Overhaul report logs more than 2,576 cargo thefts across U.S. and Canada in 2025

Cargo theft activity across North America intensified in 2025, with losses increasingly concentrated in major freight hubs, according to a new report from supply chain risk management firm Overhaul.

In the United States, California and Texas together accounted for more than half of all reported cargo theft incidents, highlighting how freight crime is clustering along the nation’s busiest logistics corridors.

California represented 38% of all recorded U.S. cargo thefts in 2025, up from 32% the year prior, while Texas ranked second with 20% of total incidents. Combined, the two states accounted for 58% of all reported cargo theft nationwide, based on 2,576 incidents recorded across the U.S. last year.

Overhaul attributed the increase to a renewed concentration of theft activity around major metropolitan freight hubs, particularly in and around Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Dallas, and Houston.

Behind California and Texas, Tennessee ranked third, though its share declined to 11% in 2025. Illinois and Pennsylvania each accounted for 7% of reported incidents, while Georgia represented 4%.

Secondary states — including Maryland, Kentucky, and New Jersey — each captured roughly 2% of total U.S. cargo theft volume.

Cargo theft rose 16% in the U.S. in 2025

Overall, cargo theft in the U.S. increased 16% year over year in 2025, with all four quarters posting higher incident volumes compared to 2024. The fourth quarter was the most active, accounting for 30% of total annual thefts.

On average, the U.S. recorded 7.16 cargo thefts per day in 2025, up from 6.07 per day the previous year. Overhaul expects cargo theft to rise by at least 13% in 2026, projecting total annual incidents could reach approximately 2,910.

Electronics remained the most frequently stolen commodity, representing 22% of total thefts. Food and beverages followed at 15%, with home and garden products accounting for 11%.

Criminal methods also continued to evolve. While pilferage remained the most common theft type — accounting for 43% of reported cases — deceptive pickup schemes showed rapid growth. These incidents, which involve criminals impersonating legitimate carriers or brokers, increased 35% year over year and now represent 10% of all recorded cargo theft events.

From a location standpoint, warehouses and distribution centers were the most targeted sites, accounting for 36% of incidents, followed by truck stops and fuel stations at 17%.

Toronto region dominates Canada’s cargo theft activity

In Canada, cargo theft reporting continues to trail U.S. levels, though criminal activity remains widespread and increasingly organized, according to Overhaul’s 2025 data.

Ontario accounted for 65% of all recorded cargo theft incidents nationwide, with most activity concentrated in the Greater Toronto Area. That share declined compared to prior years, however, signaling a gradual geographic expansion of theft activity beyond traditional hotspots.

British Columbia recorded the most notable increase, rising from 5% to 15% of total reported incidents, suggesting cargo crime is gaining traction in western Canada.

Full truckload theft remained the dominant method in Canada, representing 61% of incidents, while last-mile courier theft surged to 22%, reflecting growing vulnerabilities in final-mile delivery networks. Deceptive pickup schemes also continued to gain traction, accounting for 10% of Canadian cargo theft cases.

Most thefts occurred on weekdays — particularly Mondays and Fridays — and were concentrated overnight and in early morning hours, underscoring heightened risk during standard linehaul and freight staging windows.