Cargo theft in North America is becoming more high-tech and costly, with losses hitting an estimated $6.6 billion in 2025, according to a new report from Geotab. The way criminals steal cargo is changing. They’re no longer relying on just quick smash-and-grab raids. Instead, they’re using cyber tricks like GPS spoofing, stolen passwords, and AI-driven phishing scams to hack into fleet systems and reroute shipments without anyone noticing.
This shift makes things harder for fleet operators, many of whom aren’t set up to deal with these new kinds of threats that mix online and physical crimes. The report, titled “Securing the Supply Chain: A 2026 Blueprint for Countering Smarter Theft,” highlights how organized crime groups are using technology to pull off more sophisticated thefts.
A recent survey shows growing worry about cargo theft across the industry. Out of 575 fleet operators surveyed in the US, 38% said they were more concerned about cargo theft than last year. Meanwhile, 34% had experienced a theft in the past year. Theft incidents have jumped 18% compared to the previous year, and the average value lost per incident rose 36% to about $274,000. The food and beverage sector was hit especially hard, seeing a 47% spike in thefts as thieves target goods that are in high demand and easy to sell.
The impact isn’t just financial. Almost half of those surveyed said the stress and safety worries from theft are causing driver burnout and more turnover in their workforce. Insurance companies are also responding by tightening rules. They now want proof that fleets have strong digital security and real-time tracking before offering better coverage deals.
Cargo theft is starting to affect consumers too. Over half of the fleet operators said theft-related problems led to missing or late deliveries. More than a third linked these issues to higher prices for customers, showing how cargo crime can raise costs and hurt businesses’ reputations.
As cargo theft grows smarter and more costly, fleets and companies need new ways to protect their shipments. The mix of online hacking and physical theft is creating a bigger challenge for everyone involved in moving goods across North America.