Direct cargo and transport theft continues to be more common than complex fraud schemes
CargoNet has issued a notice to the logistics industry warning of an increased risk of cargo theft during the Fourth of July holiday week in the United States. This advisory is based on an analysis of 174 thefts occurring between July 1st and July 7th over the past five years, highlighting that business closures could create ideal conditions for cargo thieves.
In 2023, record theft rates were reached, and 2024 appears on track to surpass those numbers. CargoNet’s infographic underscores critical points of potential thefts, including high-risk days and targeted states. Among the warnings are:

- According to previous theft analyses, July 1st and 2nd show the highest theft rates, likely due to unattended loaded transports ahead of holiday breaks.
- California, Texas, and Florida are the states most targeted by cargo thieves. In California, San Bernardino and Los Angeles are high-risk areas, as well as Maricopa in Arizona and Shelby in Texas.
- The primary targets often include non-alcoholic beverages, appliances, and electronics.
Direct theft of cargo and transport remains more prevalent than complex fraud schemes. Past incidents have involved everything from off-road vehicles to computer equipment, electronics, and medical supplies. The largest reported theft by CargoNet during the Fourth of July period occurred in Davenport, Florida, totaling $439,895 in stolen medical supplies.

Tips to prevent merchandise theft:
- Ensure the integrity of daily transactions with rigorous review processes. A second review by a supervisor before assigning a load can prevent theft.
- Verify cargo pickup before advancing fuel payments and avoid accepting incoming calls from unverified carriers.
- Provide security personnel and drivers with precise vehicle details and use high-security seals and locks.
- Maintain active surveillance at facilities with alarm systems and document any suspicious activity to aid police investigations in cargo theft cases.
In addition to these tips, CargoNet recommends mitigating risks by communicating information exclusively through verified email channels. In case of cancellation, promptly update pickup information. Logistics intermediaries should also consider limiting the number of shipments a new authority can carry simultaneously if they have recently joined the network or resumed operations after a long period of inactivity.

Presidents Day in the U.S.: What’s open and what’s closed?
It is a federal holiday honoring George Washington, the nation’s first president, but not everyone gets the day off. Presidents Day, officially known as Washington’s

Valentine’s Day: a blossoming celebration of love and spending
Flowers, chocolates, dinners for two… the searches in the U.S. show that love is still alive and ready to drive consumer spending. On Valentine’s Day,

Transporters work at full speed on Valentine’s Day to deliver fresh flowers
Every February 14th, millions of fresh flowers arrive at homes and businesses across the United States. But how are they transported, and where do they

DOGE: Trump and Musk’s push to reshape government efficiency
The White House Government Efficiency Department, known as DOGE, aims to eradicate fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds. President Donald Trump, on his first

Self-Repairing roads: How this Innovation could revolutionize transportation
Researchers from the U.S. and the U.K. are working on roads that can repair themselves using chemical and biological regeneration, as well as materials with

Jack Cooper brings nearly a century of operations to an end
The closure follows the termination of a long commercial relationship with the carrier by Ford Motor Co. and General Motors this year. Jack Cooper, the