CargoNet, a Verisk business that focuses on cargo theft prevention and recovery, has issued a warning to the logistics industry about the elevated risk of cargo theft during the upcoming Labor Day Holiday Week.

In an in-depth analysis of supply chain risk events over the past five years, CargoNet identified alarming trends that require prompt attention from industry professionals. The study, which reviewed 179 incidents between the Thursday before Labor Day and the Wednesday after, highlights what CargoNet describes as “a period of increased vulnerability for cargo during this holiday.”

CargoNet reported that its data clearly shows theft incidents reaching their peak on the Friday before Labor Day. This trend indicates that loaded vehicles, often left unattended as workers start their holiday weekend, become prime targets for opportunistic thieves. The risk is exacerbated by the fact that many of these thefts may go unnoticed until business resumes after the holiday.

According to CargoNet’s findings, theft activity reached record levels in 2022 and has remained elevated throughout 2023. The states of California, Texas, and Florida were identified as hotspots for this criminal activity. On a more granular level, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties in California, Dallas County in Texas, and Cook County in Illinois were highlighted as the most frequently targeted areas. CargoNet emphasized that this information is vital for logistics companies operating in or through these regions, urging them to enhance their security measures accordingly.

High-value electronics such as televisions and displays, major appliances, computers and computer parts, and vehicle maintenance products like motor oils were among the most frequently stolen items. The study also found that warehouses, truck stops, and large retail parking lots, rather than truck yards, were the most common sites for these thefts.

Despite the increasing sophistication of cargo theft operations, CargoNet’s data shows that traditional cargo or conveyance thefts still outnumber complex fraud schemes, even in 2023. CargoNet warns the industry that cargo thieves are becoming more skilled and are well aware that extended holiday closures often work to their advantage. As a result, logistics professionals are strongly urged to stay vigilant and implement enhanced security protocols during the Labor Day holiday week.

The Labor Day holiday analysis period, as defined by CargoNet, spans from the Thursday before Labor Day to the Wednesday after, covering the years 2019-2023.

Notable thefts from previous Labor Day holidays included:

  • $1,088,983 in seafood stolen from Sioux City, Iowa
  • $800,000 in footwear stolen from Memphis, Tennessee
  • $713,000 in apparel and accessories stolen from Eastvale, California
  • $500,000 in air purification machines stolen from North Las Vegas, Nevada
  • $439,484 in hair dryers stolen from Ontario, California