The Rising Threat of Freight Fraud: How to Respond

It’s a question every shipper and broker should be asking, and not just once in a while. Fraud in transportation isn’t a rare headline anymore.

2024 set some grim records. There were more than 3,600 reported thefts in the full truckload space, a 27% jump from 2023. Each incident averaged around $110,000 in losses, adding up to nearly half a billion dollars. The hardest-hit regions were Southern California, Chicago, and Dallas. And here’s the kicker: early 2025 is showing no signs of slowing down.

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Fraud is Evolving Fast

Gone are the days when theft was just about breaking into a trailer. Criminals are getting smarter, using new tactics like:

• AI-generated fake documents that look real enough to pass a quick glance
• Impersonating legitimate carriers and brokers to gain access to loads
• Stealing or buying compromised login credentials to slip into systems undetected
  

For anyone moving spot freight or managing dedicated freight lanes, one slip can lead to a huge financial hit and a lot of lost trust with your customers.

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Building a Strong Fraud Prevention Lifecycle

There’s no single solution for fraud, but there is a proven way to shrink your risk. Think of it as a “lifecycle” you repeat with every load.

1. Carrier Compliance

Know exactly who you’re letting into your network.

• Have clear, strict approval standards
• Use third-party tools to verify carriers
• Keep monitoring carriers even after they’re onboarded
  
  

2. Load Posting & Visibility

Not all information needs to be public.

• Avoid posting sensitive shipment details
• Be extra cautious with loads out of high-risk areas
• When possible, use private boards or trusted carrier lists
  
  

3. Carrier Selection

Before assigning a load, especially high-value or urgent spot freight, double-check:

• Proven shipment history
• Verified contact, driver, and asset details
• Active, valid carrier status
  
  

4. Real-Time Tracking

Visibility is your best friend when it comes to preventing theft.

• Connect tracking (ELD, EDI, or mobile) at least three hours before pick-up
• Keep eyes on the load from origin to destination
• Investigate route changes or unexpected stops immediately

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Why It Matters

Fraud in full truckload shipping doesn’t just hurt your bottom line. It can derail customer relationships, disrupt your network, and create long-term trust issues. Taking fraud prevention seriously is about protecting more than just the freight. It’s about protecting your business.

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Final Takeaway

Fraud is getting more sophisticated every year. Your defenses have to keep up. By building a clear fraud prevention lifecycle into every move, whether it’s spot freight or dedicated freight, you can lower your risk, protect your loads, and keep your network running smoothly.