Cargo theft is changing. Here’s how TQL helps protect your freight
As threats evolve, shippers need new ways to protect freight and stay ahead of thievesKey points:
- Cargo thieves are using stolen information and impersonation to target high-value freight.
- Cargo theft can have consequences far beyond the loss of a shipment, affecting businesses, consumers and supply chains.
- TQL combines AI, human expertise, carrier vetting and law enforcement partnerships to help identify and respond to cargo theft threats.
By Shannon Russell
Cargo theft isn’t going away, but the way thieves operate is changing. What used to be a largely opportunistic “smash and grab” crime has evolved into more strategic, technology-enabled schemes targeting high-value, easily fenced freight.
At TQL, we work with shippers, carriers, law enforcement and the larger cargo security community every day to help them stay ahead of these tactics.
Cargo theft attempts often begin long before a shipment is stolen. Thieves are becoming better at targeting valuable freight, and despite fewer reported incidents, industry wide losses have already exceeded $436 million in 2026.
CargoNet’s recent data shows sharp increases in theft involving metals, enterprise computer equipment and cryptocurrency mining hardware. Criminals are also using stolen information and impersonation to target these shipments.
Understanding these patterns helps support stronger prevention at every stage of a shipment.
More: TQL has earned CargoNet's Best in Cargo Security Award five times.
The real cost of cargo theft
Cargo theft creates consequences that are immediate, costly and often invisible.
A shipment of over-the-counter medications could end up on the black market, creating serious health risks. A tampered-with load of fresh produce must be discarded under food safety regulations. Stolen baby formula may be resold to unsuspecting consumers.
The impact can extend even further because cargo theft is not always an isolated crime. Stolen electronics can fuel organized crime, and organized theft rings can use proceeds from stolen freight to fund other criminal activity, including drug and human trafficking.
Because the consequences can reach far beyond the loss of the freight itself, cargo security matters long before a truck arrives at a facility.
How TQL helps protect freight
Cargo security works best when technology, people and communication come together. TQL combines dedicated security specialists, strong carrier vetting, high-value shipment oversight and AI-powered detection to help identify and address potential threats before they become losses.
Our Cargo Theft Prevention program blends AI with human expertise. A dedicated Cargo Security team reviews suspicious activity using multiple layers of internal and external data and works with customers, carriers and law enforcement partners to coordinate a response when concerns arise.
The human-in-the-loop approach supports faster response times and informed decision-making.
As a five time CargoNet Best in Cargo Security Award winner, TQL partners with local, state and federal law enforcement, including the FBI. We also share intelligence with industry peers, host cargo security educational events for customers and provide Secure Freight Insights – quarterly cargo theft intelligence reports – to help shippers and carriers stay prevention focused.
If you notice suspicious activity, have a cargo theft concern or believe a load has been stolen or compromised, TQL's Cargo Security team can help coordinate the response, including communication with law enforcement.
Dedicated teams are available 24/7/365 to support customers facing issues on or off the road, whether it's a cargo security concern, a distressed load or a carrier question. When something doesn’t look right, TQL’s Cargo Security team is ready to help.
Questions or concerns about suspicious activity? Contact TQL Cargo Security at 1.800.580.3101 ext. 69118 or RiskManagement@tql.com.
