--- title: How to Report Cargo Theft description: Understand cargo theft as defined by the FBI and learn key steps to take if it occurs, including who to contact, what to record, and how to report it. image: https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/DryVan_Interior_RGB_nologo.jpg --- [![TEL_Logo_Blue_Button_RGB](https://news.tel360.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TEL_Logo_Blue_Button_RGB.png?width=190&height=87&name=TEL_Logo_Blue_Button_RGB.png "TEL_Logo_Blue_Button_RGB")](https://www.tel360.com/) [CONNECT NOW](https://tel360.com/connect-now/) - About Us ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - [About TEL](https://tel360.com/about-tel/) - [The TEL360 Advantage](https://tel360.com/the-tel360-advantage/) - [Testimonials](https://tel360.com/about-tel/reviews/) - [FAQs](https://tel360.com/about-tel/commercial-truck-trailer-faqs/) - [Contact Us](https://tel360.com/contact-tel/) - Commercial Truck Leasing ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - Fleet Leasing ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - [For Hire Fleets](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-fleet-leasing/for-hire-fleets/) - [Fleet Support Program](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-fleet-leasing/fleet-support/) - [Fleet Owner’s Guide](https://tel360.com/fleet-owners-guide-to-profitability/) - Owner Operators ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - [Independent Owner Operator Program](https://tel360.com/independent-owner-operator-program/) - [Lease Purchase](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-lease-purchase/) - Trailer Leasing ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - [Trailer Leasing for Private Fleets](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-fleet-leasing/private-fleets/) - [TEL’s Guide to Trailer Leasing](https://tel360.com/tel-guide-to-trailer-leasing/) - Equipment Sales ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - [Overview](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-equipment-sales/) - [Used Truck Inventory](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-equipment-sales/used-truck-inventory/) - Maintenance ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - [Overview](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-maintenance/) - [Freightliner Truck Maintenance](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-maintenance/freightliner/) - [Peterbilt Truck Maintenance](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-maintenance/peterbilt/) - [Volvo Truck Maintenance](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-maintenance/volvo/) - [Kenworth Truck Maintenance](https://tel360.com/commercial-truck-maintenance/kenworth/) - Careers ![](https://news.tel360.com/hubfs/carrot-dropdwn.svg) - [Overview](https://tel360.com/tel-careers/) - [Open Positions](https://tel360.com/careers/openpositions/) - [News](https://news.tel360.com) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # How to Report Cargo Theft [Home](https://tel360.com) > [News](https://news.tel360.com) > How to Report Cargo Theft What is Cargo Theft? According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cargo theft is defined as: > *“The criminal taking of any cargo including but not limited to, goods, chattels, money, or baggage that constitutes, in whole or in part, a commercial shipment of freight moving in commerce, from any pipeline system, railroad car, motor truck, or other vehicle, or from any tank or storage facility, station house, platform, or depot, or from any vessel or wharf, or from any aircraft, air terminal, airport, aircraft terminal or air navigation facility, or from intermodal container, intermodal chassis, trailer, container freight station, warehouse, freight distribution facility, or freight consolidation facility. For purposes of this definition, cargo shall be deemed as moving in commerce at all points between the point of origin and the final destination, regardless of any temporary stop while awaiting transshipment or otherwise.”*   **Steps to Take if Cargo Theft Occurs:** 1. **Contact Local Law Enforcement and Insurance Provider** Immediately notify local law enforcement and your insurance provider. Stay in communication with both throughout the investigation. Be aware that law enforcement may escalate the case to the FBI. 2. **Record the Details** Document everything about the incident, including the time, location, type of cargo, and how the theft occurred. 3. **Investigate the Incident** Look into whether any employees may have been involved and gather statements from witnesses or others connected to the situation. 4. **Report the Theft** The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recommends reporting cargo thefts to **CargoNet**. It is also encouraged to submit the incident to the FBI’s **Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)** Program. For more information, refer to the FBI’s *Cargo Theft User Manual*. ![DryVan_Interior_RGB_nologo](https://news.tel360.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DryVan_Interior_RGB_nologo.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=DryVan_Interior_RGB_nologo.jpg) *This information is courtesy of our friends at the **Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).*** ### Subscribe to Our Newsletter! 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