Cargo Theft on the Rise in the Americas: Trends and Tactics Affecting Freight and Transport

Cargo Theft Trends Escalate in North America

Across the Americas, cargo theft has climbed dramatically, with organized criminal networks growing bolder and more sophisticated in their tactics. This surge affects multiple countries including the United States, Mexico, and Canada, putting high-value shipments and supply chains under increasing strain. The ripple effects are felt deeply within the logistics and transport industries, pushing companies to rethink security and operational strategies.

United States: Sophistication and Scale of Thefts Grow

In the US, cargo theft reached new highs in 2024, with a staggering 3,798 theft incidents recorded—a 26% jump from the previous year. Estimated losses approached US$455 million, although some analysts suggest real figures could breach the billion-dollar mark annually. One striking development is the rise of identity theft tactics: about a third of cargo thefts involved criminals impersonating shipping companies or manipulating shipment registries to reroute freight. This approach alone has grown sharply from just 8% in 2020.

Mexico: High Violence and Hotspot Routes

Violence is a dominant feature when it comes to cargo theft in Mexico, where 82% of reported theft incidents in the second quarter of 2025 were violent in nature. Key regions under siege include Puebla, the State of Mexico, and central states like Guanajuato, Michoacán, Veracruz, and San Luis Potosí. The most targeted commodities are food and beverages (making up 33% of thefts) alongside building and industrial materials (10%). Criminals often ambush trucks while in transit, representing 65% of thefts, or strike unsecured parking areas which account for 34%.

Canada: Airfreight Theft Shocks Industry

Traditionally, highways bore the brunt of cargo theft, but recent years have seen a worrying rise in airfreight-related incidents. A notorious case in April 2023 involved the theft of over C$20 million worth of gold bars and foreign currency from a cargo facility at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This heist exploited fraudulent shipping documents disguised as a shipment of farm-raised Scottish salmon, underscoring vulnerabilities even in secured air hubs.

Airfreight: A Growing Concern

Airports in North America are increasingly becoming targets due to the high-value nature of the goods they handle and inherent security gaps. Electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury items, and precious metals are prime picks for thieves who may use insider knowledge to orchestrate timely breaches. The consolidation of cargo operations, such as Mexico’s centralization at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, while improving efficiency, might inadvertently create a “single point of failure” if security protocols falter.

Mitigation Strategies: Fighting Back Against Cargo Crime

The logistics and shipping industries are not sitting ducks. Various countermeasures have been deployed:

• Technológiai integráció: Satellite tracking systems, biometric checks, and real-time surveillance are becoming standard to outsmart criminals who use identity fraud and shipment manipulation.
• Route Risk Management: Mapping high-risk corridors to reroute freight and planning secure parking spots to avoid vulnerable stops.
• Biztonsági protokollok: Deploying escorted convoys, tighter vetting of carrier partners, and employing secure loading/unloading zones.
• Legislative Measures: New regulations like the Combating Organised Retail Crime Act and consumer protection laws are strengthening punitive frameworks against cargo theft, especially identity fraud.

Summary Table: Cargo Theft Trends by Country (2024–2025)

How This Trend Impacts Logistics Operations

The uptick in cargo theft presents significant challenges to supply chain stability. Reliability of freight deliveries is compromised, increasing insurance costs and forcing logistics providers to invest more in security and monitoring technologies. More frequent rerouting and convoy services add delay and expense, while theft-related disruptions can reverberate through global distribution channels. For companies handling bulky goods or valuable consignments, the stakes are higher than ever.

Practical Measures for Freight Forwarders and Movers

Organizations engaged in international and domestic shipping must integrate threat assessments into planning and daily operations. Employing GPS tracking with live updates can deter hijackers and aid rapid recovery if theft occurs. Training staff in identification verification and document scrutiny is equally essential to counter rising identity theft fraud. Securing parking areas, coordinating with law enforcement, and adopting smart tech solutions can collectively raise the bar against cargo crime.

The Bottom Line: Staying Ahead in a Changing Landscape

This surge in cargo theft across North America’s transport corridors—from highways to airports—reflects the adaptability and boldness of criminal networks. While the challenge is daunting, the logistics sector’s response is becoming increasingly sophisticated and tech-driven. Mitigation efforts range from satellite tracking to legislative reforms, all designed to safeguard freight, pallets, and containers from interception or diversion.

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While the global impact of increased cargo theft may be moderate relative to other logistics challenges, it remains a pressing concern for supply chain stakeholders in the Americas. The importance of keeping pace with evolving criminal tactics and enhancing transport security can’t be overstated. GetTransport.com is committed to staying ahead of such developments, offering clients worldwide a platform where freight forwarding, haulage, and distribution needs meet convenience and cost-efficiency. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo a címen GetTransport.com.

Záró gondolatok

The rising wave of cargo theft across the US, Mexico, and Canada—driven by both violent and sophisticated identity fraud tactics—poses severe challenges to freight security and supply chain integrity. High-value shipments, especially in airfreight, face considerable risks that reverberate through global logistics. However, technology-enhanced surveillance, route risk management, legal frameworks, and smarter operational protocols provide hope against this growing threat. Platforms like GetTransport.com exemplify the modern solution by offering flexible, transparent, and global transport alternatives that make moving goods safer and more reliable than ever before.