Southern California continues to provide the best loading opportunities
although this will be gradually changing in the weeks ahead as volume from the San Joaquin and Salinas valleys continue to increase. Helping to bridge the transition is the Santa Maria area found between Ventura County and Salinas.
Although about three-fourths of California navel oranges have been shipped, loadings will continue until early July….Strawberry volume is building from Oxnard to Orange County and the San Diego areas. Much ligher strawberry volume is now coming out of Santa Maria. This district also is shipping light to moderate amounts of broccoli, cauliflower and a host of other vegetables.
Looking ahead, California peach shipments, as with so many other produce commodities, should get underway earlier than usual this year due to the mild winter and favorable spring. Initial San Joaquin Valley peach shipments should start in mid-May, but volume loadings are not expected until early June.
Southern California produce – grossing about $6800 to New York City. Rates often tend to show strength towards the end of the week as truck supplies are depleted.