Cargo Theft on the Rise: $400,000 Lobster Shipment Stolen

Cargo theft has become a pressing issue in the United States, impacting various sectors including seafood. A recent incident highlights this escalating problem: a truckload of live lobster, valued at $400,000, was reported stolen while en route to Costco warehouses in Illinois and Minnesota.

Details of the Theft

The lobster shipment was picked up in Taunton, Massachusetts, but it never reached its final destination, as confirmed by Dylan Rexing, the CEO of Rexing Companies, a logistics firm. Rexing indicated that the disappearance of the shipment points to the involvement of a “theft ring,” which is increasingly becoming a concern in the logistics industry.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

“This is a huge issue across the country,” said Rexing. “It directly impacts businesses and contributes to higher prices for consumers.”

Costco, which operates 633 locations throughout the U.S., is already grappling with rising prices due to tariffs imposed during the previous administration. The company is actively seeking ways to mitigate these tariff-related costs through vendor negotiations, alternative sourcing, and product substitutions, but the added complication of cargo theft presents further challenges.

Rising Trends in Cargo Theft

According to CargoNet, a cargo theft and recovery network, food and beverages top the list of stolen commodities. Their third-quarter supply chain risk trends analysis revealed a shocking 189% increase in thefts of meat and seafood products, rising from 18 incidents in Q3 2024 to 52 in Q3 2025.

Statistics and Insights

In total, 772 cargo theft events were recorded in Q3 across the U.S. and Canada, reflecting a 1% year-on-year increase but a 10% decrease from Q2 2025. Despite relatively stable incident volumes, the financial impact soared, with the total value of stolen goods reaching a record $111.88 million in Q3 2025.

Government Response and Evolution of the Criminal Tactics

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched “Operation Boiling Point” in an effort to combat these thefts, initially starting in 2022. However, data from CargoNet suggests that this initiative has prompted some criminal groups to abandon complex schemes like proof-of-delivery fraud in favor of simpler, direct thefts of unattended trailers.

Conclusion

The recent theft of the lobster shipment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the logistics and food industries in combating cargo theft. As the trend continues to rise, both businesses and consumers are likely to feel the financial impact, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures and greater awareness of this growing crime.

Watch More

For further insights, check out Undercurrent deputy editor Amanda Buckle discussing this incident live on News Nation.

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