Trucking News · Nationwide · November 6, 2026

Verisk CargoNet: Cargo Theft Incidents Fell 33% in Q3, but Estimated Losses Rose 12% to $230.1 Million

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Fewer reported cargo thefts did not mean smaller losses in the third quarter of 2026, according to Verisk CargoNet and coverage by Commercial Carrier Journal. The firm counted 547 supply-chain crime incidents across the United States and Canada from July through September, down 33% from the same period in 2025 and down 19% from the second quarter. Estimated losses still hit $230.1 million, up 12% from $205.1 million a year earlier.

The year-to-date picture

Through September, Verisk CargoNet says:

• Reported incidents fell 25%, from 2,755 to 2,072.
• Estimated losses climbed 39% to $718.9 million.
• Across incidents with a documented value, the average rose from $261,115 to $448,456, about a 72% jump.

Fictitious pickups barely budged in count, with 138 incidents in the third quarter compared with 147 a year earlier, raising their share of reported activity from about 18% to roughly 25%.

Where and what was hit

California alone logged about one-third of the quarter's incidents, with 182 events, Verisk says. California, New Jersey, Illinois and Texas together made up 57% of the quarterly total. Food and beverage remained the top commodity target. Metals, especially copper, came in second. Nineteen thefts of $1 million or more showed up in the third quarter, versus nine a year earlier.

Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet, said in the company's release that criminals are combining digital deception with traditional theft tactics and that data-center materials are among the higher-value targets drawing attention.

Why it matters to truckers

Incident counts can fall while the loads that do get stolen grow more expensive. Honest truck drivers can still face suspicion when a high-value trailer disappears after a fake pickup. For related coverage of identity-based load theft, see Big Rig Daily's earlier story on fake carriers and stolen MC numbers.

Quick facts

• Q3 incidents: 547, down 33% year over year.
• Q3 estimated losses: $230.1 million, up 12%.
• Year-to-date average documented theft value: about $448,456, up roughly 72%.
• Fictitious pickups: about 25% of reported third-quarter activity.

FAQ

Did CargoNet's U.S. and Canada incidents rise in Q3?

Reported incidents fell. Estimated dollar losses rose.

What is a fictitious pickup in cargo theft reports?

Verisk describes it as an incident in which deception is used to obtain a shipment.

Which states accounted for 57% of CargoNet's Q3 incidents?

California, New Jersey, Illinois and Texas together accounted for 57% of reported incidents, Verisk says.

A question for readers

Truckers, what extra checks do shippers ask for now before releasing a high-value load?

Save this story for later

Save this to Pinterest