As the Labor Day weekend approaches, cargo theft activity is poised to reach dangerous new levels across the United States. An analysis by Verisk CargoNet of reported Labor Day thefts over the past five years reveals an escalation in theft that suggests unprecedented risk during the upcoming long weekend.
“Labor Day weekend has become a prime hunting ground for cargo thieves, with criminal activity more than doubling since 2020,” says Keith Lewis, VP of operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Our analysis of 214 theft events between the Thursday before Labor Day through the Wednesday after over the past five years shows a clear pattern of escalating criminal behavior. Friday has emerged as the most dangerous day of the Labor Day period, accounting for 45 thefts over five years, with 2024’s Friday before Labor Day recording a record-high of 16 incidents in a single day.”
Key takeaways:
· California and Texas remain the epicenters of Labor Day cargo theft activity, accounting for 85 of the 214 incidents analyzed, with crime highest in San Bernardino County, Calif.; and Dallas County, Texas.
· Food and beverage shipments - particularly shellfish and pork - top the target list with 36 incidents, followed by electronics such as televisions (23 incidents) and household goods like appliances and furniture (23 incidents). Vehicle accessories, including tires and automotive parts, account for 18 incidents.
· Verisk CargoNet identified notable increases in reported cargo theft activity in the Northeast between June and August, particularly in New Jersey, where incidents have risen from 14 in 2023 to 36 in 2025.
