Welcome to an insightful conversation on the escalating issue of cargo theft, a challenge that’s hitting record highs across North America. Today, we’re joined by Simon Glairy, a seasoned expert in insurance and Insurtech, with deep expertise in risk management and AI-driven risk assessment. With over three decades of experience, Simon has witnessed the evolution of cargo theft firsthand and offers a unique perspective on how it’s transforming the transportation and insurance landscapes. In this interview, we’ll explore the dramatic shifts in theft tactics since the pandemic, the rise of sophisticated fraud schemes, the commodities most at risk, and how the insurance industry is adapting to these unprecedented challenges.
How have cargo theft methods evolved since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and what stands out to you about this shift?
Before the pandemic, cargo theft was largely about physical break-ins—think trucks being stolen from parking lots or goods snatched during transit stops. It was often opportunistic and less coordinated. Since COVID-19 hit, we’ve seen a seismic shift toward more calculated, fraud-based schemes. The disruption of supply chains during the pandemic created openings for criminals to exploit, and they’ve become incredibly sophisticated. What stands out to me is how theft didn’t drop off after the initial crisis as it historically did. Instead, it kept climbing, with new methods like strategic theft taking center stage. Between 2020 and 2022, the landscape changed fundamentally—how thefts are executed, where they happen, and even who’s behind them.
Can you break down what strategic theft is and why it’s become such a dominant trend in recent years?
Strategic theft is essentially fraud where criminals deceive companies into handing over shipments. Unlike traditional theft, which involves physically taking goods, this is about impersonation and manipulation. Thieves might pose as legitimate carriers using fake credentials to secure loads, then divert them for resale, often internationally. The spike—up 1,475% between 2022 and 2024—is staggering, and I think it’s driven by the ease of forging digital paperwork and the global networks these criminals have built. It’s low-risk compared to hijacking a truck, and the payoff is huge. Plus, the rise of online transactions during and after the pandemic made it easier for fraudsters to blend in.
Why do you think certain commodities, like food and beverage shipments, are such prime targets for cargo thieves?
Food and beverage items, especially alcohol, energy drinks, and frozen meat, are incredibly attractive to thieves because they’re easy to offload. These goods can be consumed or sold quickly on the black market, leaving little trace for investigators. Unlike electronics, which might have serial numbers, a case of liquor or a shipment of meat is hard to track once it’s gone. Demand for these items is always high, and with 180 incidents reported in just one quarter of 2025—a 68% jump year-over-year—it’s clear thieves are capitalizing on that. They’re not just stealing to steal; they’re targeting what moves fast.
What’s behind the recent surge in metals theft, particularly copper, and how does this fit into broader theft patterns?
Metals like copper have seen a sharp rise in thefts, nearly doubling in a single quarter of 2025 compared to the prior year, largely due to soaring global prices. Copper is valuable, easy to melt down, and in demand for industrial use, making it a lucrative target. This fits into a broader pattern where thieves pivot to whatever commodity is hot at the moment. We’ve seen this before with solar panels or appliances after natural disasters. It’s cyclical but always present—thieves are incredibly attuned to market trends and adjust their focus based on what will bring the highest return at any given time.
Can you walk us through how a double brokering scam operates and what makes it so deceptive?
Double brokering is a form of strategic theft where criminals pretend to be legitimate carriers or brokers. They use convincing, often stolen, credentials to bid on and win shipments. Once they’ve secured the load, they hire a real driver to pick it up, but through fraudulent paperwork and cross-docking—transferring goods to another location—they divert the shipment out of the supply chain. It’s deceptive because everything looks legit on the surface. The paperwork checks out, the communication seems professional, and often, it’s only a sharp-eyed driver who notices something off. These scams are polished, and that’s why they’re so hard to catch in the moment.
What are pilferage crews, and why do they seem to target specific regions like the California-Arizona corridor?
Pilferage crews are groups of thieves who focus on stealing small portions of a shipment—say, a few pallets of high-value goods—rather than an entire truckload. They often strike when a driver makes their first stop after leaving a warehouse, like at a truck stop for fuel. It’s lower risk than hijacking a whole rig, but the returns are still significant, especially with items like electronics. The California-Arizona corridor has seen a surge because it’s a busy route with lots of stops for cheaper fuel. Thieves know drivers’ habits, wait for those vulnerable moments, pop open the trailer doors, grab what they can, and vanish before anyone notices.
How is the insurance industry coping with the financial impact of this cargo theft surge?
The financial hit from cargo theft is massive—over $128 million in losses in just one quarter of 2025, with the average stolen shipment valued at more than $200,000. And that’s just the reported cases; the real number is likely higher. Insurance companies are feeling the pressure, and it’s changing how we approach underwriting. We’re scrutinizing clients’ preventive measures more closely, looking at their security protocols, and pricing coverage based on how proactive they are. Companies with strong safeguards are in a better position, but the sheer scale of losses means everyone’s tightening up. We’ve also ramped up specialized units to recover stolen goods and work with clients on prevention.
What advice do you have for our readers who are looking to protect their businesses from the growing threat of cargo theft?
My biggest piece of advice is to adopt a layered approach to security. First, tighten your processes—vet every carrier and broker thoroughly, and don’t skimp on verification, because fraudsters are experts at blending in. Second, invest in physical security like hard-locking devices for trailers and train your drivers to spot red flags; they’re often your first line of defense. Finally, leverage technology—use covert tracking devices hidden in loads, not just on trucks, so you can recover goods even if they’re separated from the trailer. Beyond that, stay connected with industry security councils to keep up with the latest theft tactics. Thieves evolve fast, and if you’re not staying informed, you’re already behind.
