Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026:
- Less cargo theft, higher losses in Q3.
- Team drivers busted trafficking drugs in Mississippi.
- Leeks loaded with meth in border bust.
- Truckers Healthcare insurance exchange rebrands.
Cargo theft losses up 12% year-over-year as total thefts down 33%
Cargo thieves in the third quarter of 2026 continued to favor targeting fewer high-value thefts rather than a higher number of lower-value commodities, according to a quarterly cargo theft analysis from Verisk CargoNet.
The firm recorded 547 supply chain crime incidents across the United States and Canada from July through September, a 33% decline from the same period in 2025 and a 19% decline from the second quarter.
Even with that decline, estimated losses for the quarter totaled $230.1 million, up 12% from $205.1 million in the third quarter of 2025. Verisk CargoNet
Despite the decrease in reported activity, fictitious pickups, which are generally described as incidents in which deception is used to obtain a shipment, remained close to last year’s level, accounting for 138 incidents in Q3, compared with 147 in 2025, raising their share of reported activity from 18% to approximately 25%.
[Related: Uzbek national charged in ID/cargo-theft schemes]
The year-to-date figures also show continued financial exposure -- estimated losses reached $718.9 million through September, up 39%, while reported incidents fell 25% from 2,755 to 2,072. The average value of stolen commodities across incidents with a documented value increased by approximately 72% from $261,115 to $448,456 over the same period.
"We saw mixed results in the third quarter with a decline in reported incidents and fictitious pickups remaining close to last year’s level, but the estimated financial impact grew significantly,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet. "Understanding cargo theft requires looking beyond incident counts and focusing on broader trends, like what is being stolen and where theft is concentrated."
Food and beverage commodities were the most targeted during the quarter, though less so than a year ago. Metals, notably copper, were the second-most-targeted.
[Related: Two cargo thieves face prison]
Geographically, California accounted for approximately one-third of all reported incidents, with 182 events, down from 261, while New Jersey declined from 66 to 46, Illinois from 52 to 40, and Texas from 105 to 43. Together, those four states accounted for 57% of the quarterly total.
Earlier this year, Verisk CargoNet documented increasingly complex fraud schemes involving compromised business email accounts, internet-based phone systems and transportation industry applications, which can allow criminals to impersonate legitimate companies, obtain shipment information or redirect freight already moving through the supply chain.
The persistence of fictitious pickups underscores the continued threat these schemes pose, even as overall reported incidents decline.
“We’re seeing criminals combine digital deception with traditional theft tactics to identify, intercept and redirect high-value shipments,” Lewis added. “Data center materials are among the valuable commodities attracting attention. As the value of the cargo being targeted increases, strong identity verification, shipment visibility and communication across the supply chain become even more important.”
Looking ahead to Q4, seasonal patterns warrant attention, the firm said. Historically, theft activity is higher during the fourth quarter and into the new year. Activity could escalate as criminals seek to exploit extended facility closures and reduced staffing during the upcoming holiday season.
[Related: Cargo theft by fraud: White House task force, freight crime in spotlight]
Mississippi police bust truck driver with 2K pounds of marijuana, 200 pounds of cocaine
A truck driver hauling across I-20 in Mississippi was busted last week carrying approximately 204 pounds of cocaine and 1,959 pounds of marijuana, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), Mississippi Department of Public Safety Interdiction Team, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and Madison Police Department conducted a coordinated operation that resulted in the seizure.
During the operation, officers conducted a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer traveling along I-20, resulting in the discovery of the drugs. The driver, Yohannes Haile, 36, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and co-driver Befikadu Belayneh, 42, of Clarkston, Georgia, were both arrested and charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Cocaine and Trafficking of Marijuana.
It’s unclear why the traffic stop was first initiated.
“This significant seizure demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships between local and state law enforcement agencies,” said Mississippi DPS Commissioner Bo Luckey. “By working together, we are able to disrupt the transportation of dangerous drugs and prevent these substances from reaching our streets and communities.”
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Director Jimmy Herzog praised the coordination between the agencies.
“Drug trafficking does not stop at county or jurisdictional lines, and neither should our efforts to combat it,” he said. “Operations like this highlight the value of intelligence sharing, communication and collaboration among our law enforcement partners. We remain committed to working alongside local agencies to identify and intercept illegal narcotics before they can be distributed throughout Mississippi.”
[Related: Alleged drug traffickers duped 'unknowing' truckers for transport]
Border officers find 1K pounds of meth in load of leeks
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on Oct. 30 seized more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine at the Pharr, Texas, Port of Entry, within a shipment manifested as leeks.
A tractor-trailer bound for McAllen, Texas, was referred to secondary inspection at the Pharr Port of Entry. After a K-9 alert, officers discovered cylindrical packages hidden among the leeks.
A total of 909 packages were discovered and tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the narcotics was 1,082.47 pounds with a street value of $984,063.
“International drug trafficking presents a direct threat to U.S. national security, public safety and economic stability,” said Jennifer De La O, director, Laredo Field Operations. “Operation Southern Surge leverages tactical intelligence and coordinated enforcement actions to dismantle the trafficking infrastructure, intercept illicit supply chains, and bolster situational awareness across the southwest border.”
[Related: $1M of liquid meth found in bobtail's fuel tanks]
Longtime NAIT insurance portal now called LongHaul Direct
Formerly the "Truckers Healthcare" health insurance agency, working as a path to the Affordable Care Act's insurance exchange plans and other health-coverage options for truck drivers and owners since 2012, a rebrand now calls the service LongHaul Direct.
The annual ACA open enrollment period started this week for 2027 health coverage through a federal or state-run exchange, and extends through January 15. December 15 is the last day to make a change or join a new plan for coverage beginning the first of the year.
LongHaul Direct, first launched by the National Association of Independent Truckers with insurance broker Marc Ballard, noted now is the time to examine current coverage and consider any changes for the coming year. A quick review now could save you money or fill a gap.
Licensed agents can help:
- See options available, not just one plan type
- Compare costs and coverage side by side
- Find out whether you qualify for help reducing the cost
[Related: Health insurance for owner-operators: Covering personal risks a cost of doing business]
