Cargo theft is at an all-time high, and trucking companies are feeling the impact. Just ask Adam Blanchard, CEO of Double Diamond Transportation & Tanager Logistics, who recently testified before Congress about the alarming rise in cargo theft. His message was clear: when his company became the target of sophisticated criminals, it felt like they were left to fend for themselves.

Blanchard’s story is just one of many. Cargo theft has skyrocketed by 1,500% since 2021, with the industry losing $35 billion annually. Thieves are becoming more sophisticated, using identity fraud to steal shipments and manipulate carrier records. Even worse, law enforcement agencies often lack the resources or jurisdiction to intervene, leaving businesses scrambling for solutions.

But here’s the good news: you’re not on your own. While law enforcement catches up, technology is already helping businesses fight back.

Technology is the best defense against cargo theft

At Motive, we’ve seen firsthand how AI-powered security solutions prevent theft and recover stolen cargo in hours — not months. In a world where thieves are getting smarter, businesses need real-time visibility and automated prevention to stay ahead.

How AI-powered security stops cargo theft

  1. Real-time GPS tracking
    • Know where your cargo is at all times with GPS tracking.
    • If theft occurs, recover stolen assets faster by pinpointing exact locations.
    • Case in point: A trucking company using Motive recovered stolen vehicles within hours, compared to an eight-month delay with a previous provider.
  2. Geofencing & instant alerts
    • Set virtual perimeters around high-risk areas, terminals, and yards.
    • Receive immediate alerts when a vehicle or trailer moves outside an authorized zone.
    • Prevent unauthorized movement and help law enforcement respond quickly.
  3. Remote engine immobilization
    • Stop thieves in their tracks — literally.
    • With Motive’s Engine Immobilizer, businesses can remotely shut down stolen vehicles.
    • This means criminals can’t take off with valuable cargo, reducing loss dramatically.
  4. AI-powered theft detection
    • Detect unusual activity, like unauthorized vehicle movement or sudden cargo access.
    • Identify and record theft attempts, providing video evidence for law enforcement.
    • One company using AI-powered dash cameras, for example, recovered millions in stolen equipment thanks to clear, indisputable footage.

Thanks to the Motive Vehicle Gateway, I started tracking the van while I was on the phone with the San Jose Police Department. We were able to track it and recover it.

— Jon Fontaine, Corporate Fleet Manager

Businesses are fighting back – and winning

Blanchard’s testimony highlights the urgent need for legislative action and better law enforcement coordination. But until those changes happen, technology offers a proven way to prevent theft and protect businesses.

Companies that once faced devastating losses have completely transformed their security approach with AI-powered solutions. In the construction industry, GPS tracking helped recover $5 million in stolen equipment, proving that investing in technology pays for itself in theft prevention alone.

Protect your fleet — before it’s too late

Cargo theft isn’t going away, and waiting for better regulation won’t keep your business safe today. Motive’s security solution offers a complete solution, giving businesses real-time tracking, automated alerts, and active theft prevention tools.

Blanchard may have been told he was “on his own.” But you don’t have to be.

Learn how Motive can protect your business today.