cargo theft

Labor Day Cargo Theft Alert: Protect Your Freight

Jerome Washington · August 30, 2024 · 1 min read


Image Source: CargoNet, a Verisk Product
Image Source: CargoNet, a Verisk Product

Labor Day's coming, and so are the thieves. Here's what you need to look out for:

Theft Hotspots

  • California, Texas, and Florida are hotspots for theft at the moment.

  • San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Cook County are the areas that need to be on high alert.

What's Hot (for Thieves)

  • Electronics (TVs, computers)

  • Appliances

  • Vehicle parts

Where Crime Happens

  • Warehouses

  • Truck stops

  • Big retail parking lots

Key Trends

  • Friday before Labor Day are peak theft days

  • 2022-2023 were a record high in theft levels

  • Traditional theft still outpaces fraud schemes

Some Big Heist From Previous Labor Days

  • $1,088,983 in seafood stolen from Sioux City, IA

  • $800,000 in footwear stolen from Memphis, TN

  • $713,000 in apparel and accessories stolen from Eastvale, CA

  • $500,000 in air purification machines stolen from North Las Vegas, NV

  • $439,484 in hair dryers stolen from Ontario, CA

Data was analyzed by CargoNet the Thursday before Labor Day to the Wednesday after Labor Day, 2019-2023

Stay Sharp:

  • Don't leave loaded trucks unattended

  • Beef up security in high-risk areas

  • Keep an eye out over the whole holiday week

Remember: Many thefts go unnoticed until after the holiday. CargoNet's analysis of 179 incidents over five years shows a clear pattern. They're urging logistics pros to "implement enhanced security protocols" during Labor Day week.

The Bottom line is clear: Stay vigilant, secure your cargo, and enjoy your holiday – but keep one eye on your shipments

Source: CargoNet

Get the next one in your inbox.

Free, 3× a week, the brief 15,000+ freight pros read.