CTOA Plans National Freight Security Initiative Amid Rising Cargo Theft Across Canada

This is not just a trucking issue, it is a national supply chain and economic security issue that requires coordinated action

Mississauga, ON (March 17) :  The Canadian Truck Operators Association (CTOA) is planning to launch a national freight security initiative aimed at addressing the growing problem of cargo, trailer, and equipment theft across Canada.

Cargo theft has become an increasingly serious threat to trucking companies, freight brokers, shippers, insurers, and the broader Canadian supply chain. According to industry estimates and cargo security reports, cargo theft across North America has escalated significantly, with losses reaching approximately $725 million in 2025, representing a sharp increase from previous years.

With over 70% of Canada’s domestic freight moved by trucks, rising cargo theft is not just an industry concern, it is a growing supply chain security issue that can impact businesses, consumers, and economic stability across the country.

Canadian law enforcement and industry stakeholders have also reported increasing theft activity in key logistics regions, particularly in major freight corridors such as the Greater Toronto Area and Peel Region, where hundreds of incidents have been recorded in recent years.

Organized criminal networks are increasingly targeting high-value shipments using sophisticated tactics such as fraudulent carrier identities, fictitious pickups, and coordinated cargo theft operations. These developments reflect a growing concern that cargo theft is evolving into a more organized and systemic challenge affecting the transportation sector.

In response, CTOA has begun facilitating information sharing among its members regarding theft incidents, suspicious activities, and emerging patterns, helping carriers and drivers respond more quickly to potential threats.

Building on these efforts, CTOA is engaging with industry stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, insurers, technology providers, and government bodies as it prepares to develop a national information-sharing and coordination framework aimed at preventing cargo theft and improving recovery of stolen freight and equipment.

“Freight and trailer theft is no longer an isolated issue affecting a few companies, it is becoming a broader supply chain security challenge,” said Tej Dulat, CTOA. “CTOA has started working with our members to share information and raise awareness, and we are preparing to help lead a coordinated effort with industry partners, law enforcement, and policymakers to address this problem.”

“This is not just a trucking issue, it is a national supply chain and economic security issue that requires coordinated action,” Dulat added.

As part of the proposed initiative, CTOA is exploring several practical measures:

• Improving real-time information sharing between trucking companies, brokers, insurers, and law enforcement
• Developing an industry alert system to notify fleets and professional drivers of stolen freight, suspicious pickups, and emerging threats
• Strengthening collaboration with federal, provincial, and municipal authorities on cargo theft investigations and enforcement
• Promoting security awareness and prevention training for fleets, drivers, dispatchers, brokers, and warehouse personnel
• Encouraging more consistent reporting and improved data collection related to cargo theft incidents

CTOA believes that stronger coordination between industry participants and public authorities can significantly improve both prevention and recovery efforts.

“Canada’s economy depends on a secure and reliable trucking network,” Dulat said. “By working together and sharing information more effectively, the industry and government can take meaningful steps to protect freight, strengthen supply chains, and reduce the impact of organized cargo theft.”

CTOA is committed to playing a leadership role in bringing together industry and public stakeholders to address this growing challenge and will be engaging partners in the coming weeks as it advances this initiative.

Media contact: To request comment or information from CTOA, Please email info@thectoa.ca