Cargo Theft Statistics & Trends

Cargo theft can occur anywhere along the supply chain, affecting local logistics, transporters, storage yards, groupage operators, LCL consolidators, ports, depots, terminals, insurance, carriers and freight forwarders equally. BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions assesses that companies lose more than an estimated $76 million in UK alone due to cargo theft highlighting the seriousness of this issue.

Our report brings together threat and intelligence data from BSI’s supply chain security country risk intelligence tool, SCREEN and ZYL’s insurance risk management and loss prevention insights. We aim to engage in a proactive approach in preventing cargo crime.

Mike Yarwood, shipping & warehouse lead, ZYL

South America topped the regional analysis with a whopping median value of $77,000 per theft, followed by Europe, USA, MEA, and Asia. While the research found that there were commonalities in the modalities involved and in the commodities targeted, there was some variation in the median value of the cargo affected. In terms of the types of cargo theft itself, Slash and Grabs had the biggest percentages 26% and hijackings accounting for 17%.

Hijacking was the most common method used in North and South America at 37% and 52% respectively whereas in Asia, theft from a facility was the most common at 43% compared with just 19% from hijacking. Insider threat has been identified by this report as a common vulnerability across the globe.. As organisations evolve and are becoming more and more secure in terms of cybersecurity, access controls etc, the recruitment of insiders becomes a more attractive option for those attempting to gain access.