Protecting Your Loads: What Truckers Need to Know About Preventing Cargo Theft

Cargo theft is a growing threat across the country, to the point that Congress is crafting legislation to provide resources to help fight this scourge. In 2024, the average cost per theft was $202,364, a number that just keeps going up. In the first quarter of 2025, cargo theft was up 36% from the first quarter of 2024. That number is predicted to go up even more during the second half of 2025.

Certain types of freight are more frequently targeted than others. High-value items like copper cable, electronics, designer clothing, alcohol, medications, and firearms are often at the top of thieves' wish lists. If you are carrying any of these, use extra caution throughout the trip.

Individual drivers and small fleets are often the ones who suffer the most from the financial and operational consequences. The good news? Many thefts are preventable with simple but consistent security practices. Here are some key tips for ICSA members:

• Be intentional about where you stop. Thieves target loads that appear unguarded or parked in isolated areas. Whenever possible, drivers should park only in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Backing the trailer close to a wall, pole, or fixed object is another effective way to limit access to trailer doors and deter break-ins.
• Use discretion in what you tell others. Drivers should never discuss the contents of their load with other people. Even casual conversations can give a person the wrong idea. The fewer people who know what you are hauling, the lower the risk of being targeted.
• Minimize stops between pickup and delivery. Ideally, drivers should take care of their personal needs before picking up the load so they can get from point A to point B with as few interruptions as possible. Be extra cautious when stopping in California, Texas, and Florida, which are the top states for cargo theft. Each stop presents an opportunity for someone to steal cargo.
• Don’t disconnect from a loaded trailer unless you are at a secure, designated drop location. Leaving a loaded trailer unattended, even for a brief time, creates the perfect opportunity for thieves to strike.

At the shipper, it is essential to apply a seal to the trailer and record the seal number in your paperwork and lock the trailer. Physical objects like these send a message that your cargo is not an easy target. If your vehicle has anti-theft devices such as alarms, tracking systems, or immobilizers, make sure they are working right before leaving.

Finally, if you encounter a cargo theft situation or believe you are being followed, do not hesitate. Call 911 immediately. Quick reporting gives law enforcement a better chance of preventing theft, recovering the stolen goods and apprehending the thieves.

Cargo theft prevention does not have to be complicated. Awareness, smart habits, and commitment to staying alert can go a long way toward protecting your load and your livelihood.