Freight Cargo Theft in Rhode Island & Massachusetts: A Growing Threat to Businesses

At The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett, we continue to monitor the rise in freight cargo theft affecting businesses and carriers throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Cargo theft — including high-value freight hijackings and shipment interceptions — has significant financial and legal repercussions for shipping companies, truckers, warehouse operators, and insurers.

Recently, authorities in Taunton, Massachusetts, reported that nearly $400,000 worth of live lobsters were stolen from a shipping facility after a criminal posed as a legitimate trucking company to intercept the freight mid-transit. This incident underscores the sophisticated tactics criminal rings are using to exploit weaknesses in supply and logistics security. 

Read the full news article here:
https://turnto10.com/news/local/nearly-400000-worth-of-live-lobsters-stolen-from-shipping-facility-in-taunton-lineage-live-intercepted-trucking-company-impersonate-december-28-2025 WJAR

What Happened in the Taunton Theft?

The lobster shipment was being processed at the Lineage Logistics facility when a criminal — pretending to be a trusted carrier — gained access, took possession of the cargo, and drove off with it. Investigators believe this is part of a pattern of organized cargo theft crimes targeting high-value goods, including perishables that are harder to trace once intercepted. This type of fraud involves identity spoofing, false credentials, burner phones, and fake trucking authority credentials — all common tactics in organized freight theft rings. The FBI and local authorities have opened investigations into this case and similar events.

Federal Charges for Freight Cargo Theft: 18 U.S. Code § 2314

Freight cargo theft cases do not always stay in state court. In many situations — particularly when stolen goods cross state lines — these cases may trigger federal prosecution under 18 U.S. Code § 2314, commonly referred to as the Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property statute.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 2314, it is a federal crime to knowingly transport, transmit, or transfer stolen goods, merchandise, or money worth $5,000 or more across state lines. In organized cargo theft schemes, including those involving impersonation of trucking companies or fraudulent carrier credentials, federal authorities often become involved early in the investigation.

Penalties Under 18 U.S. Code § 2314

A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 2314 carries severe consequences, including:

• Up to 10 years in federal prison
  
  

• Substantial federal fines
  
  

• Forfeiture of property or assets
  
  

• A permanent federal felony record
  
  

Federal sentencing guidelines may further increase penalties if the case involves:

• High-value cargo
  
  

• Sophisticated fraud or impersonation
  
  

• Multiple participants
  
  

• Prior criminal history

Why Cargo Theft Is a Serious Business Risk

Cargo theft affects everyone in the supply chain:

• Increased premiums and insurance challenges.

• Loss of goods valued at hundreds of thousands.

• Potential liability disputes between carriers, brokers, and shippers.

• Long-term impact on trust and business relationships.

In the New England region, ports, logistical centers, truck stops, and distribution hubs are not immune to these crimes — and the trend shows organized groups see freight theft as a high-reward operation. Businesses must be vigilant and legally prepared.

How The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett Can Help

At The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett, we represent clients throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts in matters involving:

• Freight Cargo Theft Defense

• Commercial & Business Litigation involving theft claims

• Compliance and regulatory disputes

• Insurance defense and recovery

• Criminal defense related to cargo and transportation crimes

We understand how cargo theft investigations intersect with both state and federal laws and how devastating these crimes can be for businesses, truck drivers, and logistics providers.

Contact Us

If your business has been affected by cargo theft — or you need proactive legal counsel on freight crime prevention and defense — contact us:

Cranston, Rhode Island Office
Address: 1000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone:  401.425.4059

Wellesley, Massachusetts Office
Address: 572 Washington Street, Wellesley MA 02482
Phone:  857.229.2442

Let The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett help protect your business and your rights in the face of freight cargo crime.