Unlawful brokerage, cargo theft, and identity spoofing remain rampant, with 22% of respondents reporting more than $200,000 lost due to fraud in just the past six months, according to the latest edition of its State of Fraud in the Industry report released by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).
“Strategic fraud and cargo theft in our industry has reached a boiling point. It’s no longer an inconvenience—it’s a crisis,” says Chris Burroughs, TIA president and CEO. “And our members are telling us loud and clear: they need more support, better tools, and stronger action from federal regulators. This report sheds light on what’s happening and what needs to change.”
Key takeaways:
· 10% of respondents said they’ve spent over $200,000 on fraud prevention—underscoring the dual cost of defending against and responding to these attacks.
- 97% of respondents cited truckload freight as the most fraud-prone mode.
- 34% of respondents cited unlawful brokerage scheme—where criminals pose as legitimate brokers to steal loads or payments—as the top fraud tactic they face.
- 83% of respondents experienced at least three types of fraud in the last six months.
- The report highlights a growing wave of fraud across the country, with incidents reported in nearly every region. Texas, California, South Carolina and Washington were among the top states where fraudulent activity originated—underscoring the widespread nature of the crisis.
- Nearly half of all reported thefts targeted everyday goods, including household items and electronics/appliances.
- TIA Watchdog recorded over 1,600 fraud reports between September 2024 and February 2025, a 65% increase from the previous period, despite covering two fewer months.
