U.S. institute tackles vexing problem: Endless cargo theft targeting private industry

“Cargo theft is a pervasive issue that won’t go away without a collaborative effort,” said Ben Banks, Vice President of TCW.Photo byAlbert StoynovonUnsplash

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is launching a new data collection initiative to address the increasing problem of cargo theft. This effort comes as cargo theft, which has evolved from simple thefts to sophisticated impersonation schemes, becomes a growing concern for the industry.

In March 2024, ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) prioritized research on cargo theft following FBI statistics that estimate annual losses between $15 and $30 billion. To combat this issue effectively, ATRI is seeking participation from motor carriers and brokers in a confidential survey designed to collect accurate loss data and identify successful counter-strategies.

“Cargo theft is a pervasive issue that won’t go away without a collaborative effort,” said Ben Banks, Vice President of TCW. “With accurate cargo theft data, our industry will be able to quantify the issue and work more effectively with law enforcement and commercial insurance to combat this costly problem.”

The initiative aims to provide a clearer picture of cargo theft and enhance industry efforts to develop effective prevention and response strategies.