The real story behind ‘Goodfellas’

Lufthansa heist was history’s biggest at the time, but film left things out

FreightWaves Classics is sponsored by Old Dominion Freight Line – Helping the World Keep Promises®. Learn more here.

On this episode of Tracks Through Time as part of FreightWaves Classics, Deputy Editor Brielle Jaekel brings on Grace Sharkey from Point of Sale to discuss the incredible story of the Lufthansa heist of 1978. While part of the famous gangster film “Goodfellas” was based on the crime, the true story is even harder to believe.

Find out how the heist went down and what happened in the aftermath, and wait for our fun fact of the day at the end of the show.

For more stories like this and others throughout history in transportation, Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!

Have a topic you want me to cover? Email me at bjaekel@www.freightwaves.com or follow me on Twitter.

Subscribe to Tracks Through Time.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
AI

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post • Chicago, IL
Register Now
FreightTech

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.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • The Old Post • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

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 Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Brielle Jaekel

Experienced journalist with roles including lead, deputy editor, managing editor, associate editor, staff reporter, staff writer, and editorial assistant.