trucking

South Texas Reefer Rates Spike 59% as Market Shifts Away From Florida

Refrigerated freight rates across South Texas surged dramatically this week, with lane pricing jumping between 19% and 59% as capacity tightened. The seasonal produce corridor shifted westward. The Boston lane climbed to $13,000–$14,000, while Dallas rates jumped +57% to $4,200–$4,600 from below $3,000 two weeks prior. Los Angeles posted a 36% increase. Every South Texas lane now operates under shortage conditions. Florida maintained shortage status for a third consecutive week but ceded its position as the market's center of gravity. California's Santa Maria began reporting volumes for the first time this season, broadening the West Coast corridor as Salinas-Watsonville ramps production. Nogales also remained constrained with Boston lane rates holding above $10,500. Carriers repositioning into South Texas now face significant cost pressures.