Q2 Cargo Theft Reports Rise 5% as California and Texas Dominate

Reported U.S. cargo theft incidents increased 5% from the first quarter to 605 loads during the second quarter, according to data covered by FreightWaves on August 28. The total was still 5% lower than one year earlier, showing that quarterly movement can rise even while the year-over-year comparison improves. May accounted for 35% of the quarter's reports.

California represented 34% of recorded incidents and Texas 18%, meaning the two states together accounted for more than half of the dataset. Tennessee followed at 13%, Pennsylvania at 10% and Illinois at 8%. Electronics led targeted commodities with 23% of cases, while miscellaneous cargo accounted for 20% and clothing or footwear represented 10%.

Pilferage was the most common reported method at 46%. Full-truckload theft made up 21%, facility theft 16% and deceptive pickup 11%. Among locations identified in the report, warehouses and distribution centers represented 37%, truck stops and fuel stations 15%, and rail sites 11%. Friday was the most active day, while midnight through 6 a.m. produced the largest six-hour share.

The figures come from reported events and do not capture every cargo crime, so they should be treated as a risk indicator rather than a complete national count. Carriers can respond with verified pickup identities, driver and tractor confirmation, high-security seals, geofencing and rapid escalation when a load deviates from plan. Drivers should use approved parking, avoid discussing cargo in public and report suspicious instructions before moving freight. Security works best when shippers, brokers, carriers and drivers confirm the same load details.