Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025:
- Truckers moving copper, enterprise server hardware, and nutritional supplements should be on extra high alert in this holiday week given 2025 theft trends.
- Major interstate will see lane closures out West, in state truckers named the No. 3 worst for roads in 2025.
Cargo theft risk surges during Thanksgiving holiday: Stay alert
Cargo theft recording firm Verisk CargoNet has issued a warning to the trucking industry to exercise increased vigilance during the Thanksgiving holiday period, when cargo theft activity typically intensifies.
The firm's analysis of historical data reveals significant year-over-year increases in theft incidents, with the 2025 Thanksgiving period likely to continue the trend. Key findings:
- 79 cargo theft incidents recorded during the 2024 Thanksgiving analysis period, representing a 64.58% increase from 2023
- As of Nov. 18, CargoNet has recorded more than $318 million worth in stolen cargo in 2025, with the average shipment value rising to $278,797.
- California leads all states with 67 incidents, more than twice the number in Illinois (27) and Texas (26) .
During the five most recent Thanksgiving holiday periods, Verisk CargoNet has recorded 229 theft incidents worth more than $9.5 million.Verisk CargoNet
The data demonstrate that criminal organizations exploit the Thanksgiving period consistently, as shipment volumes increase and security staffing may be reduced. Criminal activity typically intensifies in the fourth quarter and reaches peak levels in December, a pattern Verisk CargoNet expects to continue in 2025.
Food and beverage shipments represent the highest theft risk during the holiday, with 31 incidents recorded in the 2024 Thanksgiving analysis. However, thieves demonstrated a diverse appetite for cargo, CargoNet added, targeting household products (24 incidents), electronics (19 incidents), and vehicles and accessories (14 incidents), too. Overall, the total commodity value of stolen goods during the 2024 Thanksgiving period reached $9.5 million, with an average theft value exceeding $151,500.
According to CargoNet, carriers hauling truckload quantities of copper shipments, enterprise server hardware, and nutritional supplements should be on extra high alert due to 2025 theft trends.
Verisk CargoNet is urging all supply chain stakeholders to implement enhanced security measures throughout the remainder of the year. Companies should verify the legitimacy of all carriers and freight brokers, secure vehicles and trailers in well-lit and monitored locations, and maintain communication with drivers throughout transit periods.
Motor carriers should exercise particular caution when accepting loads involving high-value commodities or when conducting business with unfamiliar partners, the firm added. The increased incident rates during holiday periods make this an especially critical time for rigorous security protocols.
[Related: Cargo theft proliferation ups the ante on truckers' prevention]
Trucker-ranked No. 3 worst state for roads restricting I-10 to one lane, both directions, for bridge work
The Arizona Department of Transportation narrowed I-10 to a single lane in each direction about 10 miles west of Benson for a project to rehabilitate four bridges in Pima County.
ADOT is advising drivers to expect delays at peak travel times in the work zone where I-10 passes over the Empirita Road interchange and the Union Pacific Railroad, from mileposts 292 to 293. The lane closures are expected to remain through Spring 2026.
Traffic tie-ups as a result might underscore truckers' rankings for Arizona in Overdrive's recent Highway Report Card, where the state placed No. 3 for worst haul routes in the nation. Much of the negative feedback from truckers, though, was directed at I-40, known for rough condition particularly in western areas in the state. The stretch of I-40 across the entirety of Arizona and neighboring New Mexico rated second for worst individual haul route in the nation.
This new $6.2 million I-10 project is directed at a pair of I-10 bridges that travel over Empirita Road and a second pair of bridges that pass over the railroad tracks. The project includes work to the roadway approaching the bridges and replacing nearby guardrails.
During construction, a 14-foot vehicle width is in place, and the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.
