Cargo theft rates are climbing as sophisticated scammers increasingly target transportation companies using high-tech schemes, according to reports. Freight thefts that involve identity theft, double brokering and online scams are surging, Business Insurance recently reported, with virtual thefts making it possible for criminals to target companies from anywhere in the world.
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“Cargo theft has continued to rise,” said Gene’ Cain, Broker, Transportation, Burns & Wilcox Brokerage, Atlanta, Georgia. “A lot of it now has been more virtual, where criminals have stolen someone’s identity and new drivers in the industry may not be trained on some of the techniques to ensure they are delivering to the right individual.”
Trucking companies are also facing an alarming rise in the average value of a stolen shipment, which soared to $281,757 in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $102,000 in the first quarter of 2023, Business Insurance reported. As cargo thefts become more frequent and more high-tech, Motor Truck Cargo Insurance becomes even more crucial for transportation companies.
Cargo theft has continued to rise. A lot of it now has been more virtual, where criminals have stolen someone’s identity and new drivers in the industry may not be trained [to detect it].
An uptick in claims is being observed, alongside a growing presence of fraud tied to broader financial crimes. In many cases, individuals can operate remotely, using stolen identities to carry out a wide range of fraudulent activities, highlighting the evolving and increasingly sophisticated nature of these risks.
Scammers using fraudulent companies to steal loads
In Texas, a “regional hotspot” for cargo theft, incidents were up 22% in May compared to the previous year, Fox 7 Austin reported. One recent case of virtual cargo theft involved hackers exploiting a logistics system to impersonate a trucking company and divert a $50,000 shipment of yogurt to New Jersey and then demand a $40,000 ransom from the freight broker, Business2Community reported in March.
By operating virtually, cargo thieves now require far less effort to execute their schemes. With just a laptop, bad actors can establish fraudulent trucking companies, arrange shipments and ultimately steal loads. What once took weeks to organize can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes, underscoring the speed at which these crimes can occur. Much of this activity involves nonexistent trucking companies, with load brokers unknowingly coordinating shipments with entities that have no legitimate presence.
Other types of cargo theft continue to plague the industry as well, including break-ins when trucks are left unattended and thefts that occur in unsecured lots. In April, police in Philadelphia responded to a theft of 56 cases of pork valued at more than $12,000; the trucker hauling the load was asleep in the cab at the time of the theft, Lane Line Now reported. At the time, it was the 37th cargo theft incident so far this year in the city, with many cases occurring overnight and linked to a lack of safe truck parking, the publication noted.
In the Atlanta, Georgia, area, trucks are often left to line up along highways due to a lack of parking, Cain said. “The parking situation can lead to thefts,” she said. “They cannot find anywhere to park, and some drivers will leave their units unattended.”
Break-ins remain an ongoing risk that never fully disappears, reinforcing the importance of strong due diligence. The persistent presence of criminal activity, combined with increasing digitization and automation, underscores the need for more robust processes and controls to effectively manage these exposures.
When a transportation company experiences a cargo theft loss, its Motor Truck Cargo Insurance could cover theft under a separate sublimit, depending on the policy, Cain said. “Some do not have any exclusions, and some of them provide a sublimit,” she said. “There could also be a warranty on the policy stating that certain precautions have to be in place. Companies have to put in the effort and the training to teach these drivers what to do and what to watch out for.”
Cargo can be insured based on its declared value or at a standard price per pound, making it important to secure adequate coverage that aligns with the specific exposure. Not all policies are structured the same, and it is essential to ensure that the goods of others are properly protected while in an insured’s care, custody and control.
Targeted items may shift based on economy
Some of the most highly-targeted items for cargo theft include electronics, home and garden supplies, clothing and shoes, and food and drinks, DC Velocity reported in June. “Food and beverage are higher risk because they are easy to be miscounted or misplaced,” Cain said, adding that refrigerated items are more likely to have a sublimit for theft under Motor Truck Cargo Insurance. “The economy has a lot to do with theft.”
The types of goods most frequently targeted by criminals can shift with changing economic conditions. While high-value items such as electronics or automotive parts are often prime targets, fluctuations in the economy can alter that list, with essentials like food and clothing becoming more attractive. In these cases, thieves tend to focus on commodities that can be quickly resold.
While Motor Truck Cargo Insurance is the primary insurance policy that could cover cargo theft losses, other Transportation Insurance policies including Truckers Auto Liability Insurance or Auto Physical Damage Insurance could be triggered depending on the incident. When seeking insurance, transportation companies should avoid working “with an insurance broker who does not understand trucking,” Cain emphasized. “That is always a challenge,” she said, as Motor Truck Cargo Insurance policies can be more restrictive than other types of insurance. “They really need to work with an insurance broker who specializes in that coverage.”
Make sure you understand any exclusions and the what-ifs. That is huge from a Motor Truck Cargo Insurance standpoint.
Given the growth of virtual cargo theft, trucking companies should also consider their need for Cyber & Privacy Liability Insurance, which could respond in the event the company’s systems or data were breached in a cyberattack. Transportation firms face an increasing risk of cyberattacks, Today’s Trucking reported in November of 2023, with the transportation sector seeing a 400% increase in automotive cyberattacks between 2017 and 2022. “These companies need to recognize that they have a cyber exposure as well,” Cain said.
‘Culture of due diligence’ needed
It is important for business owners in the transportation industry to read their insurance policies in full and understand what coverage would be available in the event of a loss. “Read your policy and ask questions,” Cain advised. “Make sure you understand any exclusions and the what-ifs. That is huge from a Motor Truck Cargo Insurance standpoint. Auto Physical Damage Insurance and Auto Liability Insurance are pretty straightforward, but Cargo is one of those areas that they may not be as educated about and may not ask questions about until after the loss.”
In addition to carrying Motor Truck Cargo Insurance and other policies, which will often be required as a condition of transporting another company’s goods, trucking companies should also strengthen their security protocols and ensure they are training their employees on how to avoid being victimized by a cargo theft scam.
All businesses have inherent vulnerabilities, making it critical for trucking companies to assess potential exposures and work with experts to address gaps that could allow unauthorized access to IT infrastructure. As operations continue to evolve in an increasingly digital environment, investment should extend beyond staff, equipment and physical locations to include strong cybersecurity measures.
With criminal activity becoming more technologically advanced, maintaining a proactive approach is essential to staying ahead of emerging threats. Establishing a culture of safety and due diligence plays a key role, particularly as last-minute decision-making can leave organizations exposed. Allowing sufficient time to evaluate risks enables the development of more effective and comprehensive solutions. While Insurance serves as an important layer of protection, it should not be the only safeguard; organizations must prioritize due diligence and ensure staff are properly trained to identify and respond to potential threats.
