Food and beverage products coming into ports or warehouses have become the top targets for freight theft in 2023, overpassing household goods and electronics as the previously most stolen items. Los Angeles is the top national target, but other U.S. cities seeing spikes include Houston, Miami, Savannah, Newark, New Jersey, Memphis and Chicago.
According to a CargoNet theft report through February, there has been a nearly 50% increase year over year in beverage and food cargo theft, with an average value per load of $214,000. The FBI has stated that cargo theft is estimated to cost trucking companies and retailers $15 to $30 billion a year. It has added to supply chain disruptions, which have fueled inflation.