Freight impact of produce season

Every year, produce season brings a wave of disruption to the freight and logistics landscape. As fruits and vegetables begin moving from farms to markets nationwide, shippers across all industries must contend with tighter capacity, rate volatility, and increased scheduling complexity.

The freight impact of produce season extends far beyond agriculture. It reshapes carrier networks, drives up spot market activity and affects capacity availability nationwide.

For those unprepared, the season can lead to unexpected costs and service failures. But for proactive shippers, especially those outside the food and beverage space, produce season can also present unique opportunities. By understanding how produce-driven freight patterns create lane imbalances, savvy shippers can align their capacity needs with newly created backhaul lanes and gain a competitive edge.

When is Freight Produce Season?

Produce season generally spans March through July, though it can start earlier or extend later depending on weather conditions and regional factors. During this time, major agricultural regions in the U.S. ramp up harvests of fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result, there is a dramatic increase in demand for both temperature-controlled (reefer) and dry van capacity.

Here’s a brief overview of key producing regions and commodities:

• March–April: South Florida (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers)
• May–June: Georgia (peaches, onions), California (berries, leafy greens)
• June–July: Pacific Northwest (cherries, apples), Michigan (blueberries)

Because the volume and urgency of produce loads are high, carriers prioritize these lucrative lanes, often at the expense of contracted or lower-paying freight.

Produce season - freight market ripple effects

As fresh produce begins moving from farms to distribution centers each spring and summer, the ripple effects across freight markets are both immediate and widespread. Truck availability tightens, rates spike, and shipping lanes across the country experience sudden imbalances.

The following gives an understanding on how and why produce season disrupts freight capacity - essential knowledge for any shipper looking to stay ahead of market volatility:

Capacity Constraints

• • As reefer demand surges, availability diminishes across both regional and national networks.
  • Dry van capacity is also impacted as carriers reposition equipment to capitalize on produce-related opportunities.

Rate Volatility

• • Spot market rates can increase sharply, especially out of high-volume produce markets.
  • Contracted rates may be less effective in ensuring coverage, especially if carriers opt for higher-margin loads.

Regional Imbalances

• • Regions like Southern California and South Florida become outbound-heavy.
  • This creates backhaul challenges and rate pressure in non-agricultural lanes.

Service Challenges

• • Longer dwell times at farms, packhouses, and distribution centers.
  • Increased variability in pick-up and delivery schedules.

Planning Strategies for Shippers During Produce Season

Navigating the challenges of produce season requires more than just reacting to market shifts, it demands a proactive strategy. With tighter capacity, higher rates, and increased competition for trucks, shippers who plan ahead are far more likely to secure reliable service and control transportation costs.

The following strategies will help you stay competitive and keep freight moving smoothly during this high-pressure season.

Forecasting and flexibility

• • Review historical data to anticipate capacity shifts and rate spikes.
  • Build in buffer time for potential delays and limited availability.

Mode optimization

• • Evaluate the combination of intermodal and truckload options to provide stability.
  • Use multimodal strategies to distribute risk.

Contract vs. spot strategy

• • Balance contract freight with access to spot market capacity for agility.
  • Consider short-term mini-bids to adapt to seasonal changes.

Carrier relationships

• • Strengthen ties with core carriers before produce season begins.
  • Prioritized shippers that are valued by their shippers receive better service in tight markets.

Technology utilization

• • Use load tracking, predictive analytics, and capacity management platforms.
  • Real-time visibility helps adjust quickly to disruptions.

Intermodal and produce season: An untapped advantage

Many shippers overlook intermodal transportation during produce season, assuming it lacks the speed or flexibility required, but they do so at their peril. In fact, intermodal can offer surprising consistency during volatile months, as:

• Rail service isn’t as susceptible to short-term capacity swings.
• Equipment is often more available and rates more predictable.
• Sustainability goals are supported while maintaining service levels.

Intermodal solutions, especially when paired with intermodal IMCs who understand produce season dynamics, can stabilize freight flows and reduce cost volatility.

How InTek helps navigate produce season

At InTek, we specialize in helping shippers prepare for and navigate the complexities of produce season. Our capabilities include:

• Seasonal freight planning and forecasting.
• Access to a robust intermodal network.
• Multimodal capacity solutions for both dry and temp controlled requirements.
• Real-time tracking and analytics.
• Dedicated support teams for high-demand seasons.

We don’t just move freight, we solve freight problems. By understanding the intricacies of seasonal markets, we help you stay ahead of disruption.

Produce season shipping takeaways

Looking at a broad view of produce season shipping, there are a few key takeaways:

• Produce season is predictable, but its impact is far-reaching.
• Rate volatility, capacity shifts, and service variability make it a challenging time for all shippers.
• With proactive planning, smart mode selection, and the right logistics partner, shippers can not only survive but thrive during produce season.

Ready to build your strategy for the next produce season? Contact InTek today for a custom freight consultation tailored to your network.

For more information about InTek, or logistics and supply chain issues in general, check out our Freight Guides. And for more insights on intermodal logistics, subscribe to the Intermodal Logistics Podcast.