The supply chain and logistics industry should heighten security and verification practices during the year-end holiday shipping surge, according to a new alert by Verisk’s CargoNet.

Based on a five-year review of reported incidents and confirmed attempts, there is an elevated risk of cargo theft from December 23, 2025, through January 2, 2026, when holiday closures, reduced staffing, and increased freight dwell time can create opportunities for criminal activity.

Reported incidents increased from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024, representing an 82 percent rise.

Across the five holiday periods reviewed, a total of 353 reported events were reported. For purposes of this analysis, Verisk CargoNet defines “events” to include cargo theft incidents, theft of tractors and trailers, and supply chain fraud activity.

There were 53 total events across five holiday windows (Dec. 23 – Jan. 2).

About 69 percent of events occurred between Dec. 23–29, while 53 percent occurred between Dec. 26–30.

The peak day for cargo theft was Dec. 23 (56; about 16 percent).

The analysis shows activity concentrates around specific days, with the highest volumes occurring on Dec. 23 and during the post-Christmas period from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30.

The data also showed geographic hotspots persist in key freight states.

California recorded the highest number of holiday-window events in the five-year review (84), followed by Texas (41), Illinois (32), and Florida (32).

At the county level, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County, Calif., and Shelby County, Tenn., experienced the highest concentrations of activity.

Holiday-window reporting highlights repeated targeting of vehicle-related commodities like tires, auto parts, and motor oils, followed by alcoholic beverages, televisions and displays, and computers and accessories.

Additional frequently targeted categories include power tools, footwear, and major appliances.

Popular items typically align with strong resale demand and price volatility, increasing the risk for high-value shipments during year-end retail surges, the alert noted.

“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit – reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID. A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.”

CargoNet encourages logistics stakeholders to strengthen layered safeguards during the holiday period, particularly on peak-risk days:

• Verify pickups and appointment changes using known, trusted contact methods (call-back to verified numbers on file).
• Increase facility access controls and security coverage during off-hours and holiday closures.
• Reduce dwell time for loaded equipment and avoid unsecured parking locations.
• Use secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment.
• Deploy shipment monitoring for high-value loads, including tracking and alerting where available.
• Establish driver check-in expectations during closures and extended dwell periods.
• Report suspicious activity and confirmed incidents promptly to law enforcement and CargoNet through established reporting channels.