Cargo theft across North America has escalated into a more complex and technologically driven threat, with total losses estimated at $6.6 billion in 2025, according to a new report released by Geotab.
The findings highlight a shift in how organized criminal networks operate, moving beyond traditional physical theft toward more sophisticated cyber-enabled tactics that exploit vulnerabilities in digital logistics systems.
The report, “Securing the Supply Chain: A 2026 Blueprint for Countering Smarter Theft,” reveals that cargo theft is no longer dominated by opportunistic “smash-and-grab” incidents. Instead, criminals are increasingly leveraging tools such as GPS spoofing, stolen login credentials, and AI-powered phishing campaigns to infiltrate fleet management systems and reroute high-value shipments without detection.
This convergence of cyber and physical threats is creating new challenges for fleet operators, many of whom are not yet equipped to respond to these evolving risks.
Survey data underscores the growing concern within the industry. Among 575 US fleet operators surveyed, 38% reported heightened concern about cargo theft compared to the previous year, while 34% said they had experienced a theft incident within the past 12 months.
Confirmed theft cases rose 18% year-on-year, with the average value per incident climbing 36% to approximately $274,000. Certain sectors, particularly food and beverage, saw a sharp 47% increase in theft activity, reflecting the targeting of high-demand and easily resold goods.
The human and operational impact of these crimes is also becoming more pronounced. Nearly half of respondents indicated that theft-related stress and safety concerns are contributing to driver burnout and workforce turnover.
At the same time, insurers are tightening underwriting standards, increasingly requiring evidence of robust digital security measures and real-time monitoring capabilities before offering favorable coverage terms.
The effects of cargo theft are extending beyond the logistics sector to consumers. More than half of those surveyed reported experiencing issues linked to cargo theft, often in the form of missing or delayed deliveries. Additionally, 37% of respondents associated these disruptions with rising consumer prices, suggesting that theft is contributing to broader inflationary pressures and reputational risks for businesses.
