Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
A diverse crop of fall vegetables are now being shipped from Florida, although volume doesn’t match that of the state’s busiest period, springtime.
Items coming out of an area ranging from Homestead to Belle Glade range from sweet corn to green beans, Bell peppers, tomatoes and leafy greens. Favorable growing conditions have growers and shippers optimistic for good, quality crops.
The long, diverse list of Florida’s fall produce shipments include fruits and vegetables such as sweet corn, Bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, avocados, carrots, radishes, squash and green beans. Fall also is the start of the state’s citrus shipments, with early varieties of oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit. It also includes leafy greens such as romaine, as well as the beginning of Florida strawberries from the Plant City area.
Florida ranks among the nation’s top producers of several key specialty crops, leading the U.S. in the production of oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and Bell peppers during the fall and winter months.
Southern Specialties of Pompano Beach, FL imports product from Central and South America as well as shipping Florida produce. The company relies heavily on the ports at Miami and the Everglades for its imported items.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The California Prune Board (CPB) reports data provided by handlers in September, show an estimated 65,000 short tons of prunes available for the 2025 crop. This compares with 76,413 short tons last year.
This is down about 15 percent from last years volume, which was a little above average.
California prunes have a large brand in Sunsweet of Yuba City, CA, and there are a couple of larger handlers such as Mariani.
The industry’s planting area remains around 36,000 to 38,000 acres, with ongoing replanting focused on replacing older trees with highly productive ones.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
With the Salinas Valley quality ridden lettuce season mercifully ending and Huron approaching its brief fall shipping season, lettuce loadings get underway next week from the desert regions of Arizona and California. Volume is expected to be light through November.
Meanwhile, lettuce shipments from Huron in the San Joaquin Valley continue with good quality product. This area will pretty much be finished by the end of the month.
The Salinas Valley is still shipping limited amounts of lettuce, but beware of widespread quality problems due to disease and mildew and untimely rains.
Oxnard also is loading lettuce in limited volume. Quality is reported good.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863,
After three consecutive banner years, Wisconsin cranberry growers are projecting lower volumes for the 2025 season, according to the Wisconsin State Cranberry Association.
Last year alone, the state’s growers harvested a total of 6.01 million barrels of cranberries, one of the highest on record. And since cranberries are perennial plants, growers expected the fruit to produce less, which it did.
According to the USDA, overall US cranberry production is projected to be lower this season, and Wisconsin’s expected output is projected to total 5.3 million barrels, a decrease of around 11 percent from last year.
Wisconsin cranberries are grown by fourth- and fifth generation families.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Sunrise Kiwi of Gridley, CA is one of the first kiwifruit growers in California, which was introduced to the state in the 1960s. The company reports 98 percent of the kiwifruit consumed in the US comes from California growers.
Although the fruit’s quality benefited from the great weather, the company notes California’s northern and central growers project a harvest decrease of about 10 percent this season compared with last year.
The reason for the projected decline isn’t known for sure, but it could be related to the excessive heat last year during growing season. That might have had an impact on bud development.
Kiwi is available to north American consumers not only because of California production, but imports coming from New Zealand and Chile.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Pacific Produce of Miami, FL has been importing asparagus for over 20 years, beginning with its own production from Peru in 2002.
First grown by its closely affiliated grower Agrokasa, the company has expanded its imported asparagus program, working with additional growers in both Peru and Mexico.
Pacific Produce notes this has allowed the company to become a year-round supplier continuously for the past 23 years. In a recent announcement the company revealed its Peruvian grower, Agrokasa, is making a return with a new investment of 600 hectares of asparagus in Pisco, Peru.”
The new planting are scheduled to begin in 2026. Agrokasa’s Pisco project encompasses 5,930 acres where the company is already cultivating avocados, blueberries and grapes.
Imported asparagus is a popular commodity in the United States, and Agrokasa’s project will help reverse the declining trend. Agrokasa began producing, exporting and marketing asparagus in 1997. In 2007, it set a record, exporting 2.4 million boxes from 3,682 acres, which represented 13 percent of Peru’s asparagus industry that year.
When its new acreage is in full production, it will once again rival those numbers and maintain its position as one of Peru’s top asparagus producers. For its part, Pacific Produce also remains committed to the commodity and is continually looking for opportunities to increase its asparagus program with its many growers.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Creekside Organics of Bakersfield, CA, a grower-shipper representing family farms across California, is celebrating the arrival of citrus season with earlier start dates and expanded programs.
The company is also proud to announce the debut of the first certified organic Dulce mandarins in the U.S, sold under their Fruit World label.
The season has already begun with organic California lemons out of the D3 growing region, harvested about four weeks earlier than last year. Organic grapefruit and sweet limes are kicking off this week, with mandarins following.
Organic navels are on track for early November, and Cara Caras will start in December, expanded by three locks that obtained organic certification this year.
Operational improvements supported Creekside’s growth this season. The Reedley packing facility, previously operated by Eastside Packing, is now leased by Cobblestone Fruit, whose leadership and investment are positioning the site for continued growth. This transition strengthens Creekside’s relationship with the operation and supports the consistency and capacity of its citrus programs. Importantly, customers will not see any changes to Fruit World packs.
One highlight of this season is the introduction of Fruit World’s organic Dulce mandarins. Developed by co-CEO Bianca Kaprielian’s father and harvested just before clementines, Dulce mandarins completed their three-year organic transition this year, allowing Creekside to bring them to market as certified organic for the first time.
“This variety is really special to us—sweet, tangy, and the first organic mandarin of the season,” said Kaprielian. “It’s a true celebration of what makes citrus season so exciting.”
Kaprielian also highlighted another family favorite: organic clementines from Sky Ranch, grown in an area known for its mineral-rich soils and unique hillside microclimate. “These mandarins are hands down the best you’ll eat all season,” she said. The mandarins from Sky Ranch will be ready in mid to late November and are not to be missed.
Creekside is building consistency across its organic lemon program with expanded acreage, ensuring a year-round supply for retailers. “Shoppers rely on lemons, so they are a great way to drive repeat sales,” said co-CEO Brenda Haught.
On the specialty side, Cara Cara production is also ramping up thanks to young blocks coming into maturity. This gives retailers more opportunities to promote this consumer favorite, which is known for its bright color and sweet-tangy flavor. Creekside also increased volume on kumquats, Minneolas, and blood oranges. Sweet limes are poised to stand out this season thanks to their unique flavor and versatility in cooking and juicing.
About Creekside Organics, Inc.
Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading certified organic grower-shipper based in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside is dedicated to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Through a growing family of brands—including Fruit World and Capay Organics—Creekside continues to build a stronger, more resilient future for organic agriculture.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Sun Belle of Schiller Park, IL is proud to announce the expansion of its strawberry program through new grower partnerships in Central Florida.
This strategic addition will round out Sun Belle’s robust year-round supply of fresh berries.
Central Florida is renowned for its thriving winter strawberry crop, producing fruit with exceptional flavor from late November to early April. In partnership with veteran Plant City, Florida growers, Sun Belle will offer top-performing Florida strawberry varieties, including the Florida Brilliance, Florida Ember, Florida Encore and Sweet Sensation, throughout the upcoming winter season.
This Florida crop will complement Sun Belle’s existing production in Baja California and Central Mexico, creating a seamless supply calendar for retail partners.
“This expansion truly aligns with where Sun Belle is as a whole – we are growing rapidly and making strategic, forward-thinking moves that strengthen our supply chain and ensure our retail partners can meet their consumer demand every week of the year,” said JC Clinard, CEO of Frutura’s Berry Division. “It also hits close to home for me. With Plant City being my home base, I’ve come to personally know and trust this passionate community of growers.”
Taylor Hazelwood, Vice President of Sales at Sun Belle, added, “Our experienced team has built a truly notable berry program over the years. The addition of Florida’s winter crop allows us to continue to provide our retail customers with berries that meet our high-quality standards and satisfy the continued consumer demand for flavorful strawberries every month of the year. It’s an exciting growth opportunity for our retail relationships and for our brand.”
Sun Belle’s Director of Marketing, Hailey Clark, emphasized the program’s alignment with the company’s brand promise and shares that the excitement doesn’t stop here.
“This Florida program is one of many steps Sun Belle is taking to deliver on our brand promise of quality, reliability, and innovation. Our team has been strategically developing new offerings like unique on-the-go blueberry packaging and premium berry programs – initiatives designed to excite loyal berry consumers while also attracting new ones. We’re eager to share these innovations with our family of retail partners.”
About Sun Belle
Founded in 1986 and a member of the Frutura company, Sun Belle LLC. markets and distributes the finest berries, including blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and golden berries. Known for exceptional quality, innovative programs, and dependable supply, Sun Belle serves leading retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers year-round.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
An increase of 15 percent in Peruvian citrus exports is reported of this time last year, according to Producers Association (ProCitrus). The increase reveals a recovery from last year’s inclement weather releated season.
Volumes are up across nearly all citrus categories, except for grapefruit and W. Murcott mandarins, which declined 18 percent. The decline grapefruit was due to weather-related issues while the decrease in W. Murcott volumes is probably due to a strong 2024 season.
Despite the decline for W. Murcott, total mandarin exports have grown 10 percent in volume this year.
The US remains the top export market for Peruvian citrus, though volumes shipped there have decreased five percent as exporters diversify to other markets. ProCitrus is pursuing expanded market access for mandarins in Asia, including Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Korea.
The mandarin season was completed in September, while lemon and grapefruit shipments got underway in October.
Peruvian Minneola tangelo exports reached 21.17 million pounds (9,604 metric tons) through late August, a 28.76 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
Europe remains the primary destination for Peruvian Minneola tangelos, with smaller volumes going to the United States.
If you are looking to load produce out of the West this week, it may be slim pickings, unless you’re hauling something out of storage.
Persistent storms across California and Mexico are trimming yields and muddying harvest schedules, sending prices higher across the board, which will be reflected at your local supermarket.
From strawberries to lettuce, it’s shaping up to be a damp October for produce haulers.
With strawberry prices at a 10-year high, this reflects the plunge in volume and available loads.
Rain is affecting the shipments of strawberries grown in Mexico and in Southern and Central California. Reports show supplies in all Western growing regions are at 50 percent or less than what they were this time last year.
Growers in Central Mexico should start harvesting in two weeks, and growers in Western Mexico in six weeks. Unfortunately, there are few signs of strawberry loadings improving significantly.
Meanwhile, a similar situation exists with watermelons shipments. Rain in Mexico is curbing supply and causing prices soar. Cooler fall weather is phasing out domestic production.
Lettuce loading opportunities also have bee adversely affected by the wet weather in the west. Shipments will be limited as the transition continues from the Huron district in the San Joaquin Valley to growing areas in the deserts of California and Arizona.
Finally, the last piece of bad news in regards to tomatoes.
Average tomato prices are up +41 percent over the previous week. Local tomato supplies are coming to an end with the cooler fall weather. In the East, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina are done, and growers in South Georgia and Florida are ramping up production. In addition, rainfall in Baja has significantly reduced crossings.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.