The short version: cargo theft losses hit about $725 million in 2025, up 60% from 2024. In the second quarter of 2026 there were fewer thefts but much bigger losses. Pilferage, where thieves take part of a load, is the most common type. California and Texas together account for more than half of U.S. cargo theft.
Losses and incidents#
From Verisk CargoNet, which tracks the U.S. and Canada:
| Measure | Figure | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed thefts, 2025 | 2,646 | Up 18% from 2,243 in 2024 |
| Estimated losses, 2025 | About $725 million | Up 60% |
| Average value per theft, 2025 | $273,990 | Up 36% from $202,364 |
| Supply chain theft incidents, Q2 2026 | 677 | Down 26% from Q2 2025, down 14% from Q1 2026 |
| Losses, Q2 2026 | $304.6 million | Up from $135.7 million in Q2 2025 |
| Average reported value, Q2 2026 | $564,009 | Pushed up by a few multimillion dollar losses |
Source: Verisk CargoNet
Fewer thefts, larger losses. Organized groups are going after copper and other metals, enterprise computer and networking equipment, and cryptocurrency mining hardware, which often move as ordinary dry freight.
Types of cargo theft#
From Overhaul's reported U.S. thefts, second quarter of 2026:
| Type | Share |
|---|---|
| Pilferage (part of a load is taken) | 46% |
| Full truckload theft | 21% |
| Facility theft | 16% |
| Deceptive pickup (a thief poses as a real carrier) | 11% |
Source: Overhaul Q2 2026, via FreightWaves
Overhaul counted 605 reported loads in the quarter, about 202 a month, or roughly 6.7 a day.
Deceptive pickups are growing. Overhaul reported they rose 35% in 2025 and were about 10% of events. CargoNet logged 158 fictitious pickup incidents in Q2 2026 (165 in Q2 2025) and said business email compromise remains the main way in for the more sophisticated schemes.
Where cargo theft happens#
| Location | Share of thefts |
|---|---|
| Warehouses and distribution centers | 37% |
| Truck stops and fuel stations | 15% |
| Rail locations | 11% |
Source: Overhaul Q2 2026, via FreightWaves
Which states have the most cargo theft?#
Overhaul's 2025 data, from 2,576 U.S. thefts:
| State | Share | Note |
|---|---|---|
| California | 38% | Up from 32% in 2024 |
| Texas | 20% | Second |
| California and Texas combined | 58% |
Source: Overhaul 2025, via FreightWaves
In Q2 2026 Overhaul found the region within 200 miles of Torrance, California accounted for 37% of recorded U.S. thefts. Texas had 18% of national reports and the largest share of full truckload theft reports.
What gets stolen?#
CargoNet, 2025: food and beverage was the most stolen category by count, with 708 thefts, up 47%. Metals rose 77%, mostly copper. Enterprise computing hardware and crypto mining equipment became top tier targets. Vehicle related products (tires, parts, oil, engines) also drew attention.
What can carriers and shippers do?#
Our cargo theft prevention guide covers verifying carriers and pickups, yard security, driver stops, and door security in detail.
About the numbers#
CargoNet and Overhaul use different methods and cover different areas, so their totals don't match. CargoNet counts the U.S. and Canada; Overhaul counts U.S. reports. Each figure on this page names its source. We will update it when new quarterly reports come out.
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Frequently asked questions#
How much does cargo theft cost each year?
About $725 million in estimated losses in 2025 across the U.S. and Canada, up 60% from 2024 (Verisk CargoNet).
How many cargo thefts happen in the U.S.?
CargoNet confirmed 2,646 thefts in the U.S. and Canada in 2025. Overhaul counted 2,576 U.S. thefts in 2025 and 605 reported loads in Q2 2026, roughly 6.7 a day.
Is cargo theft going up or down in 2026?
Incident counts are down, losses are up. CargoNet counted 677 incidents in Q2 2026, 26% fewer than Q2 2025, but losses rose from $135.7 million to $304.6 million.
What is the most common type of cargo theft?
Pilferage, at 46% of reported U.S. thefts in Q2 2026 (Overhaul).
Which states have the most cargo theft?
California (38%) and Texas (20%) in 2025, together 58% of U.S. cargo theft (Overhaul).
Sources#
- Verisk CargoNet, 2025 theft trendsPublished January 2026 · last checked
- Verisk CargoNet Q2 2026 report, via Insurance JournalPublished Aug 14, 2026 · last checked
- Overhaul Q2 2026 report, via FreightWavesPublished Aug 28, 2026 · last checked
- Overhaul 2025 report, via FreightWavesPublished Feb 18, 2026 · last checked