The trucking and logistics industry should exercise increased caution during the Thanksgiving holiday period, when cargo thefts typically increase, according to Verisk CargoNet.

Analysis of historical data reveals significant year-over-year increases in theft incidents, observed since 2021, when only 29 incidents were recorded during the holiday period.

In 2024, there were 79 reported cargo thefts during Thanksgiving weekend, a nearly 65 percent increase from 2023’s 48 reported thefts.

As of November 18, a reported $318 million in stolen cargo, with the average shipment value rising to $278,797.

California leads the nation with 67 incidents, more than twice the number in Illinois (27) and Texas (26).

Data shows that criminal organizations consistently exploit the Thanksgiving holiday period, when shipment volumes increase, and security staffing may be reduced, Verisk CargoNet added in their recent alert.

Criminal activity typically intensifies in Q4, peaking in December, a pattern expected to continue in 2025.

High-Risk Cargo Categories

Food and beverage shipments represent the highest theft risk during the Thanksgiving period, with 31 incidents recorded in the 2024 analysis.

Thieves have demonstrated a diverse appetite for cargo, targeting household products (24 incidents), electronics (19 incidents), and vehicles and accessories (14 incidents).

Historical data shows criminals consistently target high-value items, including computers, alcoholic beverages, and automobile tires, during the holiday period. The total commodity value of stolen goods during the 2024 analysis period reached $9.5 million, with an average theft value exceeding $151,500.

Emerging threat categories throughout 2025 warranting particular attention include: truckloads of copper shipments, enterprise server hardware, and nutritional supplements.

Multi-million-dollar thefts of computer components used by AI firms and in cryptocurrency mining are common, leading to this year’s average shipment value increasing to $278,797, and recorded loss value exceeding $318 million.

Geographic Concentration and Emerging Hotspots

California remains the most heavily targeted state with 67 recorded incidents, followed by Illinois (27) and Texas (26). Florida (15) and Georgia (11) round out the top five states for theft activity.

Four counties to watch include San Bernardino County, California; Los Angeles County, California; Cook County, Illinois; and Dallas County, Texas.

The New York City metropolitan area has become a major hub for sophisticated shipment misdirection schemes, the bulletin noted. Criminal organizations in this region employ complex fraud techniques to steal loaded conveyances, and this activity is anticipated to continue throughout the holiday season.

“What we’re seeing in the New York City metropolitan area is particularly concerning,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of Operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Criminal organizations have transformed this region into a sophisticated operation hub for shipment misdirection and fraud. Combined with the persistent threats in California, Illinois, and Texas, the geographic spread of organized cargo theft requires a coordinated, industry-wide security response during the Thanksgiving period and beyond.”

Recommendations for Supply Chain Security

Verisk CargoNet urges all supply chain stakeholders to implement enhanced security measures during the Thanksgiving holiday period and throughout the remainder of the year.

Companies should verify the legitimacy of all carriers and freight brokers, secure vehicles and trailers in well-lit and monitored locations, and maintain communication with drivers throughout transit.

Motor carriers should exercise particular caution when accepting loads involving high-value commodities or when conducting business with unfamiliar partners, the cargo theft watchdog stated. The increased incident rates during holiday periods make this an especially critical time for rigorous security protocols.