A growing trend in cargo theft suggests that criminals are steering away from traditional smash-and-grab tactics and adopting more calculated, tech-savvy methods, according to industry specialists.
“We have seen an uptick in claims,” says Ryan O’Connor, North American regional head of ocean cargo at Allianz Commercial, “and a lot of it is fraudulent pickups”.
Organized Crime
Organized crime rings are targeting shipments by obtaining key logistical details—such as pickup schedules and locations—and then impersonating legitimate transportation companies. Using forged documents and mimicked company branding, these fraudsters arrive at the pickup site before the actual carrier, making off with full loads undetected, according to reports from Equite Association.
Rather than resorting to violent hijackings, these criminals exploit digital tools and inside information to access goods discreetly. “They were tipped off to it, and it’s actually given to them by the insured – and off it goes.” O’Connor explains.
2025 Safety and Shipping Review
The 2025 Safety and Shipping Review by Allianz Commercial highlights how organized theft is increasingly focused on high-value, fast-moving consumer goods. With inflation and economic pressures rising, cargo theft has become the leading driver of claims. Items most often targeted include food, household necessities, beauty products, electronics, copper, and specialized cryptocurrency mining equipment.
Historically, theft often occurred overnight with criminals grabbing unattended items. But today’s operations are more sophisticated and happen in broad daylight, with entire trailers being fraudulently removed from distribution centres or shipping yards.
The scale of this issue is significant. In 2024 alone, cargo theft in North America surged by 27%, with over US$455 million in goods reported stolen across more than 3,600 incidents, according to Verisk CargoNet.
Mitigating the Risk
While large logistics firms often invest heavily in security and infrastructure, smaller carriers may find it more challenging to implement robust theft prevention measures. O’Connor emphasizes the importance of thorough carrier vetting and strict adherence to security protocols.
“Generally, [large carriers] spend a lot of money on logistics,” says O’Connor, “and the more that you invest in established logistic firms, the less that you’re likely to have some of these hijackings and thefts.”
Shippers should review their contracts to ensure that carriers are held accountable where appropriate, particularly when it comes to loss recovery and subrogation rights. At the same time, carriers should also examine these agreements carefully to understand their exposure and responsibilities in the event of theft. In some cases, overly broad liability clauses may leave them vulnerable, especially if recovery options are limited or if partial fault is assigned.
Enhanced protective steps, particularly for high-risk cargo, can make a big difference. Strategies such as GPS tracking, convoy arrangements, and working with specialized carriers known for high-security standards are increasingly valuable tools for risk mitigation.
