Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
With the offshore melon season in full force, the Melon Alliance consisting of Westside Produce of Firebaugh, CA and Classic Fruit of Fresno, CA reports steady improvement as production stabilizes following early seasonal challenges.
Looking ahead, the outlook for the remainder of the offshore season remains highly positive. As the industry starts to move out of winter and into spring production soon, interest from retailers continues to grow. “Once we get through February and into our spring production, we’ve seen strong interest from retailers as promotional opportunities have been limited up to this point,” said Ferguson. “As the weather begins to warm and daylight hours extend, melon promotions give consumers an early taste that summer is close. These months typically provide the best eating and best looking melons of the offshore season.”
In addition, the offshore melon program has also played a critical role in strengthening the Alliance between Westside Produce and Classic Fruit, particularly in ensuring reliability and consistency for customers during transitional supply periods.
“Our strengthened alliance with Classic Fruit has allowed us to build even stronger working relationships with our already outstanding customer base,” said Mark George, vice president of sales at Westside Produce. “This ensures our customers that we will work hard to cover their melon needs every week of the year, giving them that uninterrupted supply.”
The offshore season began with weather-related challenges that impacted the first production cycle, causing temporary market fluctuations. “Weather was an issue in the early part of the growing season where yields were negatively impacted during the first cycle,” said Tom Ferguson, vice president of East Coast sales for Classic Fruit. “Lower production resulted in higher markets on both cantaloupe and honeydew, which peaked in early January. As production stabilized by mid-January, markets have started to settle to more historical levels.”
Despite these early hurdles, the alliance’s offshore program has remained resilient, supported by strong grower relationships and a unified supply strategy. A key advantage of the program has been Classic Fruit’s Fair Trade Certified offerings, which continue to resonate with customers.
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Spot truckload rates eased again during the week of February 15-21, as pricing settled into a more typical seasonal pattern.
Truckload freight trends from DAT One and DAT iQ
Spot market data for Feb. 15-21, 2026 (Week 8)
Broker-to-carrier 7-day average spot rates:
▼ Dry van: $2.40 per mile, down 3 cents week over week
▼ Refrigerated: $2.83 per mile, down 7 cents
▲ Flatbed: $2.63 per mile, up 3 cents
The total number of loads posted to the DAT One marketplace declined for the second straight week, falling 8% to 3.12 million. Truck posts decreased almost 4% to 211,147. Weather-driven volatility returns this week as a severe snowstorm hits the Northeast.
Van: Fewer loads
▼ Van loads: 1.3 million, down 11% week over week
▼ Van equipment: 152,400, down 3%
▼ Linehaul rate: $2.04 per mile, down 2 cents
Reefer: Mid-February softness
▼ Reefer loads: 541,500, down 18% week over week
▼ Reefer equipment: 37,088, down 6%
▼ Linehaul rate: $2.46 per mile, down 7 cents
Flatbed: Holding steady
— Flatbed loads: 1.28 million, virtually unchanged week over week
▼ Flatbed equipment: 21,659, down 5%
▲ Linehaul rate: $2.26 per mile, up 2 cents
Market analysis from Dean Croke, Industry Analyst, DAT Freight & Analytics
Florida’s surge in outbound reefer rates over the previous three weeks retreated. Spot rates on every lane out of Central and South Florida plunged 20 to 32% across every major destination.
The national average spot reefer rate fell 11 cents per mile over the previous two weeks, eliminating half the pricing gains made during Winter Storms Fern and Gianna. Despite cooling, the national average reefer spot linehaul rate was 53 cents higher year over year. Reefer load posts dropped for the fourth consecutive week, but were still 40% higher than last year. At the same time, equipment availability declined 20% year over year.
Van load posts fell 11% while truck posts only dropped 3%, tilting pricing leverage back toward shippers and brokers. However, last week’s mild 2-cent rate decline indicates that carriers are holding relatively firm. Compared to Week 8 last year, the average rate is up 40 cents.
Flatbed load post volumes held steady last week following four consecutive weeks of increases. This volume remains robust, sitting almost 50% higher than the same period last year.
About DAT Freight & Analytics
DAT Freight & Analytics operates DAT One, North America’s largest truckload freight marketplace; DAT iQ, the industry’s leading freight data analytics service; the Convoy Platform automated freight-matching service; Trucker Tools, the leader in load visibility; and Outgo, the financial services platform for truckers. Check out the latest DAT iQ Market Update: https://www.youtube.com/DATLoadBoards.
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Tomato supplies are tightening further, and market prices are rising. The supply chain in Mexico is stressed this week due to violent unrest throughout the country, and freezing temperatures this winter in Florida have significantly impacted yields, relates Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA in a press release.
Markon First Crop (MFC) Tomatoes are limited; packer label will be substituted.
Rounds
- Florida tomatoes are in very short supply due to prolonged sub-freezing temperatures affecting crops in late-January
Growers have enacted the Force Majeure clause on contracts due to crop loss
Domestic supply will remain very limited until new crop supplies become available in mid-April
The Ruskin/Palmetto region is anticipated to provide some relief in six weeks, depending on the weather - Mexico yields are lighter than years past due to inclement weather
Mixed quality is being observed at pack out
Demand is increasing quickly due to Florida’s supply issues
Shipments have further slowed this week due to cartel violence, but are expected to pick up next week - Expect tight supplies and very high prices for the next six weeks until Florida’s supplies ramp up
Romas
- Florida stocks are extremely limited due to recent freezes; growers have enacted the Force Majeure clause on contracts due to crop loss
- Mexico’s Culiacan growing region is experiencing very high demand and lighter yields heading into March
All sizes are tight, and quality is average due to past weather conditions
Volume from Central Mexico’s growing regions is limited, extending into South Texas
The Mexican supply chain is under stress this week due to violent unrest and disturbed freight movement throughout the country - Supply of Roma tomatoes will be more limited, leading to higher prices compared to round tomatoes; substituting round tomatoes is recommended as necessary
- Relief isn’t expected until supplies improve in Florida in six weeks
Grape & Cherry Varieties
- Florida is experiencing low supply levels due to freezing weather conditions
- Mexican yields are moderate due to past weather conditions that have led to quality issues
- Mexico is experiencing increased demand
- Expect elevated prices throughout March
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CMI Orchards of Wenatchee, WA continues to lead the pear category with a disciplined, grower-first approach that delivers seamless seasonal transitions, consistent eating quality, and year-round confidence for retail partners.
Central to that strategy is a carefully managed import program that extends the Bartlett (William) pear season beyond the domestic window while keeping domestic growers and long-term category health at the forefront.
As the U.S. Bartlett season comes to a close in early spring, CMI will transition to imports to maintain shelf presence and consumer engagement. This continuity allows retailers to avoid gaps, protect shelf space, and deliver a consistent pear experience to shoppers.
“A well-timed import program is essential to maintaining momentum in the pear category,” said William Gant, Pear Manager at CMI Orchards. “Without it, retailers risk losing visibility and consumer confidence. Our goal is to ensure a smooth handoff that keeps pears front and center while protecting the value of domestic production.”
CMI works closely with the Kleppe Family from the Southern Hemisphere to bring Gaucho pears to the U.S. Market. The Kleppe Family shares CMI’s commitment to precision growing, disciplined harvest practices, and exceptional quality standards. This relationship ensures that imported Bartlett pears deliver the same flavor, texture, and eating experience consumers expect—without compromise.
“Our Southern Hemisphere partners grow pears with an incredible level of care and expertise,” Gant said. “Consumers are not trading down on flavor or quality when they purchase imported Bartletts. The eating experience remains consistent, which is critical to keeping shoppers engaged and loyal to the category.”
Imports are positioned as a complement—not a replacement—to domestic programs. This balanced approach allows CMI to support retailers year-round while maintaining a strong focus on domestic pear production, particularly Anjou and Bosc varieties.
This season’s domestic Anjou and Bosc crop is significant, supported by strong yields and favorable sizing, and CMI remains committed to promoting these varieties throughout the year.
“Our domestic growers are the foundation of our pear business,” Gant added. “With Anjou and Bosc, we’re focused on year-round promotion and consistency, making sure our growers are prioritized and our retail partners have dependable programs they can build around.”
Across all pear programs, domestic and imported alike, CMI applies the same rigorous standards for quality, conditioning, and program discipline. This consistency enables retailers to plan confidently through seasonal transitions and reinforces trust in pears as a reliable, high-performing category.
“Strategic imports allow us to stabilize the category, not just fill a short-term gap,” said Gant. “By taking a long-term view and aligning closely with our growers and retail partners, we’re helping ensure pears remain relevant, exciting, and dependable for consumers all year long.”
Legend Produce of Scottsdale, AZ in partnership with premier Honduran grower-exporter Agrolibano and Kiss Melons, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 winter specialty melon program.
Beginning in February and running through May, the program will deliver the iconic Sugar Kiss (orange-flesh) and Summer Kiss (green-flesh) melons grown in the prime melon regions of southern Honduras.
Weekly shipments will arrive at Miami, Florida, and Port Hueneme, California, ensuring consistent supply of exceptionally sweet, high-brix melons to the North American market during the offshore season. A limited volume of containers will also be shipped directly to select partners in Asia and Europe.
Legend and Agrolibano have partnered for over 25 years to provide winter melons to the domestic markets.
“This is a great opportunity to build upon our relationship with Agrolibano and expand the seasonality of the Kiss program,” said Marco Ochoa, Chief Financial Officer at Legend Produce.
“This winter program is a game-changer for the Kiss Melons brand and a testament to the strength of our partnership,” said Milas Russell, III, Managing Director of Kiss Melons, LLC.
“Working with Agrolibano’s over 40 years of knowledge, world-class growing and harvesting teams and Legend Produce’s seamless import and distribution network allows us to extend the unmistakable Sugar Kiss and Summer Kiss eating experience to consumers in North America and Asia and, for the first time in limited quantities, to key markets in Europe.”
The 2026 winter program will feature the signature Sugar Kiss and Summer Kiss varieties under the iconic Kiss Melons labels.
About
Legend Produce – Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with sales offices throughout the U.S., Legend Produce has been a leading importer and domestic producer of melons for more than 25 years. Renowned for category expertise Legend manages traditional cantaloupe and honeydews, watermelons, specialty melons and is the sales agent for the Kiss Melons brand year-round.
Agrolibano – A family-owned agricultural leader based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Agrolibano has been growing and exporting fresh produce for over 40 years. Recognized as one of Central America’s most advanced and socially responsible producers, Agrolibano farms thousands of acres of melons in the Choluteca and Valle regions using cutting-edge irrigation, integrated pest management, and GlobalG.A.P.- and SMETA-certified packing facilities.
Kiss Melons– Founded in Yuma, Arizona, Kiss Melons has rapidly become one of North America’s most recognized and trusted premium melon brands. Famous for its Sugar Kiss, Summer Kiss and Honey Kiss varieties, the brand is celebrated for delivering consistently sweet, juicy fruit in distinctive packaging that has earned strong consumer loyalty from coast to coast. Kiss Melons are exclusively marketed and sold by Legend Produce.
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Chilean kiwifruit volume is predicted to increase by 20 percent this season, according to the Chilean Kiwi Committee.
The industry counting on growth from four strategic markets: India, the US, Brazil, and Mexico. These are destinations with great growth potential, reports the committee, with large populations and a still very low per capita consumption of kiwifruit ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 kilos per person.
The Chilean kiwifruit industry has been trying to commercially develop the yellow variety for a long time, but existing varieties are in a phase of adjustment and decline, with stable volumes compared to the previous year.
For the time being, green kiwifruit will remain the bulk of Chilean kiwi supply. The goal is to reach the highest quality standards to compete solidly in international markets.
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In a season defined by shifting supply dynamics and a seemingly insatiable consumer appetite for easy-peelers, the United States is on track to set a new record for tangerine and mandarin imports.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, the country’s imports are forecast to climb by four percent, reaching an all-time high of 555,000 metric tons in the 2025/26 marketing year.
This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking import volumes, a trend that underscores the growing importance of foreign supply in the American fruit bowl.
The agency noted that imports are now expected to account for nearly half of all US fresh tangerine and mandarin consumption.
The surge in imports is largely the result of a projected dip in domestic production.
After a bumper year in 2024/25, California—which accounts for nearly all US tangerine and mandarin production—is entering a lower-yielding cycle, leading to a nationwide output forecast of 997,000 tons, down 10 percent.
While the Golden State’s harvest typically dominates the window between November and May, the gap left by a lighter crop is being filled by a diverse trio of international partners: Chile, Peru, and Morocco.
Chile and Peru remain the heavy hitters for the US market, primarily supplying fruit during the May-to-October window.
The US has historically been Chile’s primary destination for small citrus, usually receiving over 90 percent of the Andean country’s output.
Meanwhile, Morocco—the third-largest supplier—is expected to increase shipments between November and April, supplementing the lower local volumes during the peak winter months.
Despite the forecast record import levels, the USDA notes that the total US supply of tangerines and mandarins will actually fall by about five percent to 1.6 million tons. This suggests that while imports are working overtime, they won’t quite fully offset the contraction in domestic harvests, potentially keeping prices firm for retailers and wholesalers alike.
While the US market is navigating a domestic squeeze, the global citrus landscape remains resilient. Despite substantial gains in markets such as China, Türkiye, and Morocco, growth has been offset by significant declines in the European Union and the US.
According to the USDA, global tangerine and mandarin production is forecast to rise slightly (less than one percent) to a total of 38.4 million tons.
China remains the undisputed titan of the mandarin world. Its production is forecast to rise by 100,000 tons, bringing it to a staggering 27.1 million tons. This growth is being fueled by favorable weather conditions in the powerhouse growing regions of Guangxi and Yunnan. As the world’s largest producer and consumer, the Asian Giant’s steady output provides a stable floor for the global market, even as it directs more fruit toward its own domestic processing industry.
Conversely, the European Union is facing a tougher season. Production in the EU is forecast to drop by six percent to 2.8 million tons. The report cites delayed fruit ripening in Spain and smaller fruit sizes in Italy as the primary culprits. This contraction is expected to lead to lower consumption within the bloc, as higher prices and limited availability of premium-sized fruit impact shelves.
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Honeybear Brands of Elgin, MN, a leading grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, announces its fresh-picked crop of Bartlett and Bosc pears will begin hitting retailer shelves in early March through June 1, courtesy of its Southern Hemisphere orchards.
“Honeybear Brands is the leading apple importer from the Southern hemisphere, ensuring retailers have premium conditioned fresh fruit to offer shoppers during the spring and summer months. This pear crop will refresh produce shelves and provide another fruit option for health-eating shoppers,” said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing, Honeybear Brands.
Bartlett pears deliver March 1, with Bosc starting April 1.
With its broad array of orchards in Washington and the Midwest plus its import production in South America, Honeybear Brands provides a turnkey pear and apple program for retailers all year round, executing 100% supply assurance and ensuring the lowest landed cost program.
About Honeybear Brands
Honeybear Brands is a multi-generational grower, marketer, and innovator of premium conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries. With operations rooted in the world’s finest growing regions, Honeybear combines sustainable farming practices with state-of-the-art packing facilities strategically located across the U.S. to deliver fresher, faster, and packed-to-order fruit. A robust year-round import program further ensures consistent supply and exceptional quality for retail partners and consumers alike.
Honeybear Brands is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wescott Agri Products.
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The Peruvian Table Grape Producers’ Association (PROVID) revised its projection for the industry’s current campaign, adjusting it down by two percent.
The Andean country is now expected to finish the 2025–26 season in week 17, with an estimated volume of 84.2 million 18-pound boxes. The updated forecast represents a decrease of nearly two million boxes.
The new projection is mainly the result of changes in weather conditions, yield adjustments, and field management decisions during the campaign’s development stage.
At the close of January, Peru has already exported more than 72 million boxes, with approximately 12 million remaining to be shipped by the end of the season.
The country’s north, which accounts for 38.5 million boxes (53 percent of the total), is nearly complete with the harvest, whereas the south remains fully operational, contributing 33.7 million (47 percent of the total), up five percent from last year.
Varieties such as Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, and Allison are the primary varieties exported.
Regarding varieties, the season is marked by the progress of varietal replacement, with seedless grapes gaining prominence. White Seedless leads with 42.8 million boxes, up eight percent from last season. Red Seedless stands in second place, with 18.6 million (up five percent), while Red Globe and Black Seedless experience a downward trend.
Regarding destination markets, the United States remains the main buyer of Peruvian table grapes, with a 52 percent share. The country is followed by the Netherlands and Mexico, with the latter showing significant growth compared to last season.
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Both strawberries and blueberries have suffered losses due to winter storm Fern earlier this month.
Strawberries appear to be the most immediately affected as growers report fruit losses near harvest, along with damage to blossoms supporting upcoming production. In some fields, repeated freeze nights have compounded stress on plants, increasing the risk of sustained yield reductions rather than isolated losses. Cold snap damage is also expected to slow ripening and reduce berry size, limiting weekly volumes during what is typically a peak winter supply period.
Some Florida blueberry operations face total losses after the storm, while others expect to lose 50 percent of their crops.
Florida blueberries were in bloom when freezing temperatures descended from the north. Temperatures plunged to as low as 20 degrees F. bringing the season to a halt. For that fruit escaping the brunt of the storm, it will be April before any shipments take place.
Overhead irrigation, the blueberry industry’s freeze-protection standard, usually fares well in cold snaps, creating a thermoprotective layer that keeps fruit and foliage above-freezing temperatures. However, Winter Storm Fern was more than your usual cold snap, causing the method to backfire.
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry council reports freeze protection not only failed to protect the crops but also further damaged them due to heavy ice remaining on the bushes over several days, which damaged to the plants.
Fortunately for Georgia producers, who were also in the path of the brunt of the winter storm, they managed to escape the worst of it.
Georgia blueberries are expected to be less affected because the crop wasn’t as far along and the bloom was not as advanced as it was in Florida. This resulted in the plants being less vulnerable to the freezing temperatures. There will be some crop loss, but nowhere near the level of Florida.
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