Hackers are now going after trucking and freight companies in an alarming new scheme — using cyberattacks to steal and sell cargo shipments. Experts warn this trend could cost businesses and consumers billions of dollars if left unchecked.
Organized Crime Meets Cybercrime
According to cybersecurity firm Proofpoint Inc., these hackers are working hand-in-hand with organized crime groups.
Their strategy?
They infiltrate trucking carriers and freight brokers through email phishing and fake load postings, gaining remote access to dispatch systems — then hijack shipments. The stolen goods are often sold online or shipped overseas, creating losses across the entire supply chain.
“This isn’t just a trucking problem — it’s a full-scale supply chain threat,” said Selena Larson, senior threat intelligence analyst at Proofpoint.
Billions in Losses:
Cargo theft has already surged 27% in 2024 and is expected to jump another 22% in 2025, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The bureau estimates that $35 billion in goods are stolen from trucks and warehouses each year — everything from electronics to energy drinks.
How the Scam Works:
Hackers often pose as legitimate brokers or carriers on load boards, sending fake “setup packets” or “dispatch links” that contain malware. Busy dispatchers, rushing to book loads, may click the links without realizing they’re giving hackers full system access. Once inside, criminals can reroute or claim loads before legitimate carriers ever arrive.
“Carriers are under pressure to move fast,” said Proofpoint researcher Ole Villadsen. “That urgency is exactly what hackers exploit.”
Common Targets:
Food and beverage shipments are among the most targeted — especially energy drinks, which are resold overseas where some brands are banned or limited. While most of these attacks have been reported in North America, experts say it’s a global issue, with many of the cyber gangs believed to operate out of Russia or Eastern Europe.
Protecting Your Business:
These incidents highlight the need for trucking companies and brokers to strengthen their cybersecurity practices:
a) Verify all load postings and setup packets before clicking or downloading.
b) Use multi-factor authentication and secure email filters.
c) Educate dispatchers and staff to recognize phishing attempts.
d) Partner with your insurance provider to ensure cyber liability and cargo coverage are up to date.
The growing link between cybercrime and organized cargo theft is reshaping how the industry must think about risk. Staying alert — both on the road and online — is now essential to keeping freight and businesses safe.
Source material: Insurance Journal Magazine – Emily Forgash – November 3, 2025
