Cargo theft, cyber risks driving insurance scrutiny in trucking

Industry experts at the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada’s annual conference warned that rising cargo theft and cyber threats are fundamentally changing the insurance landscape for the trucking sector. Insurers are increasingly tightening underwriting standards, requiring fleets to move beyond basic administrative compliance toward proactive risk management and advanced technological integration. This shift is critical for carriers and brokers who must now demonstrate robust security protocols and data-driven operational controls to secure and maintain essential coverage.

Maria-Christina Sorbo-Mayrand of Miller Thomson emphasized that insurance should be treated as a strategic operational tool rather than a mere administrative task. With cargo theft projected to rise through 2026, particularly for high-value goods like electronics and refrigerated products, insurers are scrutinizing claims more closely and demanding documented security procedures. Carriers are encouraged to maintain open communication with brokers and understand the specific exclusions in policies such as commercial auto liability, cargo, and cyber liability to avoid denied claims during a loss.

Mike Grabovica, CEO of Birdseye Security Solutions, highlighted a significant shift in criminal tactics, noting that organized crime is moving away from physical break-ins toward fraudulent pickups. To combat this, he urged fleets to adopt predictive and prescriptive security strategies using integrated networks of cameras and sensors. These systems, which Birdseye uses to process approximately one million gate transactions monthly, allow for real-time verification of driver credentials and equipment conditions, creating a unified platform that enhances both security and operational efficiency.

The growing reliance on digital telematics and yard-management systems has introduced new vulnerabilities, making cyber liability insurance a necessity for modern logistics providers. Sorbo-Mayrand noted that insurers now expect proof that companies are actively using the data generated by their technology to mitigate risks like ransomware and data breaches. Additionally, she warned against over-reliance on certificates of insurance when subcontracting loads, as these documents often fail to disclose critical policy exclusions or the specific protections afforded to third parties in complex double-brokering scenarios.