Cargo Thefts Surge During Thanksgiving Holiday, Analysis Reveals

The Thanksgiving holiday period has become a peak season for cargo theft, according to an analysis by CargoNet, a Verisk business specializing in supply chain security. Over the past five years, the six-day period from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the following Monday has seen 174 significant theft events. The Monday after Thanksgiving stands out as the riskiest day, often coinciding with spikes in identity fraud.

California’s San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties, along with Illinois’s Cook County, emerged as primary hotspots for these crimes. Commonly targeted items include freight-all-kinds (FAK) shipments, liquor, tires, and motor oil, all of which are connected to established black-market networks. Sophisticated schemes like identity fraud and fictitious pickup attempts have become increasingly prevalent, signaling an evolution in criminal tactics.

CargoNet advises transportation companies to enhance security measures during the holiday period, particularly in high-risk areas. Recommended actions include rigorous shipment verification and heightened vigilance for frequently stolen commodities. These proactive steps are essential to mitigating the risks posed by organized criminal networks exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities during extended holiday closures.