Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, July 17, 2025:
Cargo theft marched upward in Q2
Verisk CargoNet recorded 884 cargo theft incidents during the second quarter of 2025 with a total loss value of more than $61.5 million.Verisk CargoNet
CargoNet, a Verisk Analytics product, recorded 884 supply chain theft events across the United States and Canada in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 10% increase from the first quarter of 2025.
The estimated total loss value exceeded $128 million when applying average loss values to incidents where specific values were not reported.
The data reveals an acceleration in theft activity throughout the quarter, with incidents increasing 14.6% in April, 4.4% in May, and a substantial 21.9% surge in June, CargoNet added.
Metals theft experienced the most dramatic increase during Q2, nearly doubling with a 96% year-over-year surge to 53 incidents. This unprecedented growth coincides with copper trading near or above record highs, the firm noted, suggesting that organized crime groups strategically adjust their targeting based on commodity market values.
Food and beverage products also saw substantial growth, with 180 reported incidents representing a 68% increase from Q2 2024. This category now accounts for more than 20% of all cargo thefts, with alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, and meat products being primary targets.
[Related: Don't be an unwitting accomplice to cargo theft: One owner-op's cautionary tale]
"The strategic targeting of specific commodities reveals the business-like approach of modern cargo theft operations," said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations for Verisk CargoNet, "These aren't opportunistic crimes -- they're calculated operations targeting goods with the highest illicit-market value and easiest resale potential."
The average stolen shipment value of $203,586 represents a significant economic impact on the supply chain, which CargoNet said results in increased insurance costs, delivery delays, replacement orders, and ultimately higher consumer prices.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, CargoNet analysts warn that complex cargo theft schemes involving document fraud and identity theft are becoming increasingly prevalent. These sophisticated operations, often perpetrated by international organized crime groups, are evolving rapidly to circumvent industry anti-fraud efforts, the firm added.
"Traditional physical security measures alone are no longer sufficient," Lewis added. "The industry must adopt a multi-layered approach combining physical security, digital verification, and real-time intelligence sharing to combat these evolving threats."
[Related: California cargo thief's 'No Name Given' CDL, explained]
[Related: Ways to assess truck market value for purchase, trade or sale, insurance]
Driver honored for helping rescue abductee
A Tennessee-based truck driver has been recognized for his action that helped save a young woman who had been held captive by an abductor.
Ron Ross
On Feb. 25 around 4 p.m., Ross was parked at a rest area along I-40 in rural West Tennessee near Jackson, when he noticed a young lady running.
“This young girl went running to the right of my truck in the grass with shoes in her hand,” Ross said. “I thought in my head, ‘something’s not right about that.’”
Ross watched as she ran about one-quarter mile and dove into the woods. He then saw a man chase after her and run into the woods following her.
“It scared me,” he said. “I went and called 911.”
Luckily, a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper was nearby and able to respond within five minutes. As a result, the woman, who had been held captive, was rescued from her abductor.
Law enforcement told Ross the young woman had been abducted from California. Ross also provided police with video captured via his Samsara dash cam, and law enforcement has solid evidence to use in the prosecution of the abductor.
“I asked another truck driver who was there, ‘Did I just save that girl’s life?’” Ross said. “I hope I did.”
David Wheeler, MCK Transportation Safety Director, promotes Truckers Against Trafficking and has encouraged drivers to say something if they see something.
“MCK is grateful to have a driver like Ron who makes a difference in the world,” said Wheeler.
[Related: Truckers anti-trafficking efforts as eyes, ears making a difference, leading to major arrests]
Hawaii gets CDL testing reprieve
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted an exemption to the state of Hawaii that waives specific portions of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test for CDL applicants who take the skills test on the islands of Lanai and Molokai and issue these drivers a restricted CDL.
Drivers who receive a restricted CDL under the provisions of the exemption are also exempt from the entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations.
Hawaii already has a two-year exemption for this purpose, but that exemption will expire on February 20, 2026. Lanai and Molokai are some of the smaller islands in Hawaii, with a combined population of about 10,000 and less than 500 square miles of area.
FMCSA said in its decision to grant a five-year waiver that “roadway limitations (e.g., the number of lanes and maximum speed limits) provide an effective safeguard to prevent exempted drivers from operating under conditions for which they have not demonstrated their abilities through completion of an ELDT program that meets FMCSA’s requirements, or a complete CDL skills test that would enable the State to issue an unrestricted CDL.”
The exemption is now effective through July 17, 2030.
Truck Parking Club gets investment from Cat Scale Company
Truck Parking Club last week announced a strategic investment from CAT Scale, which the paid-truck-parking provider said “brings nearly five decades of growth and operations expertise to support Truck Parking Club's mission of solving the industry's most persistent challenge: the truck parking shortage.”
The partnership comes as Truck Parking Club has experienced significant growth, doubling its network to 2,262 Property Member locations in just six months. With CAT Scale as a strategic partner, the company said it is positioned to accelerate toward its goal of 10,000 Property Member locations while building truck driver trust.
"We're humbled by CAT Scale's investment and that they see the value we bring to drivers," said Evan Shelley, cofounder & CEO of Truck Parking Club. "They've been stewards of the trucking industry for generations, building an incredible nationwide network and beloved brand through their unconditional guarantee. Leveraging their knowledge and experience from building a trusted nationwide network will be invaluable as we continue building our truck parking network."
[Related: Truck Parking Club rolling out mobile access controls for gated lots]
