Loading opportunities for produce haulers along the southern USA border continues increase each year as Mexican fresh fruits and vegetables are distributed across North America, primarily back truck.
Mexican grape crossings were about 17 million boxes last year, although shipments this year are expected be down to about 16 million. That is still considered a lot of grapes for hauling. The grapes from Mexico are expected to start crossing the border at Nogales, AZ about May 15, with stong volume coming 10 days to two weeks later.
About 20 percent of the Mexican grape shipments are expected to take place in May and 80 percent in June.
Avocados
Mexican avocado exports to the USA this season are expected to top 500,000 tons, with only a little more than two weeks left in the season. This would be a record amount shipments by truck. Of the total of 474,000 tons harvested in Mexico, 400,000 ton have been exported to the USA.
For a comparison, there has been 540,596 tons of Mexican avocados exported to the USA through March 31. 73 percent of the avocados came from Mexico, (397,346 tons). The remainder came from California with 21.85 percent (118,099 tons), as well as from Chile and Peru.
Mexican avocado imports through South Texas – grossing about $3000 to Chicago.