Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025:
Cargo theft risk surges during Thanksgiving holiday
Cargo theft recording firm Verisk CargoNet has issued an alert to the trucking industry to exercise increased vigilance during the Thanksgiving holiday period as cargo theft activity traditionally intensifies during this time.
CargoNet’s analysis of historical data reveals significant year-over-year increases in theft incidents, with the 2025 Thanksgiving period likely to continue this dangerous trend. Key findings of the firm’s analysis:
- 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 over $318 million 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 demonstrates that criminal organizations consistently exploit the Thanksgiving holiday period, when 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 Thanksgiving period, with 31 incidents recorded in the 2024 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).
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 during the Thanksgiving holiday period and 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.
ATA opens registration for annual safety conference
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has officially opened registration for its annual Safety, Security, & Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition (SSHR), co-hosted by ATA’s Safety Management Council and Transportation Security Council.
SSHR offers unmatched access to more than 400 professionals shaping policy, implementing safety programs, and managing risk across the industry.
Scheduled for April 1-3, 2026, at the Omni Oklahoma City, the conference will feature four focused educational tracks: safety, security, HR, and claims/loss prevention. Attendees will engage with industry leaders, join interactive sessions, gain practical takeaways, and enjoy new networking events like casino night and an evening at TopGolf.
“Earlier this year, the 2025 SSHR National Conference in Louisville showcased the power of innovation and collaboration,” said Dan Horvath, ATA’s Chief Operating Officer. “The sessions equipped safety, security, and HR professionals with practical strategies to meet today’s challenges and prepare for what’s ahead. The momentum from Louisville has us energized for the 2026 conference in Oklahoma City, where we’ll continue driving a safer, more secure, forward-thinking mindset for the industry.”
The conference will feature three general sessions with leaders like ATA President & CEO Chris Spear and keynote speaker Tim Richardson, plus multiple panels and interactive roundtables. Attendees can expect sessions on camera technology, driver coaching, AI, and recruitment and retention.
