Freight Theft Risks Rose Amid Holiday Capacity Constraints
Shippers must prioritize carrier verification to protect high-value loads during peak season budget pressures.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Transportation
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Is it worth paying more for secure freight shipping during volatile holiday peak seasons?
Circle Logistics has advised shippers to strengthen carrier verification processes as manufacturers face elevated freight theft risks. An alleged criminal ring has stolen approximately $10 million in goods since March 2023, prompting heightened security measures during the busy holiday shipping season.
Why it matters
Rising diesel costs and capacity constraints drive shippers toward lower-cost carriers, inadvertently increasing exposure to sophisticated theft rings. These operational pressures create urgent risks for businesses moving high-value inventory.
Freight theft rings have stolen an estimated $10 million in cargo since March 2023. Meanwhile, supply chain operators are navigating a tight environment with outbound tender rejection rates ranging from 13.5% to 14.0% for van and reefer equipment.
The players
Circle Logistics
A logistics firm founded in 2011 that services over $700 million in freight spend and maintains headquarters in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Institute for Supply Management
An organization providing industry indices, which reported a 54.5% index level for September 2026.
The details
Logistics providers are countering cargo theft by integrating Highway carrier identity verification tools to monitor drivers post-booking. Firms like Circle Logistics, which manages over $700 million in annual freight spend, now utilize 24/7 in-house tracking desks alongside electronic logging device (ELD) data to detect suspicious carrier behavior. These technical guardrails are increasingly critical as market rates hover around $3.07 per mile for spot van loads.
Timeline
March 2023: Alleged freight theft ring began operations.
February 2026: Circle Logistics blocked theft of $100,000 copper shipment.
September 2026: Diesel prices averaged $6.382 per gallon.
Q4 2026: Manufacturers expanding operations for holiday peak season.
Market Landscape
This security focus follows a pattern set by the Institute for Supply Management's monthly manufacturing index, which recorded new orders at 55.3% in September 2026. The current surge in logistical activity during the holiday season compounds these systemic supply chain risks.
Operators should mandate strict carrier verification protocols before tendering high-value loads to brokers or carriers during the Q4 peak season. Finance and operations teams should monitor spot rate volatility and fuel surcharges, which remain elevated relative to typical seasonal averages.
The takeaway
Cargo theft is a growing operational hazard when market capacity tightens and fuel costs rise. Audit your current logistics partnerships to ensure they utilize active identity verification and ELD integration before the holiday peak hits maximum volume.
Further reading
For broader trends affecting supply chain movement, see our coverage of Transportation.
More information
Review the full Circle Logistics company information portal for details on their carrier vetting platform.
Live Poll
Is it worth paying more for secure freight shipping during volatile holiday peak seasons?
