Unpacking Freight: From Producers to Front Doors

Securing the Freight Supply Chain: Addressing Cargo Theft and Fraud

Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 2:30–4:00 pm
 In‑person

About the Event

This roundtable highlighted one of the fastest-growing threats to freight and supply chain operations: cargo theft and fraud. Cargo theft and fraud have escalated significantly in recent years, driven by increasingly sophisticated criminal networks exploiting vulnerabilities in freight movements, digital systems, and identity verification. The financial losses are substantial—costing billions annually across the US—and the ripple effects are felt throughout the supply chain, from manufacturers and retailers to carriers and consumers. Stolen or diverted freight disrupts delivery timelines, damages business relationships, and undermines trust in supply chain security and integrity.

The discussion brought together leading voices from across the freight ecosystem to share insights on the nature and magnitude of the threat, explore real-world case studies, and discuss emerging strategies to deter and respond to these crimes. The session, moderated by CTS director Kyle Shelton, featured the following panelists:

  • Ari Silkey, General Manager, Amazon Freight
  • Will Johnson, Chief Special Agent and Assistant Vice President, BNSF Railway Police Department
  • Matthew Minton, Vice President, North American Surface Transportation, CH Robinson
  • Cornell Heldenbrand, Vice President of Security, J.B. Hunt Transport

Panelists discussed how their organizations are identifying, preventing, and responding to incidents of cargo theft and fraud. They also reflected on what more is needed—from collaboration to technology to policy—to stay ahead of these evolving threats.

Watch a video of the event

Key event takeaways

The event was held as part of CTS's 2025 thematic focus, "Unpacking Freight: From Producers to Front Doors."

About the Panelists

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About the Panelists

Ari Silkey, General Manager, Amazon Freight

With over two decades of experience in technology and transportation, Ari Silkey has led transformative initiatives across multiple industries. Currently, as the General Manager of Amazon Freight, he oversees the externalization of the Amazon surface transportation network, bringing the power of the network to all customers.

Previously, as the General Manager of Amazon North American Surface Transportation, he led the designing, building, and scaling of the award-winning transportation system which has been recognized by multiple FreightWaves FreightTech 25 innovation awards. This network includes 70K+ trailers and integrates cutting-edge technology for real-time tracking and optimization, ensuring unparalleled efficiency and customer satisfaction. Before that, he was the General Manager of Global Transportation Technology at Amazon, spearheading the development of the Amazon Relay application and various carrier management systems, leveraging IoT technology to enhance tracking and routing. His innovations have contributed to high driver satisfaction and efficient 1-day customer shipping.

Prior to joining Amazon, he held senior leadership positions at Fortune 100 companies and co-founded several startups. Over the course of his career, Silkey has led the successful development and launch of more than 100 products that have positively impacted safety, productivity, and sustainability.

A Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient, he has served as a member of the Minnesota Governor’s Advisory Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles and is an Executive Committee Board member of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, helping to shape the future of technology in transportation.

Will Johnson, Chief Special Agent and Assistant Vice President, BNSF Railway Police Department

Will Johnson headshot

Chief Will Johnson has 28 years of law enforcement experience and serves as the chief special agent and assistant vice president for BNSF Railway. BNSF Railway is one of the largest railroad companies in North America, operating in 28 US states and three Canadian provinces.

Matthew Minton, Vice President, North American Surface Transportation, CH Robinson

Matthew Minton headshot

Matthew Minton, vice president of carrier experience, has more than 27 years of total experience, including 21 years of team leadership and more than 7 years of executive level leadership at CH Robinson. The company serves 83,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers that manage more than 37 million shipments and $23 billion in freight annually.

Cornell Heldenbrand, Vice President of Security, J.B. Hunt Transport

Cornell Heldenbrand headshot

Cornell Heldenbrand, vice president of security for J.B. Hunt Transport has been with the company in a security role for more than 24 years. In his current role, he is responsible for overseeing security operations within the organization.