Cargo theft numbers up in second quarter, CargoNet says

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Updated Aug 13, 2015
CargoNet’s map of areas with the most cargo thefts in the second quarter.CargoNet’s map of areas with the most cargo thefts in the second quarter.

CargoNet reported this week that more than $19.5 million in truck freight was stolen in the second quarter — an $8 million increase from the same period last year.

According to CargoNet, the number of cargo theft incidents rose 8 percent in the second quarter year-over-year. The month of April had the most recorded cargo thefts in the U.S. with 70. May had 67 reported, and June had 57.

California had the most number of thefts with 36, followed by Texas with 35 and Florida with 27.

Twenty-nine percent of cargo thefts occurred at truck stops and parking lots. Nine percent were classified as fictitious or fraudulent cargo pickups, and 2 percent were violent, either hijackings or armed robberies.

Food and beverage items were the most stolen commodity in the second quarter. Loads of nuts and alcoholic beverages were among the most targeted items. Household items were the second-most stolen commodity.

Theft of electronics ranked third, but were the most expensive of the stolen items.

The average loss value per cargo theft was $168,308, but some categories such as electronics were much higher. The median theft value was $338,464.

FreightWatch International, who also monitors cargo theft activity, reported a drop in second quarter theft instances and value in the second quarter. Click here to see Overdrive’s coverage of that report.