Verisk CargoNet is urging the supply chain and logistics industry to heighten security and verification practices during the year-end holiday shipping surge.
Based on a five-year review of reported incidents and confirmed attempts, Verisk CargoNet assessed elevated risk for cargo theft from Dec. 23, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026, when holiday closures, reduced staffing and increased freight dwell time can create opportunities for criminal activity.
“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit - reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” says Keith Lewis, VP, operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID. A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.”
Key takeaways:
· Verisk CargoNet’s analysis of holiday-window activity shows reported events increased from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024, an increase of about 82%. Across the five holiday periods reviewed, Verisk CargoNet recorded 353 total events. For purposes of this analysis, “events” include cargo theft incidents, theft of tractors and trailers and supply chain fraud activity.
• 353 total events across five holiday windows (Dec. 23 – Jan. 2)
• About 82% increase in reported events from 2020 (49) to 2024 (89)
• About 69% of events occurred Dec. 23–29
• About 53% occurred Dec. 26–30
• Peak day: Dec. 23 (56; about 16%)
• Verisk CargoNet’s timing analysis shows activity concentrates around specific days, with the highest volumes occurring on Dec. 23 and during the post-Christmas period from Dec. 26-30.
• California recorded the highest number of holiday-window events in the five-year review (84), followed by Texas (41), Illinois (32) and Florida (32). At the county level, San Bernardino County, Calif.; Los Angeles County, Calif.; and Shelby County, Tenn., experienced the highest concentrations of activity.
• Holiday-window reporting shows repeated targeting of vehicle-related commodities such as tires, auto parts and motor oils, followed by alcoholic beverages, televisions and displays, and computers and accessories. Additional frequently targeted categories include power tools, footwear and major appliances.
