Trucking

Refrigerated Produce Rates Surge 27-51% Year-Over-Year as Regional Volumes Shift

Spot rates for refrigerated produce shipments climbed 27% to 51% above year-ago levels, with Washington leading gains at 51%, according to USDA open-market data. California rates rose 39% despite an 8% volume decline, while Texas rates increased 27% alongside a 16% volume jump driven by avocado and lime shipments. National refrigerated produce volume grew 3% from the prior week but remains 6% below year-ago levels. Week-over-week, the Salinas-Watsonville to Baltimore lane led at 12% higher rates. Imperial and Coachella to Boston and Seattle, Kern to Chicago, and Santa Maria to Philadelphia each rose 6%. California in-state district volume fell 23%, with growers noting workforce attendance issues. Washington volume rose 3% as apple and pear volumes increased.