Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025:
- When deliveries slow down around Christmas, cargo thieves ramp up.
- More Midwest winter storm relief for fuel haulers.
Cargo theft: Stay alert through Jan. 2
Cargo thieves boosted more than $32 million worth of goods during the previous five winter holiday seasons, with an average loss value per theft of nearly $350,000.Verisk CargoNet
Verisk CargoNet is urging the supply chain and logistics industry to heighten security and verification practices during the year-end holiday shipping surge.
Based on a five-year review of reported incidents and confirmed attempts, CargoNet assessed elevated risk for cargo theft from Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, when holiday closures, reduced staffing and increased freight dwell time can create opportunities for criminal activity, the firm said.
CargoNet’s analysis of holiday-window activity shows reported events increased from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024, an increase of about 82%. Across the five holiday periods reviewed, the firm recorded 353 total events. For purposes of the analysis, “events” include cargo theft incidents, theft of tractors and trailers, and supply chain fraud activity. All told, CargoNet observed:
- 353 total events across five holiday windows (Dec. 23 to Jan. 2)
- About 82% increase in reported events from 2020 (49) to 2024 (89)
- About 69% of events occurred Dec. 23-29
- About 53% occurred Dec. 26-30
- Peak day: Dec. 23 (56; about 16%)
CargoNet’s timing analysis shows activity concentrates around specific days, with the highest volumes occurring on Dec. 23 and during the post-Christmas period from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30.
California recorded the highest number of holiday-window events in the five-year review (84), followed by Texas (41), Illinois (32) and Florida (32). At the county level, San Bernardino County, California; Los Angeles County, California; and Shelby County, Tennessee (including Memphis), experienced the highest concentrations of activity.
Commodities such as tires, auto parts and motor oils, followed by alcoholic beverages, televisions and displays, and computers and accessories were most commonly targeted. Additional frequently targeted categories include power tools, footwear and major appliances.
“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit -- reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID. A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.”
[Related: Cargo theft explosion ups the ante on truckers' prevention]
The firm encourages trucking companies and shippers to strengthen layered safeguards during the holiday period, particularly on peak-risk days:
- Verify pickups and appointment changes using known, trusted contact methods (call-back to verified numbers on file)
- Increase facility access controls and security coverage during off-hours and holiday closures
- Reduce dwell time for loaded equipment and avoid unsecured parking locations
- Use secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment
- Deploy shipment monitoring for high-value loads, including tracking and alerting where available
- Establish driver check-in expectations during closures and extended dwell periods
- Report suspicious activity and confirmed incidents promptly to law enforcement and CargoNet through established reporting channels
[Related: Truckers' tools to prevent fuel fraud, from complex AI to simple cybersecurity self-help]
Nebraska waives HOS for heating fuel haulers
Due to increased demand for heating products across the Midwest and resulting challenges in timely access to heating fuel, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has issued an executive order to provide emergency relief.
The order temporarily waives federal hours-of-service requirements for truck drivers hauling residential heating fuels, heating oils, or fuel used to generate power for residential heat into or within Nebraska. The waiver applies only to vehicles transporting these essential heating fuels, the governor noted.
Drivers operating under the order should keep a copy with them. The order is effective through Jan. 3.
Nebraska is the latest state to issue such a waiver, joining Iowa, Wisconsin, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Maine and Kansas.
[Related: Hours of service: More regs relief in the Northeast, new exemption request]
