Here’s a glimpse of loading opportunities around the country ranging from New Jersey blueberries to Washington state stone fruit and apples, as well as peaches and vegetables from Georgia. Finally, California’s San Joaquin Valley grapes have gotten an early start.
Hammonton, New Jersey calls itself the “Blueberry Capital of the World” because of the heavy volume typically shipped each year. New Jersey blueberry shipments just got underway last week and volume should build rapidly. Total shipments in 2014 could be similar to a year ago, when it totaled 65 million pounds.
Washington state cherry shipments are moving into good volume from the Yakima and Wenachee Valleys. Cherries out of the Northwest (mostly Washington) should total 20 to 22 million boxes this season, not that far off of the record setting shipments of 23 million boxes in 2012…..Other stone fruit shipments, led by peaches, will get underway in July. Peak volume for loadings are expected between mid August to mid September. Good volume, similar to a year ago, is forecast at this time…..Meanwhile, 2013-14 apple shipments continue, averaging over 1,900 truckload equivalents per week.
In California, grape shipments from the Southern San Joaquin Valley started in a light way about a week ago. Volume is increasing from this area known as the Arvin District, which is near Bakersfield.
Sweet onion shipments have started in Washington state from the Walla Walla area. Walla Walla onion shipments come off of 700 acres and typically amount to about 400,000 40-pound cartons per year.
Georgia peaches are about to take off. It’s been a slow start, but as we enter July expect this to be a good month for loading opportunities with peaches out of the Fort Valley area. July should be an active month for Georgia mixed vegetables from central and southern areas. There also are Vidalia sweet onions being shipped from storages.
Georgia mixed vegetables – grossing about $2700 to Chicago.
Washington apples – grossing about $7200 to New York City.