trucking

Florida Reefer Market Swings Sharply Higher; California Citrus Surges to East Coast

Refrigerated freight rates in Central and South Florida rebounded dramatically this week following a post-Mother's Day correction. Baltimore jumped 43% and New York recovered 10% from previous lows. The region remains classified as shortage-constrained, with summer commodities including watermelons, tomatoes, peppers and cantaloupes now dominating shipments. California citrus movements proved especially strong, with Dallas rates climbing 20% while Miami and New York each gained 17%. South District citrus and South Texas lanes stabilized near flat after steep declines the prior week. Yakima shifted from shortage to adequate supply status as Pacific Northwest cherry operations prepare to ramp. The divergent performance across individual lanes underscores significant pricing power for carriers in Southeast and California East Coast corridors, with routing decisions carrying multi-week consequences.