggests looking for the following things, at minimum, when choosing the right facility for your fleet.  

• Effective and well-maintained lighting
• Fully operational surveillance systems and alarms
• Robust perimeter fencing and physical barriers
• Keys for all motorized equipment secured in a locked location
• Strict response protocols for alarms; multiple triggers may precede an actual break-in attempt
• Documentation and reporting of all suspicious activities, promptly shared with security personnel and CargoNet

Additionally, coordinating routine checks by local law enforcement (if possible) during holiday periods provides an extra layer of security. Check with your local law enforcement agency if they can offer this added layer of security. 

In-Transit Security Best Practices

When cargo is transported from one point to another, it becomes particularly vulnerable. Enhanced in-transit security requires a combination of advanced physical security measures and meticulous procedural adherence. 

You can protect your drivers and your freight by adopting the following best practices: 

• Equip trailers with high-security ISO 17712-compliant barrier seals, supplemented by hardened padlocks
• Secure unattached trailers with kingpin locks to prevent unauthorized towing
• Use air-cuff and steering column locks to immobilize tractors when unattended
• Ensure drivers maintain detailed records of vehicle identification numbers (VIN), license plates, and descriptions to expedite law enforcement response in theft cases
• Avoid parking loaded trailers unattended, especially during off-hours

Supply Chain Fraud Prevention

Cargo thieves increasingly use sophisticated fraud schemes, especially during holidays when normal operational scrutiny might lapse. Preventing fraud-related theft demands rigorous oversight and verification processes. 

• Conduct rigorous vetting of end-of-day and weekend transactions, requiring supervisor verification before dispatch
• Verify driver and load information directly with shippers, especially if requests seem unusual or rates significantly deviate from industry norms
• Avoid accepting unsolicited calls claiming to verify load pickups; independently confirm all shipment statuses

If you plan to use a 24/7 fleet management partner to supplement your staff during the holidays, ensure you choose a trusted, quality partner like My Fleet Assist. My Fleet Assist is a highly rated, trusted partner who has created a multi-step vetting and verification process for the repair shops they choose to work with, protecting their customers from fraud. 

Driver Safety and Preparedness

Your drivers represent one of the most effective tools in your theft prevention arsenal. However, their effectiveness relies heavily on proper training and ongoing awareness programs. Alone on the road and often operating in isolated environments, drivers bear the full burden of protecting their freight without the security infrastructure available at facilities. Unfortunately, as criminals become more brazen and coordinated, they can quickly overwhelm a driver who is unprepared or unsupported.

Safety must always come first, no freight is worth more than a driver's life or wellbeing. However, you can reduce the risks inherent in transporting freight by preparing your drivers accordingly:

• Ensure drivers arrive at pick-up points rested, alert, and with fully fueled vehicles to minimize unnecessary stops
• Educate drivers about the importance of vigilance during loading, unloading, and rest periods
• Encourage immediate reporting of any irregularities or suspicious behaviors observed during their routes

Taking Action Now: Protect Your Business

Given the escalating risks, logistics companies cannot afford to wait. Conducting regular security audits of facilities, implementing advanced fleet security measures, investing in comprehensive driver training programs, and embracing cutting-edge anti-fraud technology are critical steps. Proactively adopting these strategies not only safeguards your cargo but also protects your brand reputation and financial stability against increasingly sophisticated criminal threats.

At UC Group, we're proud members of CargoNet and committed to safeguarding freight every single day, not just during high-alert holidays. We stay ahead of evolving threats by continually refining our protocols, investing in industry-leading technology, and collaborating with law enforcement and supply chain partners across the country.  Let us help you take proactive steps to strengthen your security and keep your freight moving safely, no matter the season. Reach out today to see how we can support your operation with a tailored, high-integrity approach to logistics security.

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