Cargo theft dips in Q1, however fraud schemes surge, report says

Cargo theft within the U.S. declined 12 months over 12 months within the first quarter of 2026, however freight fraud schemes continued to rise as criminals more and more used misleading pickup ways to steal authentic shipments.

Provide chain safety agency Overhaul recorded 574 cargo theft incidents nationwide throughout Q1, averaging 6.4 thefts per day. 

Whereas complete thefts fell in comparison with late 2025, the report discovered that misleading pickup schemes — the place criminals use pretend identities, solid credentials and provider impersonation to safe masses — jumped 31% 12 months over 12 months. Almost half of these incidents occurred in California.

“The expansion in misleading pickup schemes tells us that organized networks are investing in fraud infrastructure,” Barry Conlon, Overhaul’s CEO and founder, mentioned in a information launch. “When criminals are forging identities and impersonating carriers, a padlock on a trailer isn’t going to cease them.”

Electronics remained probably the most steadily focused cargo class, accounting for 17% of all incidents, adopted by meals and drinks, automotive components, and attire. Auto and components thefts surged 142% from This fall 2025 and elevated 51% 12 months over 12 months.

California and Texas remained the highest cargo theft hotspots, representing 36% and 17% of reported incidents, respectively. Illinois and Tennessee additionally noticed important will increase in theft exercise throughout the quarter.

Overhaul executives mentioned the findings present cargo crime is evolving from conventional trailer theft towards extra subtle fraud operations concentrating on carriers, brokers and shippers by means of identification manipulation and double-brokering schemes.

Overhaul Q1 2026 Cargo Theft Report Highlights

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