Understanding the different types of cargo theft helps organizations recognize patterns, assess risk, and implement targeted prevention strategies, according to National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)™ subject matter experts.
Fictitious Pickup
Fraudsters pose as legitimate carriers to pick up freight that was never assigned to them—often using stolen identities or manipulated load data.
Pilferage
Partial theft of cargo, often occurring during transit or at unsecured facilities. Pilferage can go unnoticed until delivery.
Cyber-Enabled Cargo Theft
Organized, planned theft targeting specific commodities, routes, or facilities—often coordinated using insider knowledge or cyber compromise.
Hijacking
The forcible takeover of a vehicle or load. While less common today, it still occurs in certain regions or scenarios.
Why Theft Methods Are Evolving
Cargo theft tactics change as:
- Security measures improve;
- Freight patterns shift; and
- Digital systems are exploited.
Fraudsters adapt quickly to controls they encounter.