Truckers are on high alert this Thanksgiving week as cargo theft risks spike. CargoNet warns the industry to be cautious from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through the following Monday due to an increase in theft incidents.

The trend: Over the past five years, there have been 174 significant cargo thefts during this period. The Monday after Thanksgiving is particularly risky as thieves exploit extended holiday closures and reduced vigilance.

• High-risk areas include San Bernardino and Los Angeles County, California, and Cook County, Illinois.
• Commonly targeted goods are freight-all-kinds (FAK) shipments, hard liquor, and vehicle accessories like tires and motor oil.

Why it matters: Officials encourage transportation companies to beef up security measures and verify shipments, especially in known hotspots. Enhanced vigilance is essential to prevent identity fraud, as reported by CargoNet.

CargoNet recorded over 450 fictitious pickup attempts in 2024 alone, indicating an increase in sophisticated fraud schemes.

What's next: Transport firms are advised to focus on safeguarding frequently targeted commodities and applying extra precautions during these vulnerable times.