Cargo theft continues to rise, costing the supply chain billions annually. The good news? Shippers don't have to face this threat alone. A reliable third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you create a secure, resilient shipping strategy that safeguards your freight — and your peace of mind.
In this blog, we analyze the causes of cargo theft, why it's on the rise and how your business can prevent it with the help of a proactive 3PL provider!
What is cargo theft and why should shippers like you be vigilant?
Cargo theft refers to the criminal act of stealing goods while they are being transported or stored. This can happen in a variety of ways — from truck stops and warehouse facilities to distribution centers and even during delivery routes.
Common types of cargo theft 
- Fraudulent pickups: Thieves pose as legitimate carriers and steal freight through phony pickup arrangements.
- Pilferage: Small quantities of cargo are stolen over time, often going unnoticed until it's too late.
- Straight theft: Criminals forcibly break into trucks or facilities to steal full loads.
- Cyber theft: Increasingly, cargo thieves are using digital tools to hack into transportation systems and reroute shipments.
Why cargo theft prevention matters now more than ever
The rise in freight theft isn't just a headline — it's happening across the U.S., and it's hitting shippers hard.
"In 19 years, I've never seen freight theft escalate like this. It's no longer just smash-and-grabs. It's full-on operations with spoofed emails, impersonated carriers and digital reselling on Amazon and Facebook Marketplace"
— JJ Lewis, SVP of Truckload at WWEX Group
Cargo theft statistics
- According to Transport Topics, incidents of cargo theft surged by 57% in Q1 of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with an estimated average value per theft coming in at $202,364.
- Annual cargo theft losses are projected to increase by another 22% by the end of 2025, building on already record-setting levels.
- CNBC reports that thieves are targeting supply chain chokepoints and exploiting vulnerabilities created by labor shortages and increased e-commerce demand. The article states that total reported losses were around $455 million in 2024.
- At a recent congressional hearing, logistics experts warned that lack of coordinated law enforcement and outdated technology are fueling cargo theft.
| Recorded cargo theft incidents (2024) | 3,798 incidents — up 26% from the previous year |
| Reported financial losses (2024) | $455 million — with experts suggesting actual losses may exceed $1 billion annually |
| Identity-based theft share (2024) | Nearly one-third of incidents involve spoofing or impersonation — up from 8% in 2020 |
| International involvement | Criminal groups from 32+ countries are linked to U.S. cargo theft |
| Examples of targeted goods | High-value items like electronics, supplements, toys (e.g., Lululemon, Lacoste) |
| Supply chain & consumer impact | Shippers report supply shortages, higher prices, rerouted inventory |
What's driving the surge in cargo theft?
- Higher resale value for consumer goods (electronics, food, apparel)
- Gaps in security protocols
- Driver and labor shortages
- Organized crime rings becoming more sophisticated, using technology and infiltrating the transportation management systems of shipping companies.
How can a 3PL help with cargo theft prevention? Here are 7 ways.
Partnering with a 3PL isn't just about moving goods. It's about building a smarter, safer supply chain. Here are seven ways a 3PL can help you prevent cargo theft and improve overall freight security, so your shipments arrive in full and on time.
1. Real-time freight tracking and visibility tools
A 3PL gives you access to advanced technology and tracking solutions so your freight is monitored from origin to destination. Real-time updates, geofencing alerts and digital proof of delivery help spot unusual activity early.
At GlobalTranz, electronic logging device (ELD) integrations and "tracking pucks" allow freight to be pinged every 15–30 minutes, flagging when a trailer deviates from its expected route so action can be taken before a theft occurs. You get this, plus 24/7 support.
2. Route optimization and risk avoidance
Avoiding high-risk areas is one of the most effective cargo theft prevention tactics. 3PLs use intelligent routing tools and work with carriers to steer shipments away from known hot spots or high-risk overnight stops.
GlobalTranz also works with shippers to stagger the timing and location of high-value shipments to avoid predictable patterns, making it harder for thieves to identify when and where targeted freight is moving.
"We don't just throw loads on a board. We look at every shipment individually — what it is, where it's going and how we can prevent cargo theft before it even gets picked up," Lewis said. "If it's a high-value shipment, we have protocols, which include helping shippers change up their shipping cadence to keep thieves guessing."
3. Carrier vetting and secure partnerships
Top-tier 3PLs work with a trusted network of thoroughly vetted carriers. This minimizes the risk of "bad actors," fictitious pickups and unauthorized subcontracting, all major contributors to freight theft. With 3PLs like GlobalTranz, carrier selection isn't left to chance or open load boards.
Instead, loads are offered through a private load board visible only to approved carriers with a history of performance and compliance. AI-powered tools verify motor carrier (MC) numbers, phone numbers, equipment and driver credentials in seconds — helping ensure only trusted partners move customer freight.
4. Cargo insurance and risk mitigation services
A 3PL helps you assess the need for cargo freight insurance, ensuring your goods are covered for theft, damage or loss. But a 3PL like GlobalTranz not only helps shippers choose the right coverage but also manages the claims process — working with vetted carriers and reputable insurers to ensure customers are made whole quickly and efficiently.
We also only maintain strong partnerships with carriers whose insurance coverage is reliable, so customers can recover losses with minimal disruption.
5. Load security and tamper-resistant packaging
Physical deterrents play a critical role in cargo theft prevention. At a top-tier 3PL, teams advise shippers on how to load high-value freight strategically — for example, placing it deep inside trailers and surrounding it with dunnage to discourage smash-and-grab theft. They also recommend staggering shipment schedules and using tamper-resistant trailer locks that can't be cut.
For added protection, customers are encouraged to avoid routine patterns and diversify load doors, shipping days and freight packaging practices to keep thieves guessing and reduce predictability.
6. Access to secure warehousing and cross-docking facilities
Need to store freight in transit? 3PLs offer access to secured warehouses with 24/7 surveillance, fencing and controlled access — minimizing your exposure to theft when freight is between stops.
GlobalTranz partners with trusted warehousing providers in high-risk/port/border regions like southern California, Chesapeake (Virginia), and El Paso and Laredo (Texas), to ensure secure handoffs between bonded and non-bonded carriers.
These facilities support cross-docking and transloading, helping protect freight during border transfers and creating a safer chain of custody for sensitive or high-value shipments.
7. If cargo theft does occur, a 3PL will help resolve it … fast
Despite every precaution, theft can still happen. A 3PL can help you file freight insurance claims, recover lost shipments (when possible) and get operations back on track with minimal disruption. A 3PL's strong carrier partnerships and cargo insurance solutions mean claims are settled efficiently, and customers are made whole where possible.
With end-to-end shipping solutions and a commitment to personalized, load-by-load service, GlobalTranz makes sure your shipments are handled with precision — every mile and every time.
"Some shippers are just more targeted than others. Gaming consoles, laptops, even toilet paper — if it can be resold quickly, it's at risk," Lewis said. "That's why every transaction has to be scrutinized. We're evaluating every load, every day and keeping open lines of communication with our customers to make sure they understand what we're up against and how we are protecting them."
How GlobalTranz Can Help You Prevent Cargo Theft
At GlobalTranz, we understand the real risks that shippers like you face every day. And we've built our services around minimizing those risks while maximizing efficiency.
When you work with us, you get more than just shipping solutions. You get:
- Access to a trusted network of secure and vetted freight carriers
- Custom routing plans that avoid cargo theft hot spots
- Scalable cargo insurance options to protect your most valuable shipments
- Real-time tracking through our proprietary freight TMS technology
- Expert account managers who can help you assess and reduce your freight risk
- Theft prevention tips for cargo on an ongoing basis
- Additional cargo theft safeguards offered for qualified shipments — details available through your account team.
And if you ever find yourself dealing with freight theft, you won't be alone. Our team is here to walk you through the resolution process quickly, clearly and confidently — so your business can keep moving forward.
Cargo security is a team sport. Let's join forces today!
Cargo theft may be on the rise, but with the right partner, it doesn't have to disrupt your business. When you work with a 3PL like GlobalTranz, you get layered protection, strategic support and a team that treats your freight like it's their own. So, if you're looking for a shipping provider that is also your strategic cargo theft prevention partner, we're here and ready to help.
In fact, GlobalTranz has more than 30 years of success in the logistics industry and helps thousands of shippers of all sizes move products nationwide and around the world. We are also part of WWEX Group, alongside Worldwide Express and Unishippers.
Combined, these companies make up one of the largest and most diverse 3PLs in the industry, providing shippers with top solutions that help them succeed — whether shipping parcel or freight.
Ready to take the necessary steps to protect your freight? Reach out today to request a custom consultation with a GlobalTranz shipping expert.