Cargo Theft Losses Double in Q2 2026
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026
The sharp rise in cargo theft losses signals increased supply chain risk, potentially raising insurance premiums and security costs for shippers and carriers. Companies in the metals and technology sectors may face higher losses and need to invest more in theft prevention, while Verisk's analytics services could see increased demand.
Verisk Analytics released its second-quarter 2026 cargo theft analysis based on data from its CargoNet business. The report documented 677 supply chain theft incidents across the United States and Canada, a 26% decline from Q2 2025 and a 14% decrease from the previous quarter. However, estimated losses more than doubled year over year to $304.6 million, up from $135.7 million in Q2 2025, driven by several multimillion-dollar thefts. The average value among thefts with a reported commodity value reached $564,009. The decline in incidents was driven by fewer non-delivery schemes and physical thefts of loaded equipment, particularly in United States — California and United States — Texas, while compromise-based schemes such as business email fraud and shipment misdirection remained steady. Metal theft increased by 26 events to 80 incidents, with copper the most targeted metal, along with aluminum, nickel, and tungsten. Organized groups also continued targeting enterprise-grade computer and networking equipment, components, and cryptocurrency mining hardware. Food and beverage theft declined overall, but seafood theft increased by 11 events. Verisk CargoNet expects organized groups to continue specializing in metals, enterprise technology, and other high-value commodities with established resale markets.
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