As the northern hemisphere thaws out in springtime, it ushers in colorful flowers, warm air, and produce season. Produce season is one of the most important events for the US freight market. Although it happens every year at the same time, it still proves to be one of the most disruptive changes. Understanding what produce season is, how it affects the trucking world, and how to prepare yourself as a shipper is vital. We are going to cover everything you need to know to make your supply chain watertight this spring.

What is Produce Season?

Produce season is when farms all across America significantly increase their fruit and vegetable outputs. This leads to an increased demand for trucks and trains to move produce all over the country. Produce season begins in late April and goes until August/September, but the timing depends on region.

Why Produce Season Matters to Freight Shippers

Produce season has a profound effect on truck capacity across the country. Increased demand for trucks leads to higher rates and looser capacity. Because of that, produce season does not only affect produce shippers; it affects freight shippers too. To avoid last minute price gouging due to lose capacity you need to be informed and have a plan in place.

When Does Produce Season Start and End?

Produce season stretches from spring (March) to late summer (August/September), but this depends on region. The south starts their season earlier. Northern states join produce season later as they take longer to warm up. By August, the country is often finished with produce season. Learn more about the

Seasonal Timeline by Region

Produce in the Southwest and Western U.S.

The southwest tends to have produce all year, but they see a spike from September to November. Some of the most common produce in this area are spinach, peppers, and onions.

Produce in the Southeastern U.S.

The southeast tends to be the biggest player during produce season. From May to August the southeast pushes out thousands of tons of crops. The most common fruits and veggies from the southeast are citrus, peaches, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and sugarcane.

Produce in the Northwest U.S.

The northwest starts a little later but runs longer. Their season runs from June to September. The most common produce from this area includes carrots, grapes, cherries, and potatoes.

Produce in the Midwest U.S.

The Midwest is a vital part of the US food supply. From May to September, the Midwest gives us corn, wheat, and soybeans.

Produce in the Northeast U.S.

The northeast is generally the coldest region in the country. It’s produce season goes from May to September. From the northeast we get apples, pumpkins, and pears.

Each region of the USA has their own peak season for their unique produce

Key Lanes for Produce Shipments

As one would expect, most produce moves from rural areas to densely-populated metro areas. Lanes from farm-dense areas leading to major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and NYC are hot beds of activity. Drivers know they are in demand for these lanes, so they increase their rates accordingly. On the contrary, drivers want to move to rural areas, especially in the southeast, so they can pick up produce. There will be a spike of motivated drivers willing to take loads south of the Mason-Dixon.

Capacity Challenges and Competition

By now we know that capacity takes a hit during produce season. But how exactly what challenges does it cause?

Produce Season Tightens the Freight Market

Simple economics dictates that as demand increases, supply decreases. The truck market is no different. When Spring comes around, thousands of shippers who were dormant all winter suddenly join the market. Unfortunately, thousands of trucks are not added to accommodate that. Competition for trucks increases, lead times increase, and rates go up.

Climate and Weather Disruptions

Along with produce, spring brings unpredictable weather. A bad drought can effectively ruin the produce season in areas of the south. This can hurt the trucking market since there will be less freight. On the opposite end, floods can ruin crops and damage infrastructure. Unfortunately, not much can be done to avoid weather aside from staying up to date.

Effects on Dry Vans, Reefers, trains, and Flatbeds

Dry vans and reefers feel the impact of produce season the most. That is because they are the most effective way to move loads of fruits and veggies over the road. Reefers tend to be in high demand since they keep perishable fruit safe. Trains also feel the effects as railcars are packed full of produce headed to the city. Even flatbeds feel the pressure as they move equipment like tractors and harvesters to busy farms.

Reefer Procurement Strategies During Produce Season

Locking in reefer capacity is a serious challenge for freight shipper during peak produce season. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Increase Lead Time and Flexibility

Booking carriers in advance and securing capacity with contracts are great ways to stay ahead of the reefer squeeze. Allowing buffer time is vital, too. Letting your customers know about delays and shipping early will help to avoid shutdowns.

Work With a Broker

Partnering with an experienced 3PL like New Light Enterprises can take the weight of capacity off. They can find hidden capacity with a larger pool of potential carriers.

Budgeting for Produce Season Rate Volatility

Rate volatility is unavoidable during produce season, but there are ways to lessen the effects on your business. If you are not a produce shipper, consider pushing freight out before or after peak season. If possible, avoid heavy shipping north during May-July. On the contrary, shipping north to south during peak season can net you highly competitive rates.

Logistics Strategies For Peak Produce Season

Multi-Stop Truckloads

Shippers can make the most of their budget by opting for multi-stop truckloads. This means that instead of booking multiple trucks for multiple shipments, you simply have one truck make multiple stops. To do this, you can wait until you fill an entire trailer with freight and have it deliver to multiple stops. This should only be done if the route makes sense; for example a stop in Dallas on the way to Los Angeles or multiple stops in a 100 mile radius.

Co-Loading

It is cheaper to take a bus than a limo! Freight is the same way. You can save money by sharing trailer space with other shippers. To do this, you can find other shippers in your area and talk to them about combining truckloads. It is a win-win!

Consolidation Centers

Consolidation centers work to combine freight from multiple shippers to build a full truckload. This is often the strategy of volume shippers who take freight to a central point before filling a trailer. The freight placed on the trailer will all be going to the same general area, reducing overall cost.

Keeping Your Supply Chain Ready Year-Round

Building year-round relationships with carriers gives you better access during crunch time. Don’t vanish after produce season ends in August. Keep in contact with your network.

Mistakes That Shippers Make During Produce Season

Mistakes during produce season can lead to high rates, delays, and disappointed customers. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

Waiting Too Long to Book

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. Making carriers and brokers aware of upcoming shipments is vital to avoid last minute crunch. By giving them time to reserve space and find a driver, you will save time and money. Waiting until the last moment will leave you no choice but to overpay for what little spot market carriers are still available.

Ignoring Market Signals

Paying attention to the trucking market is a must. Educating yourself on market trends, signals, and rates gives you the edge when it comes time to move your freight. Knowing what to expect will help keep surprises to a minimum.

Relying On a Single Carrier

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. In this case, don’t put all of your freight on one truck! Capacity can literally shift overnight, leaving you without a carrier with little to no notice. This can cripple operations during a time like produce season. Having relationships with multiple carriers or partnering with a 3PL will give you a plan B should things go wrong.

Not Monitoring Reefer Temperatures

A warm reefer can ruin an entire shipment of produce. The easiest way to avoid this is to have carriers send a photo of the reefer temperature at the time of pickup. This acts as proof that your produce is protected.

Getting Ahead in Produce Season

Produce season is intense, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. Understand the market, prep early, stay flexible, and partner with the right providers. That’s how smart shippers win.

Written by the New Light Enterprises Team, with 15+ years of experience helping shippers manage seasonal freight strategies across North America.

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