Transportation and logistics stakeholders are encouraged to prepare for elevated cargo theft risk during the July 4 holiday period, when reduced staffing, facility closures, and staged freight can create opportunities for organized theft groups, according to Verisk CargoNet.
In fact, Verisk CargoNet analyzed 256 theft events that occurred between July 1-7 from 2021-2025. The data shows theft activity was highest on July 3, before dipping on July 4 and July 5.
"The July 4 holiday creates a predictable disruption in the supply chain,” says Keith Lewis, VP, operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Cargo thieves understand when freight is likely to be parked, when facilities may be closed, and when normal verification procedures may be under pressure."
Key takeaways:
· In the first six months of 2026, Verisk CargoNet estimates cargo theft loss values have already exceeded $359 million. While reported incident volume has declined compared with recent full-year trends, the average stolen commodity value has climbed to approximately $341,518 in 2026.
· Data shows continued targeting of expensive metals such as copper, molybdenum, antimony, tungsten, and zinc, as well as enterprise computer and networking components such as RAM modules, fiber optic transceivers, storage drives, and enterprise server blades.
· Theft activity was most common in California, Texas, and Illinois.
· Thieves also showed preference for food and beverage products, household goods, electronics, vehicle accessories, and major appliances, including non-alcoholic beverages such as energy drinks, oils, tires, and appliance shipments.
· Criminal groups are also placing greater emphasis on gaining access to motor carrier accounts on compliance platforms that brokers use to validate carriers before awarding load tenders.
