Labor Day weekend faces elevated cargo theft risk in U.S

As the Labor Day holiday weekend looms, cargo theft remains a significant concern for freight operations across the United States, according to new analysis from Verisk CargoNet. The company's study of 273 theft incidents during the Labor Day holiday periods from 2021 through 2025 reveals a persistent and elevated threat to freight, with states like California, Texas, and Illinois bearing the brunt of the risk.

Verisk CargoNet found that the holiday period is not just a single day of heightened risk but rather a five-day stretch where cargo theft activity is concentrated. The analysis showed that the majority of incidents, 71%, occurred on Thursday, Friday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Friday was the most active day, with 55 incidents recorded, followed by Tuesday with 49, Thursday with 46, and Wednesday with 44.

California, Texas, and Illinois were identified as the top states for cargo theft, accounting for 48% of the total incidents over the five-year period. California led with 70 incidents, Texas followed with 38, and Illinois had 22. These states are key freight hubs and population centers, making them prime targets for criminal activity.

The commodities most frequently targeted included food and beverage, household goods, electronics, vehicles and accessories, and metals. The total value of stolen commodities across the analysis period was estimated at approximately $31.8 million, highlighting the financial impact of these thefts.

Verisk CargoNet also warned of an emerging threat: identity-based cargo theft and shipment misdirection. Criminals are increasingly leveraging compromised carrier accounts, software-based business phone systems, email accounts, and compliance-platform credentials. These sophisticated tactics allow criminals to operate within trusted channels, making the theft more difficult to detect.

"In the past five years, we've seen a significant increase in cargo theft incidents during Labor Day," said Verisk CargoNet's spokesperson. "The theft activity is not limited to the holiday weekend itself but extends to the days framing the holiday, indicating a broader risk landscape for shippers and carriers."

Verisk CargoNet's findings underscore the need for heightened vigilance and robust security measures to mitigate these risks. The company advises freight operators to remain vigilant, especially during the five days surrounding the holiday, and to implement advanced security protocols to protect their cargo.

"This Labor Day, shippers and carriers should be prepared for a sustained period of increased risk," the spokesperson added. "The traditional theft of unattended freight is joined by evolving identity-based fraud, making the threat landscape more complex and challenging to navigate."

As the country prepares for the Labor Day weekend, Verisk CargoNet's analysis serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the freight industry and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard shipments.