Peak Cargo Theft Season Calls for Heightened Vigilance and High-Security Shipping Solutions

As the holiday season ramps up, so do the risks for shippers and carriers.  According to Texas-based supply chain risk management firm Overhaul, the final quarter of the year—particularly October and November—marks the most active period for cargo theft across the United States and Mexico.  While shipping volumes surge to meet holiday demand, organized theft rings also become increasingly opportunistic, targeting vulnerable loads and high-value commodities.

The Season of Increased Risk

Data from Overhaul shows that cargo theft incidents spike sharply during the last quarter, typically peaking before mid-December.  Electronics, including laptops, gaming consoles, and mobile devices, are among the most targeted goods due to their small size, high resale value, and market demand.  But thieves are not just striking loaded trailers—distribution centers, warehouses, and even last-mile delivery vehicles have become prime targets.

During the holiday rush, warehouses often operate with reduced oversight and thinner staffing, leaving freight exposed for longer periods.  Likewise, last-mile courier operations face elevated hijacking and pilferage risks, as drivers make frequent, often unattended stops in congested areas.  This combination of high volume, time pressure, and temporary staging creates a perfect storm for cargo criminals.

Tactics and Trends

Organized theft groups are adapting their tactics as well.  Beyond traditional full-load thefts, criminals increasingly engage in pilferage—stealing part of a load rather than an entire trailer—to reduce detection and increase profits.  These smaller, cost-dense goods can be quickly resold through online marketplaces or underground networks, making recovery extremely difficult once stolen.

Hijackings and unauthorized trailer access are also on the rise.  Criminals exploit poorly lit or unsecured rest areas, unmonitored parking lots, and extended dwell times at staging sites.  For carriers, even brief stops can lead to costly losses if proper security measures aren’t in place.

How to Protect Shipments During Peak Season

Industry experts urge shippers and carriers to take extra precautions through the end of the year.  Recommendations include:

  • Avoid unnecessary staging: Keep freight moving whenever possible and minimize idle time in unsecured locations.
  • Choose well-lit, secure parking areas: When stopping is unavoidable, park trailers with doors backed against walls or solid surfaces to deter unauthorized entry.
  • Leverage technology: Real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and automated alerts help detect unauthorized movement immediately.
  • Implement strict chain-of-custody protocols: Every transfer point should be logged, verified, and monitored.
  • Engage local law enforcement quickly: Networks like Overhaul’s LE Connect improve recovery odds when theft occurs.

Road Scholar Transport: A Trusted Defense Against Cargo Theft

In a peak season where risk runs high, partnering with a carrier that prioritizes security is not optional—it’s essential.  Road Scholar Transport has long been recognized as a leader in high-security shipping, offering advanced safeguards designed to deter and defeat theft attempts.

Through cutting-edge technologies such as real-time satellite tracking, electronic door monitoring, geofencing, and 24/7 in-house monitoring, Road Scholar ensures that every shipment is continuously protected.  Our fleet is equipped with enhanced security features and managed by a team trained to respond instantly to irregularities.

Additionally, Road Scholar’s SmartWay-certified fleet and high-security protocols align with Overhaul’s recommendations for risk reduction—providing shippers with peace of mind during the most vulnerable months of the year.

Securing the Supply Chain This Holiday Season

As cargo theft intensifies through November, proactive planning and high-security partnerships are crucial to safeguarding valuable freight.  With organized theft rings becoming more sophisticated and opportunities for interception increasing, it’s clear that visibility, vigilance, and trusted carriers like Road Scholar Transport are the strongest lines of defense.

Don’t let the season’s peak risks turn into costly losses—partner with a carrier built on security, reliability, and integrity.

👉 Learn more about Road Scholar Transport’s high-security shipping solutions: https://roadscholar.com/high-security-shipping.html

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