fraud

Bankruptcies, closures and fraud: Key trucking stories in 2024

2024 was another brutal year for trucking companies and freight brokerages. Thousands of firms called it quits, sought bankruptcy protection or both. Fraud-related stories also dominated the headlines. FreightWaves looks back at some of the year’s key stories.

Illinois-based Nationwide Cargo Inc. files for bankruptcy

Founded in June 2010, Nationwide Cargo Inc. of East Dundee, Illinois, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 13. The company hauls general freight, fresh produce and meat,...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/bankruptcies-closures-and-fraud-key-trucking-stories-in-2024

Can the industry overcome its cybersecurity woes?

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s “2025 Trucking Cybersecurity Trends Report” painted a stark picture of the road ahead for the freight industry, with cyberthreats evolving at an increasing pace. From AI-powered phishing scams to cyber-enabled cargo theft, hackers are deploying sophisticated tactics to exploit vulnerabilities across fleets. 

One alarming trend mentioned in the report was the rise of delayed phishing, in which malicious links bypass detection by striking only after...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/can-the-industry-overcome-its-cybersecurity-woes

Top 5 freight fraud stories of 2024

This year freight fraud took center stage, exposing cracks in the logistics industry’s defenses and leaving a trail of financial devastation. From coordinated ransom schemes to pandemic relief fraud, 2024 showcased the growing sophistication and reach of bad actors in transportation.

These cases revealed a troubling pattern of exploiting systemic vulnerabilities. Fraudsters used tools like falsified documents, illegal carriers and shell companies to bypass regulations and manipulate financial...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/top-5-freight-fraud-stories-of-2024

Exploring fraud claims at Kal Freight

California-based trucking company Kal Freight Inc. is facing accusations of fraud so extensive it’s reshaping conversations around financial misconduct in the freight industry. 

With $325 million in long-term debt and $24 million in unsecured claims, the company’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is only the beginning of a scandal involving phantom assets, forged titles and misappropriated collateral.

Kal Freight’s largest creditor, Daimler Truck Financial Services, alleges the company secured...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/exploring-fraud-claims-at-kal-freight

DAT acquires Trucker Tools, leadership speaks on tech goals for 2025

DAT Freight & Analytics, a business unit of Roper Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP), announced Tuesday it has acquired capacity visibility platform Trucker Tools from ASG, a portfolio company of Alpine Investors, making a strategic move to enhance DAT’s capacity for carrier engagement, load optimization and fraud prevention technology. 

Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed, and Trucker Tools will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership.

“We are always looking...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/dat-acquires-trucker-tools-leadership-speaks-on-tech-goals-for-2025

Macy’s $151M freight accounting scandal: What happened with parcel deliveries?

In late 2024, retail giant Macy’s revealed a shocking accounting scandal involving its parcel delivery expenses. It said a single employee had managed to hide approximately $151 million in delivery costs over nearly three years, causing significant disruption to the company’s financial reporting and raising questions about its internal controls.

The discovery

Macy’s uncovered the issue during the preparation of its financial statements for the third quarter of 2024. The company immediately...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/macys-151m-freight-accounting-scandal-what-happened-with-parcel-deliveries

Kal Freight’s bankruptcy reveals massive fraud accusations

In a stunning turn of events, California-based trucking company Kal Freight Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, unveiling a web of fraudulent activities that have sent shockwaves through the industry. The company faces serious allegations of financial misconduct and asset mismanagement.

Who is Kal Freight?

According to a filing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Kal Freight employs 600 drivers and has 580 power units. The company was founded in 2014 and has...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/kal-freights-bankruptcy-reveals-massive-fraud-accusations

Manager of New York freight forwarder accused of illegal oil, gas product exports

The manager of a New York-based freight forwarding company is facing criminal charges alleging she violated federal export controls by illegally shipping oil and gas products to Russia.

Natalya Ivanovna Mazulina, of Federal Way, Washington, also known as “Natasha Mazulina,” was indicted on 12 counts of conspiracy to export controlled goods to Russia without a license, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to commit money laundering, exporting controlled goods to Russia without a license,...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/manager-of-new-york-freight-forwarder-accused-of-illegal-oil-gas-product-exports

’Tis the season for porch pirates

The holiday season brings festivities and cheer but also attracts porch pirates — thieves who steal packages from doorsteps.

In 2023, over 120 million packages were stolen across the U.S., and this year alone, package thefts accounted for $12 billion in losses. 

With an increase in online shopping, porch piracy is becoming a more prevalent issue.

Thieves often target high-value items like electronics or brand-name products, taking advantage of unattended packages. To protect your deliveries,...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/tis-the-season-for-porch-pirates

Freight Essentials takes aim at WWEX Group in federal lawsuit

Logistics firm Freight Essentials filed a federal lawsuit against WWEX Group and its affiliates, alleging that the company is engaging in fraudulent business practices with hidden fees.

The suit was filed Thursday in the Northern District of Texas. It alleges the companies that make up WWEX, including Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers, defrauded consumers and small-business owners by charging hidden fees related to fuel costs and cargo insurance.

GlobalTranz is accused of...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freight-essentials-takes-aim-at-wwex-group-in-federal-lawsuit

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