Trucking

Refrigerated Produce Rates Surge 16-51% Despite Volume Decline

National refrigerated produce volume contracted 3% week-over-week and 7% year-over-year, according to USDA open-market data. Regional disparities emerged sharply: Mexico crossings through Texas fell 9%, while South and Central California dropped 25%. The Imperial and Coachella Valley bucked the trend with a 33% jump. California and Washington each declined 1%.

Spot rates remained elevated across major lanes. Washington leads at 51% above last year, followed by California at 39% and Texas at 16%. Week-over-week, Santa Maria to Miami climbed 10%, while Imperial and Coachella to Baltimore-Philadelphia rose 9%. Oxnard to Baltimore and South and Central California vegetables to Chicago each rose 8%.

The disconnect between rising rates and falling volumes signals tightening supply. California growers attributed some volume weakness to farmworkers staying home during immigration enforcement actions, though USDA data did not confirm enforcement as a primary cause.