Increasing reliance on technology in the trucking industry is making it easier for cargo thieves to steal goods, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) says.

On June 25, the NICB issued a warning on the growing risk of cargo theft caused by increasing digitalization of the supply chain.

The group said that cargo theft resulted in $1 billion in losses in 2023, and that cargo theft losses increased by 27% in 2024 to hit an all-time high. Cargo theft losses are expected to increase by 22% by the end of 2025 to hit yet another record high.

The NICB detailed the types of technologies that are helping cargo thieves commit their crimes:

“GPS Jamming disrupts tracking systems and allows stolen cargo to be moved without detection. NICB agents have confirmed confiscations of these devices in cargo theft incidents and noted that thieves frequently disable GPS trackers which are not concealed effectively. 

VoIP such as TextNow allows thieves to spoof legitimate carrier contact information and remain anonymous. These applications offer their customers the ability to select and utilize telephone numbers with any valid area code. Criminals are leveraging these services along with fictitious email accounts and altered Department of Transportation (DOT) records to impersonate companies, bid on shipments and reroute freight to unauthorized drop locations.

Synthetic IDs are identities created from a mix of real and fake identifiers such as a Social Security Number, Date of Birth and name, email, address, or phone generally derived from stolen or leaked data. 

Phishing Attacks are a form of social engineering and a scam where attackers deceive people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware such as viruses, worms, adware or ransomware.“

“From the comfort of their own home or overseas, a criminal can use voice over internet protocol (VoIP), GPS and a synthetic ID to reroute electronics, medicine, clothing, food and beverages meant for your local store to their doorstep in another country,” said Robert Bornstein, NICB’s Cargo Theft Program Director. “The cost of these stolen goods is then passed along to the consumer.”  

The group recommends that companies take the following precautions to fight back against cargo theft:

“Screen every employee. Conduct a background check on every employee including those with access to the shipping information.

Train employees on the signs of cargo theft. Provide security training for every employee and educate truck drivers in hijack awareness and prevention as well as how to respond and report theft.

Check transportation partners before hiring. They should share your security philosophy, such as conducting background checks and employee training. Use freight brokers and transporters who do not permit double brokering. Ensure that only you as the shipper can make re-routing decisions and not the broker, transporter dispatch etc. The change order can only originate from the owner of the cargo.   Be cautious and scrutinize emails to ensure that they are legitimate and not altered.  Scrutinize and ensure phone numbers used by individuals within the supply chain are valid and if determined to be Voice Over Internet Protocol, to take additional vetting procedures.

Implement in-transit security measures. Cargo theft can be pre-planned or opportunistic and include an inside informant who follows the goods and ultimately leads criminals to quickly dispose of the cargo. Thieves will often wait outside known shipping facilities waiting for drivers to stop. Best practice is to not stop within the first 200 miles, park in known secure locations and avoid “hot spots” –areas known for increased frequency of cargo crime.

Keep a vigilant eye. Trucks and cargo are most vulnerable when sitting idle. Include counter surveillance – observance and 360 visibility to your property and surroundings–in the duties of your security guards.

Take advantage of technology. Utilize layers of security: ensure the perimeter, entrances, building doors, and windows are well lit. Install alarm surveillance systems, vehicle and cargo tracking, immobilizers, and advanced security seals.

Conduct audits. Regularly look for gaps in shipment protection and stay abreast of how technology enables theft throughout the supply chain.“