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Blitz Week may be over but carrier capacity issues are not. Just like snowbirds are traveling north from their winter homes, so too is produce moving north. Produce season peaks late spring through mid-summer. Drivers are paid a premium to transport that produce which drives up rates as a whole and tightens carrier capacity.

                While this primarily effects loads requiring a reefer (refrigerated) trailer, the difficulty for shippers is felt across the board. Booked rates increased from an average of $800 to $1,200 – a 50% increase – in 2023.

                The weather is making the produce season look weaker than normal, which may cause issues for shippers needing to fulfill consumer demand. Combined with other pressures, like inflation and the shortage of truck drivers to transport refrigerated (reefer) cargo, this year’s produce season looks like it will be challenging.

                What does this mean for your shipments? Produce season can last as far into the summer as mid-July so be prepared for increased freight costs until that time.