Trucking

California Produce Rates Surge 44% as Refrigerated Freight Volume Contracts

Refrigerated produce rates climbed sharply across major growing regions during the week ending October 13, with California posting a 44% year-over-year increase. National volume declined 9% week over week and 4% year over year. Washington apple and pear lanes led all corridors at 72% above prior-year levels, followed by South Texas at 41% and Delmarva at 35%. California volume dropped 11% weekly and 4% annually, while Otay Mesa crossings declined 16% weekly. Watermelon volume plummeted 45% week over week, with cantaloupes down 25% and cucumbers off 22%. Rates strengthened across California's major production areas, including lanes from Kern, Oxnard, Salinas, and Santa Maria, reflecting tightening market conditions nationwide.