Overhaul Issues Cargo Theft Warning Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

The technology solutions company specializing in transportation industry security, Overhaul, warned truck drivers and carriers of a potential increase in cargo theft during the Labor Day weekend in the United States.

The long holiday weekend, from September 4 to 7, serves as a reminder for shippers and carriers across the country to carefully review their shipping schedules and take additional security measures to protect both cargo and vehicles, Overhaul said.

According to the company, cargo theft losses increased by 22% in 2025 compared with the previous year, making holiday periods, including Labor Day weekend, an increasing concern for the logistics industry.

Holidays often lead to changes in the operating hours of receiving facilities. For this reason, Overhaul recommends confirming opening and closing times in advance before transporting loads scheduled between Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7.

Cargo Theft During Labor Day Weekend: How Can You Stay Safe?

During holiday weekends, reduced staffing and changes in the operating schedules of distribution centers and warehouses can leave cargo and trailers unattended for longer periods, making them more vulnerable to theft and delaying the discovery of losses.

In addition, communication networks have become a key vulnerability, with scams involving double brokering, fraudulent carrier identities, spoofed communications, and falsified documents. Longer delivery times during holiday periods can further delay the detection of these crimes.

In the second quarter of 2026, industry losses more than doubled in value compared with the same period a year earlier, despite a decline in the number of incidents.

To keep cargo safe, Overhaul offers the following recommendations for carriers, drivers, and shippers:

• Stop only in well-lit and secure areas.
• Confirm recipients’ operating hours and adjust schedules as needed to avoid unnecessary waiting times.
• Thoroughly vet all brokers involved in each shipment.

In addition, any stops made during the holiday period should, whenever possible, be carried out with the trailer doors positioned against a solid surface to make unauthorized access more difficult. Facilities should also verify that all of their security systems are functioning properly.

Additional tips to prevent cargo theft:

• Protect the integrity of daily transactions by implementing strict verification procedures. A second review by a supervisor before assigning a load can help prevent theft.
• Verify that the cargo has been picked up before advancing fuel funds, and avoid accepting incoming calls from unverified carriers.
• Provide security personnel and drivers with accurate vehicle details, and use high-security seals and locks.
• Maintain active surveillance at facilities through alarm systems and document any suspicious activity to support police investigations in the event of cargo theft.

In the event of a theft, it is essential to report the incident immediately and activate a response protocol that allows authorities to intervene promptly, increasing the chances of recovering the stolen cargo.