Cargo Theft

Discover cargo theft prevention methods that work. Minimize risks, protect shipments, and maintain supply chain integrity.

September 22, 2025
September 22, 2025
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Cargo Theft on the Rise: Why Cyber Liability Insurance Is Critical for Brokers

Digital Theft Is Rising. Are You Covered? In 2023, reported cargo theft in the U.S. topped $1 billion for the first time. According to NICB and CargoNet, incidents rose 27% from the year before, and things aren’t slowing down. Losses are expected to jump another 22% by the end of 2025. Criminals are getting smarter, using fake carrier identities, spoofed emails, and hacked dispatch systems to steal freight remotely. Cybercrime can be a major setback for businesses without cyber liability insurance. If you’re a freight broker or forwarder, you’re already juggling tight margins, complex compliance, and demanding shippers.  But here’s the kicker: most brokers still don’t have protection against today’s biggest risk, cybercrime. Freight Crime Has Gone Digital Cybercriminals are targeting freight and logistics more than ever. IBM’s latest report showed the transportation industry ranked as the fifth most attacked sector in 2024, up from eighth the year before. Why? […]
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October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023
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Cargo Theft on the Rise: Understanding the Growing Challenge in America

The Current State of Cargo Theft In the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain security, one issue looms large and persistent: cargo theft. As we progress into the last quarter of 2023, cargo theft continues to be a growing challenge for businesses across the United States. Understanding the current state of cargo theft is not just a matter of concern; it’s imperative for any company involved in logistics, transportation, or the movement of goods to take certain precautions. The Numbers Tell the Story To comprehend the scale of this issue, it’s essential to look at the numbers. In 2023, cargo theft is far from being a minor or sporadic occurrence. According to recent data and industry reports, cargo theft is on the rise, both in terms of frequency and the overall value of stolen goods.   The financial toll of cargo theft on the American economy is significant, with over 44 […]
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February 27, 2023
February 27, 2023
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Best Practices: Protect Your Business by Properly Vetting Your Motor Carriers

As a transportation industry freight broker, it’s crucial to properly vet your motor carriers. At PFA Transportation Insurance & Surety Services, we have a dedicated Claims Department that has firsthand knowledge of the pitfalls associated with hiring motor carriers without appropriate vetting. This includes claims where carrier lacks proper authority or sufficient insurance. The Importance of Proper Vetting for Freight Brokers Failing to conduct due diligence before tendering a load can expose your business to liabilities that could have been avoided. Negligent hiring or entrustment claims can hold you responsible for damages caused by a carrier you hired. To mitigate these risks, we recommend that freight brokers develop and maintain carrier qualification procedures and document them thoroughly. Steps to Take Before Tendering Freight to a Carrier By following these best practices, you can protect your business from costly liabilities and ensure that you are conducting business with reputable and qualified […]
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November 30, 2021
November 30, 2021
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Roadmap to Success Ensuring the Right Due Diligence in Vetting your Motor Carriers

Vetting your Motor Carriers has never been more important than it is going into 2022. It’s the kind of due diligence that can prevent you from surprises and disappointments.   As we’ve said before, when it comes to appointing Motor Carriers, an important part of your due diligence is to ensure the carriers with whom you contract have the proper FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) authority,  that your Motor Carriers carry the appropriate lines of insurance coverage and that your Motor Carriers have the necessary CSA safety ratings. Without question, this due diligence regarding your Motor Carriers should be one of the most basic and fundamental priorities for your Freight Brokerage business.   Your Motor Carrier should be appropriately licensed, authorized and insured to protect the loads in question.  You can look up the Motor Carrier’s authority, and regulatory insurance requirements, on the FMCSA’s website. This will give you […]
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November 24, 2020
November 24, 2020
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Vetting Your Motor Carriers Means No Unwanted Surprises

While there are many things for Freight Brokers to consider when contracting with Motor Carriers, one important part of your due diligence is to ensure the carriers with whom you contract have the proper Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) authority. It’s also important that your Motor Carriers carry the appropriate lines of insurance coverage. Without question, this is one of the most basic and fundamental of priorities you may have for your Freight Brokerage business. Your Motor Carrier should be appropriately licensed, authorized and insured to protect the loads in question.  It is essential to call the Motor Carrier’s insurance provider directly to verify the coverage that is listed on the Certificate of Insurance that you are provided. There are many unfortunate instances in the industry when Freight Brokers are provided with a fake certificate from a fraudulent source. The bottom line is that it is your responsibility as a […]
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June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
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Shipper’s to Expand your Business and Grow Your Revenues

Expanding your business opportunities is a keystone to business strength and independence. One of the surefire ways to increase your revenues from shippers is Shipper’s Interest. A small investment in Shipper’s Interest and other carefully selected transportation insurance products can help grow your business. Some things to think about as you map out a plan that will take you through the current disruption include: Shipper’s Interest, which can be an effective way to cover high-value cargo, protect key shipper relationships and provide insurance at the time it is needed without facing costs in advance; Contingent Cargo means “peace of mind” and it is frequently required under many shipper agreements; Auto, General, and Umbrella/Excess Liability may also arise in the insurance requirements of certain shippers. Shipper Insurance Requirements When a shipper provides you with their insurance requirements, be aware of three additional coverage requirements. Often called endorsements, these coverage requirements need […]
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March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
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Fueling Up – A Supply Chain in Flux

Adversity brings out the best in many of us. That will be counted on in the coming months as we adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis.  Those of you focused on the restaurant industry, for example, may need to shift gears to supporting the demand being faced by grocery stores, pharmacies and health food stores. There will be a slowdown – at least for the short term – in many products and services considered non-essential and a huge spike in those more essential to public health and safety. Are there competitors who could become collaborators? Could you team up on some opportunities with companies that are rivals? Or, are there trade-offs that you could make with other Freight Brokers or Motor Carriers? Are you built to be part of the solution in working with various levels of government and the health care sector? Are there ways in which […]
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January 3, 2020
January 3, 2020
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Cargo Insurance & Coverage

Failing to plan is planning to fail. And that applies to planning to do some new things in 2020. Now’s the time to consider those new twists for the new year. Sometimes, even a small shift can mean new business. You’ve probably been thinking about a few new opportunities over the last few months; now is the time to get serious and make them happen. A prominent question on the minds of many Freight Brokers is a simple one: What can increase business? PFA Transportation Insurance & Surety Services is always exploring this key question for many Freight Brokers: “How can I make my company more desirable to Shippers?” Cargo Coverage Services One of the primary protections for you – and one commonly desired by Shippers – is some form of cargo coverage. It’s worth considering and several options exist. Most Freight Brokers have heard of and consider Contingent Cargo […]
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