In 2026, every single trucker in the United States would need to pay $5 per day to keep up with the losses caused by freight theft.
Since 2021, damages caused by freight theft have surged 1500%. In freight crime, the question “Is there a risk of freight theft?” has evolved into “Where is the risk of freight theft greatest?”.
Unfortunately, a few hotspots are so prone to freight theft that they should be regarded with extra caution. When planning routes, it’s essential to prepare for high-risk areas with the proper security measures.
Here are the places where freight theft is most rampant.
Last chance for the lowest price on the market for Michelin X® Line Energy™ Grip D drive tires.
Freight Theft in Los Angeles and San Bernardino County
35% of all US cargo freight theft incidents are concentrated in a 200-mile radius. That radius is Southern California.
That statistic is staggering. More than three out of ten cargo thieves are in .005% of US land.
So… why?
Southern California is an ideal location for freight thieves for several reasons.
Southern California is home to the Port of Los Angeles, one of the largest points of import in the United States. So, more stuff to steal. Additionally, the Inland Empire comprises hundreds of warehouse complexes to accommodate those imports. Thieves can easily camouflage their crime hubs as warehouses and appear inconspicuous. Therefore, it is easier to steal things.
To make things worse, California borders Mexico. Thieves can easily move their stolen goods between borders to obscure the jurisdiction of their crimes.
This hotspot is so inviting for freight theft that full-fledged criminal corporations have arisen. In October 2025, authorities broke up the “Singh Organization,” a crime ring that used fraudulent trucking authorities to steal millions of dollars in freight.
Exercise caution when hauling through Southern California, particularly in areas such as Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Bakersfield. Implement additional layers of security, use discretion, and remain vigilant.
Freight Theft in the Texas Triangle
Step aside, Bermuda. The Texas Triangle is what’s really frightening.
Dallas, Fort Worth, and the Houston Corridor make up the infamous Texas Triangle, the region responsible for 22% of US cargo freight theft.
The Texas Triangle serves two distinct functions for thieves: a location to steal and a place to sell. Where California fuels the freight crime industry, Texas acts as its marketplace.
Like California, Texas thieves also benefit from the US-Mexico border, making freight theft untraceable. Hutchins, Duncanville, Everman, Alliance, Brownlee Park, and North Dallas are the region’s worst offenders.
When hauling here, exercise the same caution you would in California.
Freight Theft in the New York Metropolitan (Tri-state) Area
The New York metropolitan area is an emerging force on the freight crime scene. The area encompasses Cook County, Illinois, as well as New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Each pillar of the New York metro area has seen massive increases in freight theft the past few years, including a 110% year-over-year increase in New Jersey and a 33% increase in Pennsylvania. Chicago, too, has been a place of contention, with a recent bust of a theft ring totaling $2 million in stolen merchandise.
Like Texas, the New York metro functions as a marketplace for stolen goods. Because each area has a substantial stake in crime activity, thieves can move between jurisdictions to slow down prosecution.
Though the New York metro doesn’t present the same threat as California and Texas, caution should still be used when hauling through these areas.
—
California, Texas, and the New York metro each present a unique danger to carriers. Even so, the average loss has escalated from $168k to $336k nationwide.
If you haul through the three hotspots of freight theft, do so carefully. However, in an era where freight theft is prevalent, it is wise to always remain vigilant.
Last chance for the lowest price on the market for Michelin X® Line Energy™ Grip D drive tires.
###
The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers various services for carriers ranging from maintenance to support. As ECS members, carriers have access to nationwide discounts on fuel and tires from dedicated team members committed to finding the best price. ECS also provides factoring services with benefits such as same-day funding to a bank account or fuel card. These options allow carriers the freedom to focus on growing their business while saving time and money.