Blog.

Spring Produce Season: What You Need to Know

March 03, 2025 | Written by Darrell Porter |

Spring Produce Season: What You Need to Know

As temperatures rise, the freight market enters one of its busiest times—spring produce season. With fresh fruits and vegetables moving in high volumes, demand for trucks surges, tightening capacity and driving up rates. Whether you're a shipper, carrier, or agent, staying ahead of these market shifts is key.

Spring produce season is driven by harvests across the southern U.S. and Mexico, where warmer climates allow for early-season fruits and vegetables to hit the market. As these regions ramp up production, reefer capacity tightens, especially in major shipping hubs. This shift impacts the entire freight network, influencing rates and availability across the country.

This influx of freight creates higher spot rates, as reefer trucks become harder to secure. Carriers prioritize produce loads, making it challenging for shippers to find capacity. Outbound rates from key agricultural states increase, while inbound rates remain low.

How to Prepare

For shippers, securing capacity early and working with a mix of contract and spot market carriers can help avoid last-minute price spikes. Flexibility with pickup and delivery windows is also crucial.

For carriers, this season presents an opportunity to maximize profits by focusing on reefer lanes. Planning return loads strategically ensures steady revenue while maintaining efficiency.

For agents, staying informed on rate trends and carrier availability is essential. Expanding your network of reefer carriers and preparing shippers for rate fluctuations will help keep operations smooth.

Looking Ahead

As spring transitions into summer, produce shipping will continue to evolve. Harvests shift northward, bringing new challenges and opportunities. Capacity will remain tight, but understanding these seasonal shifts can help you stay ahead of the curve. Stay tuned for our summer produce season update.

 

Latest contents

What We Know About the Potential Rail Merger
What We Know About the Potential Rail Merger

July 24, 2025

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, two of the largest Class I railroads in North America, are currently exploring a potential merger that could reshape.

Great. Another AI Logistics Article.
Great. Another AI Logistics Article.

July 17, 2025

When your day’s packed with quotes, covering loads, and nonstop calls, another article about AI probably isn’t all that exciting. Especially if it sounds.

The Founding Shippers: Inventory & Oxen
The Founding Shippers: Inventory & Oxen

July 1, 2025

In 1776, George Washington didn’t have 88,000 “trusted carrier partners” to move his freight. He had muddy roads, freezing horses, and whatever wagons.

AI and Brokerages: Nope. We’re Not There Yet.
AI and Brokerages: Nope. We’re Not There Yet.

June 25, 2025

AI has been reshaping industries for years, and logistics is no exception. It’s a regular topic in strategy meetings, tech panels, and every corner of.

Smarter Scams, Stricter Rules in 2025
Smarter Scams, Stricter Rules in 2025

June 11, 2025

Two separate challenges are hitting the industry hard. Freight scams are rising fast, and FMCSA enforcement changes are just around the corner. If you're.

Your Freight Partner or A Freight Risk?
Your Freight Partner or A Freight Risk?

May 28, 2025

You're a shipper, and your goal is to move product efficiently. It sounds simple, but anyone who has dealt with unreliable carriers or unresponsive.

Does Brokerage Size Really Matter?
Does Brokerage Size Really Matter?

May 2, 2025

The size of a brokerage can mean a lot, or very little, depending on what kind of agent you are and what kind of business you’re trying to build. Some.

You’ve Built the Book. Now Own the Business.
You’ve Built the Book. Now Own the Business.

April 10, 2025

The freight industry has always attracted those with grit, resourcefulness, and an appetite for freedom. But in 2025, being an independent freight agent.

How AI Is Powering Modern Freight
How AI Is Powering Modern Freight

March 21, 2025

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a future concept—it’s already helping brokers and shippers move freight faster, respond to customers quicker, and make.