Strategic Cargo Theft: The Growing Risk for U.S. Shippers
Cargo theft has long been a concern for trucking companies, manufacturers, distributors and retailers. But the threat is changing. Criminals are increasingly using technology, deception and stolen transportation data to identify valuable shipments and manipulate the logistics process itself. A new 2026 Cargo Theft Report from SmartSense by Digi, based on a survey of 150 U.S. loss-prevention and organized-retail-crime professionals, highlights just how quickly the threat is evolving. The findings suggest that cargo theft is no longer simply a matter of someone breaking into a parked trailer. Instead, sophisticated criminal networks are targeting the entire supply chain—from shipment information and carrier identities to pickup appointments, routing and tracking systems. For shippers, that means cargo security needs to begin before a truck ever arrives at the loading dock. Cargo Theft Is Becoming More Organized The SmartSense survey found that 81% ...