Freight Fraud Tactics Evolve as Industry Fights Back

Brokers, carriers, and shippers must work together to combat increasingly sophisticated identity theft and theft schemes

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:36am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal padlock, a stack of dollar bills, and a computer mouse, symbolizing the need for heightened security, financial vigilance, and digital safeguards in the face of evolving freight fraud schemes.As freight fraud tactics become more sophisticated, the industry must fortify its defenses to protect cargo, finances, and reputations.Houston Today

Freight fraud tactics are constantly evolving, with a 117% increase in fraudulent email attempts targeting freight transactions in 2025 compared to 2024. Criminals are now using more sophisticated methods like hacking into systems to change carrier information, phishing to access email inboxes, and even operating legitimate trucking companies for a period before going rogue. To combat this, the entire industry must work together, with brokers, carriers, and shippers verifying identities, sharing information, and maintaining transparency.

Why it matters

Freight fraud poses a significant risk to the entire supply chain, leading to stolen cargo, financial losses, and damaged reputations. As these tactics become more advanced, the industry must adapt new strategies to stay ahead of the criminals and protect their businesses.

The details

According to Mark Andres, VP of Operations at ATS Logistics Services, the nature of freight fraud has shifted in recent years. Whereas theft used to involve physically tailing drivers and stealing unattended cargo, it has now evolved into more sophisticated identity theft and hacking schemes. Criminals are hacking into systems to change carrier information, using phishing tactics to access email inboxes, and even operating legitimate trucking companies for a period before going rogue. This makes it increasingly difficult for brokers and shippers to verify the legitimacy of carriers. To combat this, Andres emphasizes the need for a multi-layered approach involving brokers, carriers, and shippers working together to verify identities, share information, and maintain transparency throughout the supply chain.

  • In 2025, the Highway Carrier Identity Verification Firm reported a 117% increase in fraudulent email attempts targeting freight transactions compared to 2024.
  • A few years ago, the FMCSA was hacked, and carrier information was being changed in their system, though they have since corrected the issue.
  • Over the last 6-12 months, Andres has seen an increase in attempts by criminals to pose as legitimate carriers, either by purchasing MC numbers or starting their own trucking companies and then going rogue.

The players

Mark Andres

VP of Operations at ATS Logistics Services, a logistics provider focused on the United States with an international reach, offering services such as truckload brokerage, intermodal, LTL, and warehouse operations.

Highway Carrier Identity Verification Firm

A firm that tracks and reports on fraudulent activity targeting the freight industry.

FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The theft or fraud is an evolving thing. The industry, whether you're a broker or a shipper or a product, you kind of got to adapt new strategies as well.”

— Mark Andres, VP of Operations

“To me, it's like, I'm only so big, I'm only so many people or so many resources. So partnering with a handful of vendors, maybe not just one, but maybe having a couple other sources is important and the industry really has to work together.”

— Mark Andres, VP of Operations

What’s next

Federal regulators have been vocal about cracking down on freight fraud, with the FMCSA recently issuing a notice prohibiting the sale or purchase of USDOT or MC numbers. This indicates that more regulatory action and enforcement may be on the horizon to help combat these evolving fraud tactics.

The takeaway

Freight fraud is a persistent and growing problem in the industry, but by working together - with brokers, carriers, and shippers all doing their part to verify identities, share information, and maintain transparency - the supply chain can stay one step ahead of the criminals and protect their businesses from the financial and reputational damage caused by these sophisticated theft schemes.