Nearly $1 million in Pokémon, sports and other trading cards disappeared from a FedEx truck in Santa Ana, California. The driver discovered the missing cargo October 13 outside a Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) facility. Two pallets had vanished, and someone had removed additional packages from a third. Police are still trying to determine when and where the theft occurred.
Driver discovers missing lock at PSA facility
The FedEx vehicle was parked in a lot belonging to PSA when the driver noticed something wrong. Although the company owns the property, members of the public can access the parking area. A lock securing the rear cargo door was missing. When the driver opened the compartment, he found the contents disturbed and several shipments gone.
The driver had left the vehicle before discovering the missing lock, according to Santa Ana police. Other news outlets reported he was gone for 60 to 90 minutes. However, a department spokesperson told FreightWaves on Tuesday that investigators could not confirm that timeline. Detectives are reviewing his account to better understand the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
The driver contacted Santa Ana police, who responded to investigate the reported theft. Officers documented two missing pallets, each containing approximately 100 packages of collectible trading cards. Someone had also removed an undetermined number of parcels from a third pallet. Investigators do not yet know how many individual cards disappeared.
Police initially valued the missing merchandise at approximately $963,000, although the final loss could exceed that amount. The shipment involved collectible cards associated with PSA, which authenticates and professionally grades trading cards. Authorities have not completed a final inventory of the stolen property. That process could change the estimated value as investigators establish exactly what disappeared.
FedEx responded to FreightWaves’ request for comment with the following statement. “The security of our customers’ shipments is a top priority, and we are working with local law enforcement in their investigation.” The company did not clarify whether FedEx was delivering cards for grading or collecting completed orders for return shipment. FreightWaves also contacted PSA to clarify the shipment’s direction and identify affected customers. The company did not respond before publication.
Southern California remained a major cargo theft hot spot during the second quarter of 2026. CargoNet reported $304.6 million in cargo theft losses during that same period. Both reports provide broader context for the financial impact of stolen freight. Neither establishes how the FedEx shipment disappeared.
Detectives return to PSA to investigate
On Tuesday, October 20, detectives returned to the PSA facility to examine potential surveillance footage and gather additional evidence. Investigators are working to corroborate the driver’s account and reconstruct the vehicle’s movements. Finding the missing cargo at PSA does not necessarily mean someone stole it there. Police have not established whether thieves accessed the vehicle in that parking lot or somewhere along its route.
Several important questions remain unanswered. Investigators have not identified suspects or determined whether thieves specifically targeted the collectible cards. Police also could not confirm whether the FedEx vehicle was a tractor-trailer, box truck or smaller delivery vehicle. The department has not announced any arrests or recovered any of the missing merchandise.
Customers concerned about missing cards should contact PSA directly, according to Santa Ana police. Authorities have not released a complete inventory identifying affected shipments. The number of customers impacted remains unknown. FreightWaves will update this story as additional details become available.
Why It Matters
Nearly $1 million in trading cards disappeared from a FedEx truck. Investigators still don’t know when or where the theft occurred. The case highlights the importance of securing unattended vehicles and maintaining a clear record of cargo movements.
Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.
California trucking owner pleads guilty in $2.1M identity theft scheme – FreightWaves
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now