Cargo Thefts Surge During Thanksgiving Holiday Period

Business need to be extra vigilant during the Thanksgiving holiday period, as cargo thieves target semi-tractors, trailers and cargo, employing various schemes including identify theft, according to a report by CargoNet, a Verisk business.

The analysis of supply chain data reveals 174 theft events costing $7.84 million during a six-day window from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through the following Monday over the past five years.

The Monday following Thanksgiving is the peak day for criminal activity during this period, coinciding with a surge in identity fraud complaints. Cargo thieves exploit the extended holiday closure and decreased vigilance following the holiday weekend, according to the report.

Geographically, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County in California, along with Cook County in Illinois, emerge as the primary hotspots for criminal activity during this period. California had 44 thefts during the 2019-2023 Thanksgiving period, followed by 22 in Illinois and 14 in Texas.

The analysis of targeted commodities reveals that criminals focus primarily on freight all-kinds (FAK) shipments, hard liquor, and vehicle accessories, particularly tires and motor oil. Historical cases suggest that thieves select these targets based on established relationships with black market buyers, indicating the operation of sophisticated criminal networks within the supply chain, according to CargoNet.

Thanksgiving cargo theft activity from 2019 through 2023.

Warehouses are the number one target of thieves during the Thanksgiving period, followed by perking lots and truck stops, per the report.

While the industry has been successful in preventing many traditional identity fraud attempts, criminals continue to advance their techniques. CargoNet has already recorded over 450 fictitious pickup attempts in 2024, signaling a likely surpassing of last year’s record levels. This trend indicates a significant shift toward more sophisticated fraud schemes.

The Thanksgiving holiday period creates uniquely vulnerable conditions throughout the supply chain. Extended facility closures combine with reduced staffing levels to disrupt normal operating patterns, per CargoNet. These factors create opportunities for criminal exploitation that require enhanced vigilance and security protocols.

In light of these findings, CargoNet strongly recommends transportation companies strengthen their security measures throughout the holiday period. Companies should implement additional verification steps for all shipments, particularly those moving through identified high-risk areas. Special attention should focus on protecting frequently targeted commodities and preventing identity fraud schemes.

View the report here. &