ATRI Research Uncovers the Significant Impact of Cargo Theft on the Trucking Industry

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released crucial new research addressing the escalating issue of cargo theft. By gathering detailed data from motor carriers, logistics service providers (LSPs), insurers, and other industry stakeholders, the study aims to quantify the scale and causes of cargo theft, focusing on:

• The methods and locations of cargo theft incidents
• The financial repercussions for the industry
• Effective cargo theft prevention strategies
• Enhancing partnerships with law enforcement
• The role of insurance in managing cargo theft risks

The report includes case studies that highlight real-world experiences of shippers and motor carriers affected by cargo theft.

The findings reveal the staggering costs associated with cargo theft. Motor carriers report average annual losses exceeding $520,000, while LSPs face even higher losses, averaging over $1.84 million each year. Collectively, the annual cost of cargo theft to the industry could reach as high as $6.6 billion—equating to more than $18 million lost every single day.

The report outlines several recommended counter-strategies, including:

• Fostering a security culture within motor carriers and the wider supply chain
• Advocating for model state legislation with specific penalties for cargo theft
• Establishing a federal-level centralized cargo theft reporting agency

For those interested in a comprehensive view of this critical issue, the full report is available on ATRI’s website.