Trucking news and briefs for Monday, May 25, 2026:
Memorial Day cargo theft hit five-year high last year
Transportation and logistics companies should prepare for an elevated risk of cargo theft through Wednesday, May 27, according to a warning issued by Verisk CargoNet. Historical data shows thieves frequently exploit long weekends, reduced staffing, closed facilities and unattended freight.
From 2021 through 2025, CargoNet recorded 221 cargo theft events during the Memorial Day period. Theft activity reached a five-year high in 2025 with 66 reported incidents, up from 49 events in both 2023 and 2024.
"Memorial Day creates the kind of operating environment cargo thieves look for: loaded freight at rest, closed facilities, delayed communication, and fewer people available to verify changes," said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet.
While total theft volume has declined in the first half of 2026, organized theft groups are pursuing more selective, higher-value targets. CargoNet has already documented 28 stolen shipments valued at more than $1 million each this year.
California was the most active state during the five-year holiday analysis with 70 events, followed by Texas with 31 and Illinois with 19. The most targeted commodities included food and beverages, electronics and household goods, representing an estimated $27.3 million in losses. In 2026, thieves are also targeting high-value technology like cryptocurrency mining equipment and enterprise server components.
CargoNet warns that risks include both traditional trailer theft and fraud-based schemes where criminals use identity theft to redirect shipments.
The firm recommends companies avoid leaving loaded trailers unattended, confirm receiver hours before dispatch, and verify any routing changes through established communication channels.
Love’s grows footprint in New Mexico
Love’s Travel Stops has opened a new location in Truth or Consequences.
The new travel stop, located at 224 Dr. Hubble Road off Interstate 25, bridges a gap between existing locations in Las Cruces and Albuquerque. The 11,717-square-foot facility features an Arby’s restaurant, six diesel bays, four showers, laundry facilities, and a dog park. It also includes designated space for future electric vehicle charging stations and has brought 77 jobs to the area.
With this opening (and its 63 truck parking spaces) Love’s has added 870 truck parking spaces across the country this year.
To mark the grand opening, Love’s is donating $5,000 each to Hot Springs High School and the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital.
The company also announced the grand reopenings of modernized travel stops in Marion, Indiana, and Encinal, Texas. The Marion location added 74 new truck parking spaces for a total of 221, while both stores received remodeled sales floors, restrooms, and showers.
In celebration of the reopenings, Love’s is donating $5,000 to Riley Children’s Health in Indiana and $5,000 to CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital in Texas.
Oklahoma City-based Love’s has opened nine new stores and completed updates to 16 locations so far this year.
Peterbilt unveils Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589
Peterbilt Motors Company has launched a limited-production Model 589 truck to commemorate the upcoming U.S. semiquincentennial, the company announced.
The Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589 will be capped at 250 units. The heavy-duty truck features a patriotic design celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday.
Exterior features include a three-color metallic paint scheme in "Freedom Red" and "Freedom Blue," etched exhaust guards, a Texas square bumper, and a "Stars & Stripes" sleeper badge available on 58-inch, 72-inch, and 80-inch configurations. Inside, the truck offers platinum trim levels in sandstone or alpine gray, alongside custom black leather seats with embroidered headrests and a commemorative dash badge.
"The Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589 is a tribute to the resilience and greatness of our nation and to the hardworking men and women who keep America moving every day," Erik Johnson, Peterbilt’s assistant general manager of sales and marketing, said in a statement.
The limited-edition trucks are available for order through authorized dealerships through the end of the year.
Additionally, Peterbilt plans to launch a related Freedom 250 merchandise collection for pre-sale in early June.
