trucking

Summer Surge in Food Shipments Tightens Reefer and Dry Van Capacity

July's grilling season and peak produce harvest simultaneously squeeze refrigerated and dry van capacity markets. National Hot Dog Month drives aggressive shipments of temperature-sensitive groceries just as California, the Pacific Northwest, and Midwest begin moving fresh fruits and vegetables. The collision creates severe reefer capacity constraints and pushes spot rates sharply higher. The market pressure extends beyond temperature-controlled equipment. Many reefer carriers typically haul non-perishable dry goods during slower months. When premium produce and grilling lanes emerge in July, these operators abandon the dry market en masse, creating a capacity vacuum for standard shippers. This equipment migration pushes dry van spot rates upward across unrelated lanes. Reefer operators capitalize on some of the year's highest rates, though they face strict delivery windows, rigid temperature monitoring, and increased equipment wear. Dry van carriers benefit from secondary capacity tightening.