A truck carrying about $400,000 worth of live lobsters bound for Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota was hijacked, prompting a federal investigation into a suspected organized cargo theft ring.
The shipment was reported missing on Christmas Eve by Rexing Companies, an Indiana-based logistics firm. CEO Dylan Rexing said the truck was collected in Taunton, Massachusetts, but never reached its scheduled delivery locations. He said the circumstances point to a deliberate theft rather than a routing mistake.
Rexing believes the hijacking is part of a broader cargo theft operation targeting high-value, easily resold goods such as food shipments. The FBI is now investigating the case, though no arrests have been made.
The loss has also affected Rexing Companies internally. The Evansville-based firm employs over 100 people, and the stolen shipment has disrupted plans related to hiring and employee bonuses.
Authorities say the incident may not be isolated. Investigators noted that another seafood shipment was reportedly stolen earlier this month from the same Massachusetts facility, raising concerns about a coordinated theft effort. The missing lobsters were headed to multiple Costco locations, and experts warn that food cargo theft is increasing because perishable goods can be quickly moved and sold.