Author Archive
StePac PCC, a leader in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for fresh produce, is offering a solution to tackle the challenges associated with long transit times.
For example, the long distance between origin and destination, dragon fruit faces a weeks-long trek that threatens its quality. This adds insult to injury, as the industry is already grappling with falling prices from a glut of pitahaya (dragon fruit) in the US and Mexico.
To stay ahead in the now-crowded domestic pitahaya market, growers and shippers must outsmart the clock or risk delivering lackluster fruit.
StePac PCC’s packaging is designed specifically for dragon fruit. The company’s new product is a tailored version of the proprietary Xtend® MA/MH packaging and aims to preserve the shelf life of pitahayas en route from Ecuador to the US and Europe.
StePac notes company engineers mold these materials into different formats, including pallet shrouds, bin liners, and, in this case, a film to protect pitahayas.
The company reports the film was carefully crafted for pitahayas, which are prone to dehydration and wilting due to their high respiration rate.
The packaging was designed to slow this process down by balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. The film also controls moisture to maintain the fruit’s firmness and protruding bracts, and preserves its vibrant, glossy appearance throughout the trip.
Pitahaya has been traditionally shipped loose or in basic packaging formats providing little to no control over the internal atmosphere or humidity, offering limited protection during long sea voyages. Right now, the packaging allows the fruit to withstand sea shipments of three weeks or more.
Shelf-life extension varies depending on conditions, but this significantly exceeds what is achievable with traditional packaging.
The fruit is a fast-growing, high-value product with strong global demand facing significant postharvest challenges during long-distance shipments.
Growers were struggling to reach distant markets in acceptable condition, which made dragon fruit a natural candidate for a tailored modified packaging.
The Company studied pitahaya’s respiratory behavior, moisture sensitivity, and postharvest challenges for three years.
StePac then adjusted film permeability to create the optimal internal atmosphere under real supply chain conditions and collaborated with growers and shippers to test the product.
Repeated trials were conducted with frequent field visits, and optimization of postharvest handling protocols, as well as refinement of the packaging design to ensure consistent performance.
As far as pricing, it is noted exporters report benefits such as reduced waste, improved quality, and access to new markets, which generally outweigh the additional packaging costs by yielding higher returns.
The company is currently working to scale its proprietary packaging to other fruits, since each deal comes with its own set of challenges.
Fruits and vegetables have very different respiration rates, sensitivities to low oxygen, and critical to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations, as well as different moisture requirements.
The first containers of Bright Bounty Moroccan mandarins arrived over a month ago, officially kicking off the Morocco mandarin program. Early arrivals are showing outstanding color and excellent internal quality.
The Bright Bounty Morocco mandarin season will run from February through April.
Crop reports from Morocco indicate a strong mandarin season overall. With indications of fruit drop impacting California supply, Moroccan mandarins provide a strategic solution for maintaining consistent availability.
“We’re really excited about the quality coming out of Morocco this season,” said Alden Guptill, sales manager of Bright Bounty/DiSilva Fruit. “With strong sugars, great color and reliable timing, Morocco Mandarins give our customers confidence and continuity.”
Currently arriving are Nadorcott variety mandarins. Very similar to Murcotts in both flavor and appearance, offering excellent eating quality and easy-peel characteristics that resonate with consumers. The program will be available in one- through five-pound bags, making it well-suited for everyday sales as well as promotional activity.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The devastation of the freeze in Florida about a month ago is now being fully realized with the report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
From blueberries to strawberries and citrus, as well as sugar cane and vegetables, losses were heavy.
A preliminary estimate reveals $3.1 billion from winter’s freeze.
The strawberry and blueberry industries were the hardest hit, according to the report. The former suffered an estimated production loss of approximately 80 percent of the remaining harvest, which roughly translates into $306.9 million in losses.
As far as blueberries are concerned, the extreme cold killed floral buds, led to dropped fruit, and caused plant limbs to break under the weight of cold protection. Growers reported the freeze will not only affect this year’s harvest, but harvests for years to come, the FDACS notes.
Estimated production losses in the Florida blueberry industry preliminarily total 90 percent of the crop, translating to freeze damage valued at approximately $78.5 million.
Meanwhile, citrus, the Sunshine State’s most important crop, suffered the loss of 15 percent of its trees due to freeze damage, along with a huge financial blow estimated at $675 million.
The grand total encompasses tree and infrastructure damage, estimated at $327 million and $41.5 million, respectively, as well as total losses for damaged fruit totalling $85.2 million.
The FDACS report also includes a freeze-damage forecast, with losses calculated at $220.5 million.
The industry will face an average annual loss in productivity of 27 percent that will persist for several years before returning to pre-storm production, the state agency explains.
“It is estimated that 80 percent of the total acres of citrus in Florida were significantly affected by the freeze damage,” the report continued.
As a big vegetable producer, Florida also experienced great freeze losses in commodities such as snap beans, bell peppers, eggplants, artichokes, broccoli, and leafy greens, among others. The FDACS calculates that losses in this category amount to $554.6 million.
Tomato and bell pepper producers lost 80 percent of their crops right before the middle of the season, resulting in $164 million and $108 million in losses, respectively. Sweet corn losses, meanwhile, amount to $255 million and potatoes to $79.1 million.
Watermelons were also affected, with an estimated 33 percent production loss. With the entire growing season still ahead, the state agency estimated a financial blow of $65.4 million.
Florida is also a major sugarcane producer, with an industry worth $1.6 billion in 2025. The sector suffered a significant blow, as freeze damage will not only affect the current season crop, but those to come. Estimated production losses total 35 percent and are valued at $1.65 billion, with current-season losses of $576 million.
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.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
By Charlie Fabricant ALC Corporate
Although professional drivers have long recognized the importance of fuel efficiency, the growth of personal electric vehicles has introduced the general public to the concept of aerodynamic drag. A.K.A, the force caused by air when a moving object goes through it to slow it down. Measured in drag coefficient (Cd), the lower this number is, the less resistance an object faces when moving through wind.
As we recently saw in long-distance speed skating at the Winter Olympics, aerodynamic drag played a role in determining the gold, silver, and bronze winners. Just as humans are, vehicles are also affected by aerodynamics. Many new EVs brag about their extremely low drag coefficients (Cd), which hover around 0.2, and even the worst passenger EVs and electric pickups average around 0.35 Cd. However, even with the aerodynamic improvements manufacturers have made since it became a focus in the 1970s, class 8 tractor-trailers average around 0.65Cd. Now, I just threw some meaningless numbers at you, so let’s make this the fun kind of math, the type that saves you money (and carbon emissions).
Aerodynamic drag increases as the square of speed, meaning that as your speed doubles, your drag force increases by 4x (and the power required to move increases by 8x). All of this to say, aerodynamics play a critical role in fuel economy, and fighting drag accounts for approximately 65% of fuel consumption at highway speed. Now comes the previously-mentioned “fun” part. EPA’s SmartWay reports that a fully-optimized truck-trailer combo can achieve fuel reduction benefits up to 20% through a combination of largely low-cost aerodynamic upgrades. Not only that, but as these technologies have matured, the barrier to entry has dropped; roof fairings, gap reducers, and trailer side skirts are now estimated to pay themselves off within 12 months and offer up to 12% fuel efficiency improvements alone. Maintenance concerns have also been alleviated due to modern kits’ increased durability and flexibility. Obviously, the payback period is subject to local diesel prices and average driving speed, but with operational costs on the rise, where fuel represents 20-30% of total expenses, fuel efficiency improvements provide substantial savings even when diesel is “cheap.” Just to play with a little thought experiment (assuming $4 diesel), a long-haul truck running 110,000 miles a year will save approximately $4,000 – $6,000 in fuel costs for $5,000 in truck optimization, and remember, that upfront cost only exists for the first year. For a fleet of 10 trucks, that adds up to $50,000 straight to your bottom line every year after the first.
More so than we have seen in the previous few years, shippers are reprioritizing resilient business partners, as sustained tough conditions have caused many logistics companies to shutter in the post-COVID market. Additionally, ESG requirements continue to expand. With new regulations like California’s SB 253 requiring large organizations to report their entire value chain’s carbon footprint, carriers with high-efficiency equipment aren’t just saving money; they are becoming the ‘preferred capacity’ for the nation’s largest shippers. Aerodynamic upgrades provide an opportunity to combat rising operational costs while future-proofing equipment to meet ever-expanding emissions standards. If you’re a shipper looking for low-cost ways to improve your sustainability ratings or a carrier looking to optimize your margins and thrive in the years ahead, aerodynamic upgrades may be for you!
*****
Charlie Fabricant graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a double major in Economics and Human & Organizational Development with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. He joined the Nashville office as an undergraduate intern in 2021 and became a transportation broker along with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) coordinator. In 2024, he was promoted to ESG programs manager.
charlie.fabricant@allenlund.co
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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
*****
ALLEN LUND, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-
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.”
Localized security activity in parts of Mexico is creating transportation disruptions that may impact cross‑border freight movement, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA
- Intermittent delays have been reported on roads connecting to the Nogales, Arizona and McAllen, Texas border crossings
- Due to shelter‑in‑place measures in certain areas, some growers are temporarily not moving product into the U.S. as a precaution for employee safety across harvesting, packing, and logistics operations
- Commodities potentially affected include limes, mixed berries, strawberries, and green onions
- Conditions remain fluid as routes adjust and security activity continues
- There are no confirmed closures of U.S. ports of entry at this time
- Markon will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed
Meanwhile, on Sunday, February 22, after a military operation by the Mexican Ministry of Defense that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, a wave of violence and unrest took over the state of Jalisco.
In the city of Puerto Vallarta, for example, gunmen from the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel could be heard on the streets, sending tourists and locals into hiding. Gunshots and vehicles set on fire blocked off several roads and highways, halting normal life and severely impacting the packing and harvesting of several local crops, including limes, mangoes, and avocados. The last two are especially important to the state, as most of the production is shipped to the US.
Ecuadorian banana exports ended 2025 at over 377 million boxes, a 3.5 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
The figures were featured in the latest report published by the Association of Marketing and Export of Bananas of Ecuador (ACORBANEC), corresponding to shipments between January and December 2025.
The result consolidates bananas as one of the main pillars of Ecuadorian foreign trade, in a year marked by logistical challenges, international demand variation, and adjustments in global trade flow.
In December 2025, year-over-year exports remained steady, reaching nearly 33 million boxes. However, during the last campaign, monthly performance was variable, with export peaks in Q2 and Q4, which helped offset less dynamic months.
The 2025 Ecuadorian banana export season showed a similar recovery to 2024, when the industry experienced a year-on-year contraction. The observed growth reflects greater stability in shipments and a better response from destination markets.
According to ACORBANEC’s report, the European Union and Russia remained the main destinations for Ecuadorian bananas in 2025, accounting for over 50 percent of exports (31 percent and 20 percent, respectively).
Both markets continued to show sustained demand, despite an international environment marked by geopolitical tensions and supply chain adjustments.
Other traditional markets also contributed to the results, diversifying shipments and reducing dependence on a single destination, which is key for the sector’s stability. The Middle East ranked third with a 15 percent share, followed by the United States with 12 percent. The top 5 was completed by South American destinations, with a seven percent share.
Between January and December, Ecuadorian banana exports to China also grew significantly, increasing by 16 percent. Likewise, Türkiye saw a 30 percent uptick compared to the same period in 2024.
Shipments to Argentina also increased (17 percent), along with Saudi Arabia (10 percent), Russia (11 percent), Libya (14 percent), and Sweden (19 percent).
On the other hand, Ecuadorian banana exports to South Korea fell by 20 percent.
StePac PCC, a leader in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for fresh produce, is offering a solution to tackle the challenges associated with long transit times.
For example, the long distance between origin and destination, dragon fruit faces a weeks-long trek that threatens its quality. This adds insult to injury, as the industry is already grappling with falling prices from a glut of pitahaya (dragon fruit) in the US and Mexico.
To stay ahead in the now-crowded domestic pitahaya market, growers and shippers must outsmart the clock or risk delivering lackluster fruit.
StePac PCC’s packaging is designed specifically for dragon fruit. The company’s new product is a tailored version of the proprietary Xtend® MA/MH packaging and aims to preserve the shelf life of pitahayas en route from Ecuador to the US and Europe.
StePac notes company engineers mold these materials into different formats, including pallet shrouds, bin liners, and, in this case, a film to protect pitahayas.
The company reports the film was carefully crafted for pitahayas, which are prone to dehydration and wilting due to their high respiration rate.
The packaging was designed to slow this process down by balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. The film also controls moisture to maintain the fruit’s firmness and protruding bracts, and preserves its vibrant, glossy appearance throughout the trip.
Pitahaya has been traditionally shipped loose or in basic packaging formats providing little to no control over the internal atmosphere or humidity, offering limited protection during long sea voyages. Right now, the packaging allows the fruit to withstand sea shipments of three weeks or more.
Shelf-life extension varies depending on conditions, but this significantly exceeds what is achievable with traditional packaging.
The fruit is a fast-growing, high-value product with strong global demand facing significant postharvest challenges during long-distance shipments.
Growers were struggling to reach distant markets in acceptable condition, which made dragon fruit a natural candidate for a tailored modified packaging.
The Company studied pitahaya’s respiratory behavior, moisture sensitivity, and postharvest challenges for three years.
StePac then adjusted film permeability to create the optimal internal atmosphere under real supply chain conditions and collaborated with growers and shippers to test the product.
Repeated trials were conducted with frequent field visits, and optimization of postharvest handling protocols, as well as refinement of the packaging design to ensure consistent performance.
As far as pricing, it is noted exporters report benefits such as reduced waste, improved quality, and access to new markets, which generally outweigh the additional packaging costs by yielding higher returns.
The company is currently working to scale its proprietary packaging to other fruits, since each deal comes with its own set of challenges.
Fruits and vegetables have very different respiration rates, sensitivities to low oxygen, and critical to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations, as well as different moisture requirements.
The first containers of Bright Bounty Moroccan mandarins arrived over a month ago, officially kicking off the Morocco mandarin program. Early arrivals are showing outstanding color and excellent internal quality.
The Bright Bounty Morocco mandarin season will run from February through April.
Crop reports from Morocco indicate a strong mandarin season overall. With indications of fruit drop impacting California supply, Moroccan mandarins provide a strategic solution for maintaining consistent availability.
“We’re really excited about the quality coming out of Morocco this season,” said Alden Guptill, sales manager of Bright Bounty/DiSilva Fruit. “With strong sugars, great color and reliable timing, Morocco Mandarins give our customers confidence and continuity.”
Currently arriving are Nadorcott variety mandarins. Very similar to Murcotts in both flavor and appearance, offering excellent eating quality and easy-peel characteristics that resonate with consumers. The program will be available in one- through five-pound bags, making it well-suited for everyday sales as well as promotional activity.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The devastation of the freeze in Florida about a month ago is now being fully realized with the report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
From blueberries to strawberries and citrus, as well as sugar cane and vegetables, losses were heavy.
A preliminary estimate reveals $3.1 billion from winter’s freeze.
The strawberry and blueberry industries were the hardest hit, according to the report. The former suffered an estimated production loss of approximately 80 percent of the remaining harvest, which roughly translates into $306.9 million in losses.
As far as blueberries are concerned, the extreme cold killed floral buds, led to dropped fruit, and caused plant limbs to break under the weight of cold protection. Growers reported the freeze will not only affect this year’s harvest, but harvests for years to come, the FDACS notes.
Estimated production losses in the Florida blueberry industry preliminarily total 90 percent of the crop, translating to freeze damage valued at approximately $78.5 million.
Meanwhile, citrus, the Sunshine State’s most important crop, suffered the loss of 15 percent of its trees due to freeze damage, along with a huge financial blow estimated at $675 million.
The grand total encompasses tree and infrastructure damage, estimated at $327 million and $41.5 million, respectively, as well as total losses for damaged fruit totalling $85.2 million.
The FDACS report also includes a freeze-damage forecast, with losses calculated at $220.5 million.
The industry will face an average annual loss in productivity of 27 percent that will persist for several years before returning to pre-storm production, the state agency explains.
“It is estimated that 80 percent of the total acres of citrus in Florida were significantly affected by the freeze damage,” the report continued.
As a big vegetable producer, Florida also experienced great freeze losses in commodities such as snap beans, bell peppers, eggplants, artichokes, broccoli, and leafy greens, among others. The FDACS calculates that losses in this category amount to $554.6 million.
Tomato and bell pepper producers lost 80 percent of their crops right before the middle of the season, resulting in $164 million and $108 million in losses, respectively. Sweet corn losses, meanwhile, amount to $255 million and potatoes to $79.1 million.
Watermelons were also affected, with an estimated 33 percent production loss. With the entire growing season still ahead, the state agency estimated a financial blow of $65.4 million.
Florida is also a major sugarcane producer, with an industry worth $1.6 billion in 2025. The sector suffered a significant blow, as freeze damage will not only affect the current season crop, but those to come. Estimated production losses total 35 percent and are valued at $1.65 billion, with current-season losses of $576 million.
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.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
By Charlie Fabricant ALC Corporate
Although professional drivers have long recognized the importance of fuel efficiency, the growth of personal electric vehicles has introduced the general public to the concept of aerodynamic drag. A.K.A, the force caused by air when a moving object goes through it to slow it down. Measured in drag coefficient (Cd), the lower this number is, the less resistance an object faces when moving through wind.
As we recently saw in long-distance speed skating at the Winter Olympics, aerodynamic drag played a role in determining the gold, silver, and bronze winners. Just as humans are, vehicles are also affected by aerodynamics. Many new EVs brag about their extremely low drag coefficients (Cd), which hover around 0.2, and even the worst passenger EVs and electric pickups average around 0.35 Cd. However, even with the aerodynamic improvements manufacturers have made since it became a focus in the 1970s, class 8 tractor-trailers average around 0.65Cd. Now, I just threw some meaningless numbers at you, so let’s make this the fun kind of math, the type that saves you money (and carbon emissions).
Aerodynamic drag increases as the square of speed, meaning that as your speed doubles, your drag force increases by 4x (and the power required to move increases by 8x). All of this to say, aerodynamics play a critical role in fuel economy, and fighting drag accounts for approximately 65% of fuel consumption at highway speed. Now comes the previously-mentioned “fun” part. EPA’s SmartWay reports that a fully-optimized truck-trailer combo can achieve fuel reduction benefits up to 20% through a combination of largely low-cost aerodynamic upgrades. Not only that, but as these technologies have matured, the barrier to entry has dropped; roof fairings, gap reducers, and trailer side skirts are now estimated to pay themselves off within 12 months and offer up to 12% fuel efficiency improvements alone. Maintenance concerns have also been alleviated due to modern kits’ increased durability and flexibility. Obviously, the payback period is subject to local diesel prices and average driving speed, but with operational costs on the rise, where fuel represents 20-30% of total expenses, fuel efficiency improvements provide substantial savings even when diesel is “cheap.” Just to play with a little thought experiment (assuming $4 diesel), a long-haul truck running 110,000 miles a year will save approximately $4,000 – $6,000 in fuel costs for $5,000 in truck optimization, and remember, that upfront cost only exists for the first year. For a fleet of 10 trucks, that adds up to $50,000 straight to your bottom line every year after the first.
More so than we have seen in the previous few years, shippers are reprioritizing resilient business partners, as sustained tough conditions have caused many logistics companies to shutter in the post-COVID market. Additionally, ESG requirements continue to expand. With new regulations like California’s SB 253 requiring large organizations to report their entire value chain’s carbon footprint, carriers with high-efficiency equipment aren’t just saving money; they are becoming the ‘preferred capacity’ for the nation’s largest shippers. Aerodynamic upgrades provide an opportunity to combat rising operational costs while future-proofing equipment to meet ever-expanding emissions standards. If you’re a shipper looking for low-cost ways to improve your sustainability ratings or a carrier looking to optimize your margins and thrive in the years ahead, aerodynamic upgrades may be for you!
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Charlie Fabricant graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a double major in Economics and Human & Organizational Development with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. He joined the Nashville office as an undergraduate intern in 2021 and became a transportation broker along with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) coordinator. In 2024, he was promoted to ESG programs manager.
charlie.fabricant@allenlund.co
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-
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.”
Localized security activity in parts of Mexico is creating transportation disruptions that may impact cross‑border freight movement, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA
- Intermittent delays have been reported on roads connecting to the Nogales, Arizona and McAllen, Texas border crossings
- Due to shelter‑in‑place measures in certain areas, some growers are temporarily not moving product into the U.S. as a precaution for employee safety across harvesting, packing, and logistics operations
- Commodities potentially affected include limes, mixed berries, strawberries, and green onions
- Conditions remain fluid as routes adjust and security activity continues
- There are no confirmed closures of U.S. ports of entry at this time
- Markon will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed
Meanwhile, on Sunday, February 22, after a military operation by the Mexican Ministry of Defense that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, a wave of violence and unrest took over the state of Jalisco.
In the city of Puerto Vallarta, for example, gunmen from the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel could be heard on the streets, sending tourists and locals into hiding. Gunshots and vehicles set on fire blocked off several roads and highways, halting normal life and severely impacting the packing and harvesting of several local crops, including limes, mangoes, and avocados. The last two are especially important to the state, as most of the production is shipped to the US.
Ecuadorian banana exports ended 2025 at over 377 million boxes, a 3.5 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
The figures were featured in the latest report published by the Association of Marketing and Export of Bananas of Ecuador (ACORBANEC), corresponding to shipments between January and December 2025.
The result consolidates bananas as one of the main pillars of Ecuadorian foreign trade, in a year marked by logistical challenges, international demand variation, and adjustments in global trade flow.
In December 2025, year-over-year exports remained steady, reaching nearly 33 million boxes. However, during the last campaign, monthly performance was variable, with export peaks in Q2 and Q4, which helped offset less dynamic months.
The 2025 Ecuadorian banana export season showed a similar recovery to 2024, when the industry experienced a year-on-year contraction. The observed growth reflects greater stability in shipments and a better response from destination markets.
According to ACORBANEC’s report, the European Union and Russia remained the main destinations for Ecuadorian bananas in 2025, accounting for over 50 percent of exports (31 percent and 20 percent, respectively).
Both markets continued to show sustained demand, despite an international environment marked by geopolitical tensions and supply chain adjustments.
Other traditional markets also contributed to the results, diversifying shipments and reducing dependence on a single destination, which is key for the sector’s stability. The Middle East ranked third with a 15 percent share, followed by the United States with 12 percent. The top 5 was completed by South American destinations, with a seven percent share.
Between January and December, Ecuadorian banana exports to China also grew significantly, increasing by 16 percent. Likewise, Türkiye saw a 30 percent uptick compared to the same period in 2024.
Shipments to Argentina also increased (17 percent), along with Saudi Arabia (10 percent), Russia (11 percent), Libya (14 percent), and Sweden (19 percent).
On the other hand, Ecuadorian banana exports to South Korea fell by 20 percent.