Cargo and Equipment Theft in Trucking: The Hidden Cost on the Road
Cargo and equipment theft has become one of the biggest issues in trucking today. This isn’t about a few missing pallets or a GPS unit gone missing. We’re talking about full truckloads, stolen trailers, and entire semis disappearing without a trace. It’s organized, it’s planned, and it’s hitting carriers and brokers across North America.
The Reality
In 2024, over 3,600 cargo theft incidents were reported across Canada and the United States, a 27 percent jump from the year before. The average stolen load was worth about 200,000 U.S. dollars. Total industry losses are estimated at more than 35 billion annually.
Criminals are evolving. Many thefts don’t involve cutting locks anymore. Instead, they use fake carrier profiles, cloned paperwork, and fraudulent load bookings to get freight legally released to them. It’s a mix of old-school theft and modern digital fraud that’s becoming a major threat to the supply chain.
The Signs Were There Early
The truth is, this problem didn’t come out of nowhere. I started noticing early signs years ago. By 2017, I experienced it firsthand with an attempted theft of my own semi truck. That incident made it clear where things were heading. What used to be rare was quickly becoming routine.
And it hasn’t stopped. Even as recently as October 2025, I had my loading ramps stolen at a truck stop in Texas. It’s a reminder that this problem isn’t slowing down. It’s spreading and evolving. What used to be a once-in-a-while risk is now part of everyday trucking life.
Those early incidents were warnings of what we’re facing today. Organized theft networks study trucking operations, track patterns, and strike where fleets are most vulnerable.
Equipment Theft on the Rise
It’s not just the freight being stolen anymore. The trucks and trailers themselves are now prime targets.
In early 2025, 135 semi-trucks and 204 trailers were reported stolen across North America, both up nearly 40 percent from the year before. In Canada, the total value of stolen trucks, trailers, and loads has surpassed 531 million dollars since 2019. Ontario and Alberta are leading the list, with British Columbia not far behind.
These thefts aren’t random. They happen in industrial zones, unsecured lots, and truck stops anywhere a rig can sit long enough to be cased and taken.
Where It Happens
Most thefts in Canada occur in unsecured parking areas, warehouses, and truck stops. About 64 percent of the incidents involve full truckloads, while the rest are partial or pilfered loads. Thieves target high-value cargo such as electronics, food, and building materials.
In the United States, Texas, California, and Illinois account for nearly half of all cargo thefts. High-volume freight lanes and unsecured drop yards are the biggest risk areas.
Why It Keeps Getting Worse
As trucking becomes more digital, thieves are becoming more advanced. Load boards and dispatch platforms make it easier to connect carriers and brokers, but they also make it easier for scammers to fake credentials. A thief can create a fake company, book a legitimate load, and disappear before anyone notices the paperwork doesn’t match.
How Carriers Can Protect Themselves
Secure all parking areas and avoid leaving loaded trailers unattended.
Verify driver and truck information before releasing freight.
Double-check broker details and watch for suspicious listings.
Use GPS tracking and geofencing on trucks and trailers.
Report thefts immediately to police and industry databases like CargoNet or Overhaul.
Final Word
Cargo and equipment theft isn’t a one-off problem anymore. It’s organized, growing, and becoming harder to detect. Whether you’re running lanes in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, or across the United States, the risk is real. The signs were there early. I saw them firsthand in 2017, and even today it hasn’t slowed down.
One stolen trailer or piece of equipment can wipe out weeks of work. Protect your assets, verify every deal, and make theft prevention part of your daily routine. Awareness and preparation are the best tools we have right now.
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At ProTruck Solutions, we’re truckers too. We’ve faced the same challenges, including theft attempts and long nights keeping equipment safe.
Our mission is to keep you in the know.
