Report: Cargo Theft Spiked Sharply in 2024

Cargo theft rose by an eye-opening 49 percent from 2023 to 2024, according to one report. 

The average number of thefts per day in the U.S. jumped from 4.06 in 2023 to 6.07 in 2024, according to Overhaul’s annual cargo theft report. 

Each quarter of the year brought more thefts, per Overhaul: 459 thefts in the first quarter, 492 in the second quarter, 579 in the third quarter and 687 in the fourth quarter. 

“Similar to 2023, the second half of the year accounted for nearly 60 percent of the annual theft events, highlighting a persistent vulnerability in cargo security during this period,” the report states. 

Breaking down the data, California suffered the most cargo thefts, accounting for 32 percent. Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Georgia rounded out the top five states. 

The most commonly stolen category of products was electronics – for the fourth year in a row – followed by home and garden; food and drinks; building and industrial; and pharmaceuticals. 

Overhaul predicts that cargo theft volume will rise 22 percent this year if current trends prevail.