trucking

South Texas Reefer Rates Collapse 40% After Week-Long Spike as Truck Supply Normalizes

Refrigerated produce rates in South Texas reversed sharply this week as truck availability normalized, erasing last week's dramatic gains in a stunning two-week swing. The Dallas lane fell from approximately $4,000 per load May 19 to $2,500 by May 26, marking a 40% decline. This gave carriers who locked in peak rates significant advantages over those accepting current freight. South Texas, which faced severe shortage conditions just seven days prior, shifted to adequate truck supply. Nogales also softened following its prior tightness, with rates off 3-20%. California's leafy green corridors held flat after last week's 25-66% surge, suggesting elevated pricing may be stabilizing at a new floor. Florida remains the structural weak spot, still rated in shortage as the season winds down.