trucking

Florida Reefer Rates Retreat After Shortage Spike; Yakima Bucks Trend

Florida's refrigerated freight market is correcting sharply after a two-week surge that pushed rates up 14-42% across key corridors in late April and May. The June 9 report shows declines of 7-10% in a single week as load volumes thin heading into summer. The New York lane, which spiked 105% last week, pulled back 7% this week. Atlanta short-haul lanes fell 10%, signaling softening demand. South Texas experienced steeper losses, with the Los Angeles lane dropping as much as 23%. California districts maintained Slight Shortage status with flat rates, indicating persistent West Coast capacity constraints. Yakima emerged as the week's bright spot, with Pacific Northwest carriers pushing rates higher on Northeast corridors. Rates to Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia increased 6-8%, driven by cherry and asparagus shipments. The correction reflects seasonal shifts rather than market collapse.