Escalating Concerns Over Cargo Theft in 2026

• •80% of leaders report heightened concerns over cargo theft in 2026.
• •63% of respondents noted an increase in cargo theft incidents compared to last year.
• •40% of businesses face annual losses of at least $1 million due to cargo theft.

A SmartSense survey reveals that nearly 80% of organized retail crime prevention leaders are increasingly concerned about cargo theft, which has become more organized and sophisticated. The survey, conducted among 150 U.S. loss prevention professionals, indicates that 63% of respondents have observed an increase in cargo theft incidents compared to the previous year. Key attack methods include fraudulent pickups and carrier impersonation (78%), GPS jamming and spoofing (71%), and double brokering (64%). The financial impact is significant, with 40% of respondents reporting annual losses of at least $1 million due to cargo theft. The issue has evolved into a cybersecurity concern, as thieves now exploit digital systems to track shipments. Businesses are responding by enhancing security measures, with 48% implementing GPS tracking and geofencing. The overall sentiment reflects a growing urgency to address these threats effectively.