01/30/2023
This is a market report that highlights the current status of the produce and re**er (refrigerated) transportation markets in various regions of the US. The report states that there are no notable increases in any market, however, the re**er trend has gone up in the South Texas and Florida regions in the past week. Carriers can expect to have the best luck with rates and freight out of Philadelphia and Dallas as these markets recorded the smallest rate decline and have the most promising freight volumes.
In the Nogales, AZ, market, it had been tight until last week, when re**er load counts and rates fell off sharply. This is due to the fact that domestic produce is being harvested in California's Imperial and Coachella Valleys, leading to less traffic at Mexican border crossings and rising volume in Southern California. The report predicts that prices will soon trend up from Ontario, CA, and nearby markets.
Potatoes are on the move again, boosting load counts out of Twin Falls, ID, and Green Bay, WI, although prices have not yet responded. The Western region's hot market is Twin Falls, ID, which was number one for re**er load posts last week. On the other hand, California is not recommended for carriers at the moment. Most of the seasonal action is in imports, except for Twin Falls.
In the Northeast, there is a lot of action in the Philadelphia market, where produce arrives from South America. Similarly, Elizabeth, NJ, which is home to the largest seaport on the East Coast, is also busy. Both markets are expecting typical winter weather this week. McAllen, Texas is another big produce market, thanks to the fertile Rio Grande Valley that has farms and orchards on both sides of the border. The market, which includes nearby Pharr and Brownsville, has many food processing plants and cold storage facilities.
Florida is still a little early for its big push, but rates are creeping up on some of the major lanes out of Florida. Imports and exports are also providing some lift for re**er freight. The report suggests that while truckload freight volume and rates are showing signs of life, it is hard to determine when the turnaround will take hold.