Freight operations continue to face increased risk, as cargo theft and fraud schemes grow more sophisticated across the transportation industry. Criminal activity is becoming more coordinated and harder to detect, often involving stolen identities, impersonated carriers, and altered documentation that blends into everyday freight activity. Staying aware of these evolving tactics protects shipments, payments, and trust throughout the supply chain.
Recent reports from transportation and insurance organizations show that cargo theft incidents increased sharply over the past year, with losses expected to remain high throughout 2026. Organized theft rings are increasingly targeting high value and time sensitive freight, often coordinating physical theft with identity-based schemes.
In many cases, bad actors use legitimate MC numbers paired with falsified contact information to secure loads before diverting or stealing freight. Strengthening verification practices at the start of the load lifecycle, including validating carrier information through trusted databases and confirming dispatcher contact details, is one of the most effective ways to prevent fraudulent pickups.
Payment related schemes also remain a growing risk in freight operations. Attackers frequently attempt to manipulate invoices or request changes to banking information, particularly during busy or high-pressure situations. Any request to update payment instructions should be treated as high risk and verified through a known secondary communication channel such as a confirmed phone number. Limiting access to financial systems and enforcing multi-factor authentication further reduces exposure if credentials are compromised.
As freight volumes fluctuate and digital tools continue to accelerate operations, vigilance remains essential. Understanding current freight fraud and cargo theft trends, reinforcing verification practices, and maintaining strong payment controls helps protect not only individual shipments, but the broader integrity of the supply chain. Starting the year with disciplined security practices positions brokers and their customers for a more resilient, trusted, and secure year ahead.
Sources:National Insurance Crime Bureau NICB Cargo Theft and Freight Crime Trendshttps://www.nicb.orgFMCSA – Carrier Registration & Verificationhttps://safer.fmcsa.dot.govFBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – Business Email Compromise & Freight Fraudhttps://www.ic3.gov
