Unlike most workers, both truckers and the criminals who target their cargo tend to be busy during the Labour Day weekend.
According to CargoNet, freight theft usually picks up over the three-day holiday, making it one of the highest theft weekends of the year.
CargoNet points out criminals take advantage of lightly staffed warehouses, steal freight from tractor-trailers at truck stops and in store parking lots.
In the U.S., cargo theft jumped 8 percent in the second quarter , year-over-year, after rising 7 percent in the first quarter, according to CargoNet data. From April through June, cargo thieves stole more than $19.5 million in freight, an $8 million increase from the same period last year.
All types of cargo is at risk, but typically thieves like to target consumable products that are easily resold, such as foods, beverages and retail drugs.
Household items, including major appliances, lawn mowers, and furniture, is the second most stolen commodity.