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.

   

This information is courtesy of our friends at the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).