Cargo Theft Increases During Memorial Day Weekend

Logistics security company Verisk CargoNet has issued a warning to carriers and logistics companies regarding the increased risk of cargo theft during the Memorial Day weekend in the United States.

According to the company, historical data collected between the Thursday before Memorial Day and the Wednesday following the holiday shows that criminals take advantage of long weekends due to reduced staffing, facility closures, and unattended freight.

Cargo Theft Surge: Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S.

Over the past five years, CargoNet documented 221 cargo theft incidents linked to the Memorial Day weekend. In 2025 alone, 66 cases were reported, marking the highest figure within the analyzed period.

The most commonly stolen products during this holiday period include food and beverages, electronics, vehicles and auto parts, household goods, and clothing. Additionally, according to CargoNet’s analysis, California tops the list of states most affected by cargo theft during this period, with 70 reported incidents.

The top five states with the highest number of cases were:

• California – 70 cases
• Texas – 31 cases
• Illinois – 19 cases
• Georgia – 16 cases
• Florida – 12 cases

Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations at CargoNet, warned that the issue goes beyond the increase in thefts during holiday periods and also involves the evolution of organized criminal groups.

“Memorial Day creates the kind of operating environment cargo thieves look for: loaded freight sitting idle, closed facilities, communication delays, and fewer personnel available to verify changes,” Lewis stated.

He also emphasized that criminal organizations are becoming more selective regarding the cargo they target, focusing on high-value and easily resold products.

Sophisticated Theft and Logistics Fraud on the Rise

In April, CargoNet released its Q1 2026 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, reporting a 5.3% decrease in the total number of cargo theft incidents compared to the same period in 2025. However, the company noted that financial losses remained virtually unchanged due to the rise in more sophisticated thefts and fraud-based schemes.

CargoNet’s warning reflects growing concern within the U.S. logistics and freight transportation industry, especially during holiday periods when operational controls decrease and supply chain vulnerabilities increase.

Experts recommend strengthening security protocols, implementing real-time monitoring, validating operators, and increasing surveillance of high-value cargo during the Memorial Day weekend.