Cargo theft volume, values up year-over-year in first quarter

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Updated May 16, 2019
SensiGuard’s numbers show that California accounted for 25% of all cargo thefts in the first quarter of 2019.SensiGuard’s numbers show that California accounted for 25% of all cargo thefts in the first quarter of 2019.

There were a total of 144 cargo thefts in the United States during the first quarter of the year worth an average of $116,717 per theft, according to SensiGuard’s quarterly cargo theft analysis that consists of only reported thefts.

The cargo theft recording firm says these numbers represent a 25% increase in cargo theft volume and a 1% increase in theft value when compared to the same quarter a year ago. SensiGuard collects its cargo theft reports from transportation security councils, insurance companies and law enforcement agencies.

According to SensiGuard’s report, miscellaneous freight was the most-targeted during 2019’s first quarter, according for 17% of total thefts for the quarter. The firm says miscellaneous freight thefts were primarily comprised of mixed load shipments, which are typically mixed freight for big box stores.

Electronics were the second-most-targeted items, according for just over 15% of first quarter thefts, followed by food and drinks and home and garden products, which tied for third at just under 15% of all thefts.

California holds the top spot for cargo theft in the first quarter with 25% of all thefts in the quarter, followed by Florida and Texas, which accounted for 12% each.

Thieves targeted full truckloads most with 60% of thefts in the quarter with an average loss value of $82,337.