Clark: Technology trends driving new risks in cargo theft and freight security

Digital technology has transformed logistics, giving shippers and carriers unprecedented speed, efficiency, and visibility into cargo movements. But that same technology has created new vulnerabilities. A 2025 cargo theft report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reveals just how costly those vulnerabilities have become: Cargo theft now costs the industry as much as $6.6 billion annually, more than $18 million every day.

What once required physical access now often takes nothing more than a laptop, stolen credentials, and clever deception. Today’s cargo thieves are increasingly remote. Cybercriminals exploit the same systems that keep freight moving: transportation management platforms, load boards, telematics, and email. They do this to hijack shipments without ever touching a trailer.

Social engineering remains a primary weapon. Bad actors manipulate employees, carriers, or vendors into revealing sensitive information or granting access they shouldn’t. At the same time, outdated or poorly maintained security systems offer easy entry points. The rapid rise of AI has only intensified the problem, making phishing attempts and digital impersonation far more convincing and far harder to detect until the damage is done. A recent Business Insider article summed it up succinctly: In most cargo fraud cases, “the same weakness appears—identity and authorization get assumed.”

From yards to cyber: Evolving cargo theft threats in trucking

Traditional cargo theft hasn’t disappeared. Trailers are still stolen from unsecured yards, and opportunistic theft at truck stops continues. But these crimes are increasingly overshadowed by virtual cargo theft, where manipulation replaces force. Gallagher, a global insurance and risk management firm, highlights this evolution clearly: “Criminals are leveraging technology not just to steal goods, but to outsmart systems meant to protect them.”

Connected trucks as high-risk targets for cyber cargo theft

Modern trucks are rolling data hubs, and that makes them targets. Cybercriminals can exploit onboard systems and telematics to access routing information, driver credentials, and cargo details. With that data, shipments can be rerouted to fake drop locations or disappear entirely.

More alarming still, compromised onboard systems can threaten safety, putting drivers and everyone sharing the road at risk.

Top digital-age cargo theft tactics affecting freight operations

Here are some of the most common digital-age theft methods:

• Double-brokering scams: A scammer presents as a legitimate broker bidding on a load. They then illegally re-broker the load to another carrier without the shipper's consent, leading to risks like cargo theft and loss of trust.
• GPS jamming: Thieves disable tracking systems using GPS jammers, rendering location technology useless and buying time to move stolen freight.
• Load board fraud: Criminals exploit load boards and digital marketplaces to create fraudulent transactions, tricking companies into voluntarily handing over cargo.

These schemes are especially effective during peak shipping seasons, when high volumes and time pressure overwhelm logistics teams and reduce scrutiny.

How fleets can safeguard shipments with proactive security measures

Although no strategy can guarantee complete protection, proactive measures such as the following can significantly reduce risk:

• Relentless training: As AI-driven attacks evolve, employees and vendors must stay alert. Train teams to question anything that seems even slightly off and reinforce strong password and access control practices.
• Immediate system updates: Security patches and software updates are non-negotiable. Outdated systems are among the easiest targets for cybercriminals.
• Extra verification on load boards: Always confirm identities using known, trusted contacts. Be wary of last-minute changes to pickup locations, payment terms, or deals that seem unusually attractive.
• Regular security audits: Routine audits help uncover vulnerabilities before criminals do—and allow companies to strengthen defenses proactively.

Adapting to the new reality of cargo theft

Cargo theft has evolved from a physical crime of opportunity into a sophisticated, technology-driven operation. As logistics systems become more connected and automated, criminals will continue to exploit gaps in identity verification, cybersecurity, and human awareness. Protecting cargo today requires more than locks and fences. It demands constant vigilance, digital literacy, and a security-first mindset across the entire supply chain. Companies that recognize this shift and adapt accordingly won’t just reduce losses; they’ll build resilience in an increasingly high-risk logistics environment.