Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025:
Cargo theft: Stay alert through Jan. 2
Cargo thieves still more than $32 million worth of goods during the previous five winter holiday seasons, with an average loss value per theft of nearly $350,000.Verisk CargoNet
Verisk CargoNet is urging the supply chain and logistics industry to heighten security and verification practices during the year-end holiday shipping surge.
Based on a five-year review of reported incidents and confirmed attempts, CargoNet assessed elevated risk for cargo theft from Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, when holiday closures, reduced staffing and increased freight dwell time can create opportunities for criminal activity, the firm said.
CargoNet’s analysis of holiday-window activity shows reported events increased from 49 in 2020 to 89 in 2024, an increase of about 82%. Across the five holiday periods reviewed, the firm recorded 353 total events. For purposes of the analysis, “events” include cargo theft incidents, theft of tractors and trailers, and supply chain fraud activity. All told, CargoNet observed:
- 353 total events across five holiday windows (Dec. 23 to Jan. 2)
- About 82% increase in reported events from 2020 (49) to 2024 (89)
- About 69% of events occurred Dec. 23-29
- About 53% occurred Dec. 26-30
- Peak day: Dec. 23 (56; about 16%)
CargoNet’s timing analysis shows activity concentrates around specific days, with the highest volumes occurring on Dec. 23 and during the post-Christmas period from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30.
California recorded the highest number of holiday-window events in the five-year review (84), followed by Texas (41), Illinois (32) and Florida (32). At the county level, San Bernardino County, California; Los Angeles County, California; and Shelby County, Tennessee, experienced the highest concentrations of activity.
Commodities such as tires, auto parts and motor oils, followed by alcoholic beverages, televisions and displays, and computers and accessories were most commonly targeted. Additional frequently targeted categories include power tools, footwear and major appliances.
“The holiday period creates conditions criminals exploit – reduced oversight, facility closures, and high-value freight moving on compressed schedules,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Carriers and shippers should verify every pickup through direct communication with known contacts, never relying solely on email, text, or caller ID. A quick call to a verified number can prevent a six- or seven-figure loss.”
The firm encourages trucking companies and shippers to strengthen layered safeguards during the holiday period, particularly on peak-risk days:
- Verify pickups and appointment changes using known, trusted contact methods (call-back to verified numbers on file)
- Increase facility access controls and security coverage during off-hours and holiday closures
- Reduce dwell time for loaded equipment and avoid unsecured parking locations
- Use secure, monitored parking for extended stops and staged equipment
- Deploy shipment monitoring for high-value loads, including tracking and alerting where available
- Establish driver check-in expectations during closures and extended dwell periods
- Report suspicious activity and confirmed incidents promptly to law enforcement and CargoNet through established reporting channels
[Related: Holiday freight pressures are driving accidents, theft and fraud]
Nebraska waives HOS for heating fuel haulers
Due to increased demand for heating products across the Midwest and resulting challenges in timely access to heating fuel, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has issued an executive order to provide emergency relief.
The order temporarily waives federal hours-of-service requirements for truck drivers hauling residential heating fuels, heating oils, or fuel used to generate power for residential heat into or within Nebraska. The waiver applies only to vehicles transporting these essential heating fuels, the governor noted.
Drivers operating under the order should keep a copy with them. The order is effective through Jan. 3.
Nebraska is the latest state to issue such a waiver, joining Iowa, Wisconsin, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Maine and Kansas.
Trucking Cares donates $10K to support veterans
The Trucking Cares Foundation recently donated $10,000 to At Ease USA, a non-profit dedicated to providing support and treatment to active and retired military families and health care workers.
"The trucking industry takes great pride in the fact that roughly 10% of all professional truck drivers in the U.S. are military veterans, and one in four veterans is a trucker,” said TCF Chairman Greg Owen, head coach of Ability Tri-Modal. “From drivers to technicians to logistics experts, the trucking industry depends on veterans to fill so many different roles within our industry, the backbone of the nation’s economy. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to support At Ease USA’s mission to improve the wellness of veterans and their families in need."
At Ease USA was founded in 2009 in response to the lack of wounded warriors getting the treatment they needed upon their return home. The organization provides confidential trauma treatment and therapeutic support to active military, veterans, frontline health care workers, and their loved ones regardless of their ability to pay. Their programs complement existing services offered by military and veteran organizations, with a focus on the elimination of barriers to treatment for those suffering from the effects of deployment and the uncertainty of war.
"At Ease USA is deeply grateful to the Trucking Cares Foundation for this generous gift supporting our military heroes,” said Beth Kramer, Executive Director of At Ease USA. “Since 2022, At Ease has seen a 630% increase in those seeking care – a clear sign of the growing need for trauma-informed mental health services. This gift will help us reach even more veterans and families with the care they deserve.”
