As we approach Labor Day weekend, logistics professionals across the country should be on high alert for heightened risk of cargo theft attempts. According to recent data from Verisk CargoNet, cargo theft activity has more than doubled since 2020 during this holiday stretch, making it one of the most at-risk times of year for freight security.
The critical period spans from the Thursday before Labor Day (August 28, 2025) through the following Wednesday (September 3, 2025), and data from the past five years paints a clear and concerning picture. Of the 214 theft events reported in that time, the Friday before Labor Day consistently sees the highest number of incidents. In 2024 alone, a record-high 16 thefts were reported on that single day.
Hotspots & High-Value Targets
Cargo theft isn’t evenly spread. The epicenters are:
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- California (especially San Bernardino County)
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- Texas (especially Dallas County)
Targeted freight types are consistent with high resale value and demand:
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- Food & Beverage (Shellfish and pork remain top-tier targets – 36 thefts)
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- Electronics (Such as televisions – 23 thefts)
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- Household Goods (Furniture and appliances – 23 thefts)
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- Vehicle Accessories (Tires and auto parts – 18 thefts)
Beyond traditional theft, fraud-based schemes are rapidly increasing and adding another layer of complexity. Organized crime rings are now purchasing legitimate motor carriers with proper operating authority and clean reputations to book high-value loads under the radar. Once the freight is secured, the criminals vanish, often taking multiple shipments in a single day.
This type of fraud thrives during long weekends when:
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- Staffing is light
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- Communication is slower
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- Carriers are pressed to move freight before the holiday shutdown
Stay Secure
At Spot, we’re committed to keeping your freight moving and protected. If you need support with secure capacity or want help reviewing risk exposure ahead of the holiday, our team is standing by.
Want more tips on combating cargo theft in today’s freight market?
Download our latest whitepaper, From Blind Spots to Best Practices: Combatting Cargo Theft in Today’s Freight Market, where we break down the latest theft trends, high-risk commodities, and stages of prevention shippers should adopt.