CargoNet says supply chain risk events across the United States and Canada jumped 15 percent in 2022 from 2021.
Supply chain disruptions were one of the main concerns of the year because of their effect on inflation. Scarcity and cost drove illicit market demand for goods that were most affected like computer graphics cards and raw beef, poultry, and pork. Available capacity eased in the later months of 2022, but theft remained a prominent threat, reports the firm
CargoNet’s 2022 data indicates that events that involved theft of at least one heavy commercial vehicle such as a semi-truck or semi-trailer increased by 17% year-over-year, while events that involved theft of cargo increased by 20% year-over-year. Note that a single event record could involve theft of one or more vehicles or shipments. The average value of cargo stolen in an event was $214,104. CargoNet estimates that $223 million in cargo was stolen across all cargo theft events in 2022.
Increases in theft activity around major intermodal hubs were significant. California remained the top state for reported events in 2022 and theft in the state increased 41% year-over-year. Computer and green energy components were some of the most frequently stolen items of the year and California is a major logistics hub for these items.
Household items were the most stolen commodity in 2022. This is a diverse category that includes appliances and furniture which often get targeted during long haul and final mile distribution. There was also a notable increase in theft of shipments of tools and toys. Household items were closely followed by electronics. Theft of computer electronics decreased by 37% from 2021, but Cargonet notes theft of these products reached unprecedented highs in 2021 and theft was still elevated compared to baseline. Additionally, theft of televisions and other displays nearly doubled from 2021.
Cargonet says supply chain members should take steps to mitigate fictitious cargo pickups, a blend of identity theft and cargo theft that can affect all parties in a supply chain. CargoNet recorded 96 more fictitious pickups in 2022 compared to the year prior, a 600% increase year-over-year.