“A tactical escalation”
Freight theft in the USA’s railway networks. According to the Association of American Railroads, freight thefts increased by 40% in 2024, leading to additional costs of around USD 100 million for the largest railroads.
Freight theft on the railway networks in the USA is on the rise, as the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported, on the basis of industry estimates.
The AAR has reported that organised crime groups are increasingly targeting rail transport, using “sophisticated tactics and technology to commit freight theft.”
40% year-on-year increase
Industry estimates cited by the AAR indicate that more than 65,000 thefts occurred on the US rail network in 2024. This represents a 40% increase compared to the previous year.
According to the AAR, rail operators have even reported “tactical escalations,” including armed robberies, which increase the risk of violence during arrests.
Theft not only leads to higher insurance costs but also causes damage to the infrastructure. Delays on the rail network are another consequence, making investment necessary to counter the trend. “These factors, combined with inflationary pressures, contribute to costs rising for consumers and to growing operating costs for businesses,” the Association of American Railroads said.
Railroads estimate that no more than one in ten thefts leads to an arrest. In 2024 the total costs for the largest railroads are said to have exceeded USD 100 million. The AAR said that “breaking this cycle will require sustained attention, dedicated federal resources and increased penalties.” The interstate and transnational nature of the problem mean “a federal response is necessary to improve coordination and facilitate the effective prosecution of the criminals involved.”