trucking

Produce Capacity Surge Deflates Spot Rates Across Major Growing Regions

Truck availability loosened sharply across U.S. produce markets this week, sending spot rates downward on nearly every lane as post-holiday demand faded. California's coastal and desert districts shifted from shortage conditions to adequate supply, while Georgia and Florida's tomato-watermelon complex moved from shortage to adequate/slight shortage. South Texas swung to surplus capacity. Rate declines were steepest on Georgia-Florida produce lanes heading northeast, dropping 19% to 29%. Santa Maria rates reversed earlier gains, falling 10% to Boston and 7% to Philadelphia after spiking in late June. South Texas rates held steady despite surplus conditions, with Mexican crossing volume offsetting slack demand. Washington apple prices remained stable. Year-over-year comparisons tell a different story: July 2026 rates across California, Georgia-Florida, South Texas, and Washington run 30% to 70% higher than July 2025 levels, with citrus even steeper. Nogales mango imports closed for the season July 14.