Cargo Theft Surges in Q2 2025: Over $61 Million in Losses as Criminal Tactics Evolve

The U.S. supply chain faced another major security challenge this past quarter, with cargo theft losses surpassing $61.6 million between April and June 2025.  According to the Second Quarter Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis released by logistics security firm CargoNet, thefts are not just becoming more frequent—they’re also getting smarter, more targeted, and more coordinated than ever before.

The 884 recorded cargo theft incidents during Q2 2025 represent a 13% increase over the same period in 2024, and a 10% jump from the first quarter of 2025.  These numbers aren’t simply a reflection of petty theft or isolated criminal activity; they highlight a growing sophistication among organized crime groups actively exploiting vulnerabilities in freight transport and logistics.

Where It’s Happening: Key Hotspots for Theft

CargoNet’s report indicates that more than half of the reported thefts—53%—occurred in just three states:

  • California
  • Illinois
  • Texas

These are not surprising figures, considering the sheer volume of freight that moves through these logistics hubs.  With their dense intermodal networks, proximity to ports, and sprawling warehouse facilities, these states offer both high-value opportunities and logistical anonymity for professional theft rings.

What’s Being Stolen: High Demand, High Value

Unsurprisingly, food and beverage shipments remained the top target, accounting for over 20% of all thefts.  These commodities are fast-moving, harder to trace once stolen, and in constant demand across both legal and black-market channels.

However, what raised eyebrows this quarter was a dramatic surge in metal thefts—specifically copper.  CargoNet’s analysis links this spike to rising global copper prices, suggesting that cargo thieves are keeping a close watch on commodity markets and adjusting their tactics accordingly.

“This unprecedented growth coincides with copper trading near or above record highs,” the report noted, “suggesting that organized crime groups strategically adjust their targeting based on commodity market values.”

In other words, this isn’t random.  It’s strategic.

The Evolution of Tactics: From Physical Theft to Digital Fraud

The days of simple truck break-ins are long gone.  According to CargoNet, thieves are now deploying more complex methods—including:

  • Document fraud
  • Identity theft
  • Shipment impersonation
  • Fictitious pickup scams

These tactics allow criminals to impersonate legitimate carriers, gain access to freight without raising suspicion, and disappear before anyone realizes what’s happened.  This type of white-collar cargo crime is growing in both frequency and effectiveness.

Keith Lewis, CargoNet’s Vice President of Operations, summed it up:

“These aren’t opportunistic crimes – they’re calculated operations targeting goods with the highest illicit-market value and easiest resale potential.”

What Can Be Done: Raising the Bar with High-Security Shipping

As traditional security methods become less effective, industry experts agree: it’s time for a multi-layered approach—combining physical safeguards, digital verification, and real-time tracking.

One company leading the way in proactive, layered freight protection is Road Scholar Transport.  Recognized for its high-security shipping solutions, Road Scholar is equipped to handle even the most theft-sensitive cargo—including pharmaceuticals, electronics, food, metals, and retail goods.

Our high-security protocols include:

  • Real-time GPS tracking with geo-fencing alerts
  • Encrypted trailer locks
  • Driver background checks and team drivers for high-value loads
  • Onboard surveillance and temperature monitoring
  • 24/7 shipment monitoring from a centralized command center

Road Scholar’s approach helps mitigate risk not only through technology but also through logistics planning, driver training, and supply chain transparency—giving shippers peace of mind when it matters most.

The second quarter of 2025 has made one thing abundantly clear: cargo theft is evolving rapidly, and logistics professionals must evolve with it.  With more than $61 million in quarterly losses and a sharp rise in digitally enabled thefts, supply chain stakeholders can no longer rely on outdated protection methods.

Whether you’re shipping high-value freight or managing a network of distribution points, partnering with a secure carrier like Road Scholar Transport and implementing smarter, more robust security protocols is no longer optional—it's essential.

To learn more about how Road Scholar Transport is helping businesses stay secure in a volatile shipping environment, visit www.roadscholar.com.

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