trucking

California Reefer Rates Firm Despite Volume Decline

California citrus refrigerated rates are holding steady at elevated levels even as year-to-date volumes trail last year by 8%, signaling a capacity-constrained market.

Eastern corridors including Baltimore, Boston, Miami, New York and Philadelphia escalated to full shortage status this week, up from slight shortage conditions. Western destinations and Dallas remain under slight shortage classifications.

Eastern lane rates moved minimally week-over-week, though year-over-year premiums remain substantial at 21% to 103% above prior-year levels.

California's navel harvest concluded around July Fourth, transitioning the season to Valencias, lemons and grapefruit — a thinner supply window explaining the eastern market tightening.

Regional produce markets showed mixed results: Vidalia onions declined double digits weekly but remain 26-42% above last year; South Texas crossings fell 8-9% except for firming in New York and Boston; eastern watermelons began northern migration as Georgia wrapped its season and North Carolina and Delaware opened first reports.