$31.8M stolen: How freight thieves exploit US holidays
Freight thieves stole an estimated $31.8 million in goods during Labor Day periods over the past five years, with incidents surging 70% annually as criminals exploit compromised carrier accounts and holiday disruptions, according to a new report by CargoNet.
Verisk’s CargoNet tracked 273 theft incidents during the seven-day windows surrounding Labor Day from 2021 to 2025, with the annual count rising from 33 cases in 2021 to 56 in 2025. The report, released on September 4 ahead of the 2026 Labor Day weekend, highlights how criminals bypass traditional safeguards by hijacking trusted freight channels.
How thieves exploit holidays, and why weekdays are riskier: cargo theft
Contrary to expectations, the majority of thefts did not occur during the holiday weekend itself. Instead, 71% of incidents, 194 out of 273, took place on the four weekdays surrounding Labor Day, with Friday recording the highest single-day total of 55 cases. Tuesday, Thursday, and Wednesday followed closely, accounting for 49, 46, and 44 incidents respectively. In contrast, the holiday weekend saw significantly fewer reports: 24 on Saturday, 28 on Sunday, and 27 on Labor Day Monday.
CargoNet attributes this pattern to criminals targeting active business operations, where freight moves through normal channels and employees are available to process changes. Thieves often breach trusted freight accounts by compromising carrier email systems, business phones, or compliance platforms.
Once inside, they alter delivery instructions after a legitimate trucking company has taken possession of the cargo, effectively bypassing safeguards focused solely on carrier selection. This method, described as identity-based deception, has become an expanding threat during holiday periods, when limited staffing and time pressure create ideal conditions for fraud.
The report identifies two overlapping risks during holidays: physical exposure, where loaded freight remains stationary during closures or schedule disruptions, and verification exposure, where understaffed operations struggle to validate last-minute changes. These vulnerabilities allow criminals to impersonate carriers, introduce fraudulent contact details, or redirect shipments to illicit drop-off points.
Where and what thieves target, and the $359M problem
Nearly half of all Labor Day thefts, 48%, or 130 incidents, occurred in just three states: California, Texas, and Illinois. California led the country with 70 cases, followed by Texas with 38 and Illinois with 22.
Food and beverage shipments were the most frequently targeted commodity category, accounting for 49 incidents. Household goods ranked second with 27 cases, followed by electronics (25), vehicles and accessories (20), and metals (11). The broader financial impact of cargo theft is staggering.
CargoNet recommends heightened vigilance during weekdays surrounding holidays, particularly in high-risk states like California, Texas, and Illinois. Additionally, companies are advised to limit the dissemination of sensitive information during periods of reduced staffing and to conduct thorough background checks on new carriers or subcontractors.
The report also highlights the need for industry-wide collaboration to combat cargo theft. CargoNet, a Verisk business, operates as a cargo theft prevention and recovery network, leveraging data analytics and investigative resources to assist law enforcement and insurers.
Verisk, listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker VRSK, provides risk assessment and decision analytics services across multiple industries, including logistics and supply chain security. While the company did not disclose specific partnerships in this report, its role in tracking and analysing theft patterns is critical for shaping prevention strategies.
As the freight industry prepares for the 2026 Labor Day weekend, the CargoNet report serves as a reminder that holidays are not just a time for rest, they are also a prime opportunity for criminals. With thefts showing no signs of slowing, the challenge for operators will be to balance efficiency with security, ensuring that goods reach their intended destinations without falling into the wrong hands.
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