Moving Targets: When Cargo Disappears

Written by Michelle Selina

Across the globe, cargo theft is becoming a more serious and organized threat to international trade. Organized criminal groups are increasingly sophisticated, targeting every vulnerable point in the supply chain – from trucks on highways to warehouses and train cars – to pilfer high-value goods. Cargo theft is no longer just a small problem, it has grown into a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry closely connected to organized retail crime (ORC), sending large amounts of money to criminal networks around the world. 

The scale of the issue has drawn serious attention, including a recent U.S. Senate hearing on ORC that highlighted global supply chain losses of up to $35 billion per year. As of July 2025, new data indicate a sharp rise in incidents, underscoring the urgent need for stronger international cooperation to safeguard the global trade flow.

The Global Data Insights 

Recent reports show a concerning rise in cargo theft. According to CargoNet’s Q2 2025 report, supply chain thefts in the U.S. and Canada increased by 13% compared to Q2 2024, and by 10% from Q1 2025, with 884 incidents reported and estimated losses over $128 million. The jump was especially sharp in June, with a 21.9% increase that month alone. 

Globally, the 2025 BSI Supply Chain Risk and Opportunity Report indicates that thefts during transportation increased from 27% in 2023 to 41% in 2024, with hijacking now being the most common method. Metal theft nearly doubled, up 96% year-over-year in Q2 2025, likely driven by high copper prices, showing that criminals are targeting goods based on market value. Food and beverage products also saw a 68% increase and now make up more than 20% of all cargo theft cases.


Root Causes

The immense value of goods in transit, coupled with often fragmented and geographically dispersed supply chain operations, presents lucrative opportunities for criminal networks. The post-pandemic surge in freight costs, the proliferation of online load boards, and a normalization of dealing with unknown carriers have eroded traditional supply chain relationships, making verification more challenging. 

Furthermore, cost-cutting pressures can lead to weakened security policies and procedures. Globally, the rising IT fluency of criminal organizations allows them to exploit digital vulnerabilities faster than the transport community can adapt, utilizing public load boards and customs sites for intelligence. Economic inflation also plays a role, expanding the range of attractive targets to include more basic commodities like food and beverages, which are seeing increased theft rates. The global nature of supply chains means goods traverse multiple high-risk checkpoints, increasing exposure to various criminal elements

Prevention Strategies

Combating cargo theft requires a multi-layered, collaborative approach:
  • Enhanced Verification Protocols: 
    • Use background checks, multi-factor authentication, and verify MC/DOT numbers and IDs through secure platforms.
  • Real-Time Tracking: 
    • Install GPS, smart locks, and geofencing. Use AI to flag suspicious activity or route changes.
  • Secured Parking: 
    • Use well-lit, secure parking and upgrade warehouse security with cameras, access control, and patrols.
  • Stronger Cybersecurity: 
    • Protect systems from phishing and BEC. Secure communication channels and audit regularly.
  • Reduce Idle Time: 
    • Limit how long cargo sits at any location to lower theft risk.
  • Collaboration & Info Sharing: 
    • Work closely with law enforcement and platforms like CargoNet for real-time alerts and intel.
  • Driver Awareness: 
    • Train drivers to spot theft tactics and handle suspicious situations safely.
  • Policy Support: 
    • Back legislation like the 2025 Combating ORC Act to strengthen investigations and coordination nationwide.

Conclusion

The battle against cargo theft and organized retail crime is intensifying, demanding continuous adaptation from legitimate businesses and stronger, unified responses from global authorities. With estimated annual losses running into tens of billions of dollars and sophisticated criminal networks constantly evolving their methods, the integrity of global supply chains hangs in the balance. By embracing advanced security technologies, fostering robust industry collaboration, and enacting supportive legislation, stakeholders can collectively build resilience and make the logistics landscape more secure, protecting economies and consumers worldwide from the far-reaching impact of these illicit operations.

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