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(Infographic: Verisk CargoNet)

Verisk CargoNet warns of heightened freight fraud risk during holidays

In a timely warning ahead of the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday, Verisk CargoNet, a leading provider of cargo theft intelligence, has issued an urgent alert highlighting a dramatic spike in cargo theft incidents during this period. The advisory, released on November 26, 2025, underscores how the holiday season transforms U.S. highways into hotspots for organized crime, as thieves exploit distracted drivers, reduced law enforcement presence, and the influx of high-value goods like electronics, beverages, and consumer products.

CargoNet’s data reveals a troubling trend: Thanksgiving consistently ranks among the highest-risk windows for freight theft, with incidents surging by up to 20% compared to non-holiday weeks. In 2024 alone, the platform tracked over 1,800 reported cargo thefts nationwide, resulting in losses exceeding $500 million. Projections for 2025 suggest even higher figures, driven by economic pressures and sophisticated criminal networks. "The holiday rush creates a perfect storm," notes CargoNet Director of Loss Prevention, Mark Doran. "Shippers and carriers must heighten vigilance to safeguard their assets."

Key hotspots include California, Texas, and Florida, where interstate corridors like I-5, I-10, and I-95 see elevated activity. Thieves favor unsecured trailers parked at rest stops, truck stops, and industrial lots, often striking between midnight and 6 a.m. High-theft commodities this year include laptops, smartphones, and seasonal merchandise, with average stolen loads valued at $150,000. Emerging tactics involve GPS jamming, insider leaks, and rapid "smash-and-grab" operations using stolen vehicles.

The alert attributes the spike to several factors: seasonal e-commerce booms strain logistics, leading to more parked rigs overnight; family travel diverts carrier attention; and opportunistic criminals view holidays as low-risk windows due to festive distractions. CargoNet’s analytics, powered by Verisk’s AI-driven platform, have identified a 15% year-over-year increase in "quiet thefts"—undetected pilfering from partially loaded trailers—complicating recovery efforts.

To mitigate risks, CargoNet recommends proactive measures. Carriers should implement geo-fencing alerts on telematics systems, conduct pre-trip seal inspections, and avoid isolated parking. Shippers are urged to diversify routes, use armed escorts for high-value loads, and leverage CargoNet’s real-time threat mapping. Collaboration with law enforcement via the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is also emphasized. "Prevention is our best defense," Doran adds. "By sharing intelligence, we can disrupt these networks before they strike."

This alert aligns with Verisk’s broader mission to enhance supply chain resilience through data insights. Today, on Thanksgiving, industry stakeholders are called to action, ensuring safe delivery of holiday essentials amid rising threats. For more resources, visit CargoNet’s portal or subscribe to theft alerts.

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Freight Fraud Video of the Week 🤩

On this episode of Nemo Nation, hosts Dave Nemo and Jimmy Mac talk with Danielle Chaffin, a third-generation trucking professional and Senior Solutions Engineer at Revenova. Danielle is also the founder of Highway Veritas, a freight fraud investigation and data intelligence firm.

Sponsored by Descartes

Descartes’ Danielle Spinelli & Carrier Assure CEO, Cassandra Gaines, highlight the growing importance of balancing safety and fraud prevention with efficiency during this carrier vetting webinar.

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FMCSA revokes five ELDs: carriers face 60-Day deadline for compliance

(Photo: Jim Allen / FreightWaves)

On November 20, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) took decisive action by revoking five electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its approved registry, citing their failure to comply with federal safety standards. This move, part of FMCSA’s ongoing enforcement under the Electronic Logging Device rule, aims to bolster highway safety by ensuring all ELDs accurately track drivers’ hours of service (HOS). "Removing devices that fail to meet these requirements protects drivers, carriers, and the traveling public," stated FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs in the announcement. The revocations underscore the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on subpar technology that could enable HOS violations, potentially contributing to fatigue-related crashes.

The affected ELDs, previously certified for use in commercial motor vehicles, include:

Ontime Logs PT (Model: OTL100, ID: c3ac23) from ONTIME LOGS INC.

Green Light ELD (Models: PT30, IOSiX, ID: GLEHOS) from Green Light ELD LLC.

Sahara ELD (Model: GDELD1000, ID: SAHELD) from SAHARA ELD LLC.

USFAST ELD (Model: USFASTELD1, ID: UFE021) from USFAST ELD.

ELDWISE (Model: EWS, ID: EWS092) from NextParse LLC (formerly ELDWISE).

These devices were delisted after audits revealed inconsistencies in data recording, malfunction-prone interfaces, and non-adherence to FMCSA’s performance specifications, such as real-time engine synchronization and tamper-resistant features. While the exact deficiencies vary by provider, common issues involved inaccurate duty status logging and vulnerability to manipulation, eroding the ELD mandate’s integrity since its 2017 implementation.

For motor carriers relying on these ELDs, the implications are immediate and far-reaching. As of November 20, 2025, users must cease operations with the revoked devices and switch to alternative methods for HOS recording, including paper logs or non-ELD software. FMCSA has extended a 60-day grace period until January 20, 2026, during which enforcement officers are directed to forgo citations for ELD non-use. Instead, they will verify compliance via paper records or software outputs. Post-grace period, however, drivers caught with revoked ELDs face "No record of duty status" violations, resulting in out-of-service orders and hefty fines—up to $16,000 per violation under federal guidelines. This could disrupt fleets, especially smaller operators with tight budgets, as replacement ELDs can cost $150–$300 per unit plus installation.

FMCSA urges carriers to act swiftly: audit their ELD inventories, consult the updated Registered ELD Devices list on the agency’s website, and select compliant alternatives like KeepTruckin or Samsara. Providers of the revoked devices have been notified and may appeal or remedy issues, but carriers shouldn’t wait—delays risk operational halts during peak shipping seasons. Industry experts, via CDLLife, recommend budgeting for transitions now and training drivers on interim logging protocols to minimize downtime.

This revocation aligns with FMCSA’s broader 2025 priorities, including enhanced ELD audits amid rising HOS violation rates (over 5,000 cases reported last year). By weeding out unreliable tech, the agency reinforces the ELD rule’s role in curbing the 800+ annual fatigue-related truck crashes. Carriers are advised to monitor FMCSA alerts and leverage resources like the ELD User Guide for seamless swaps.