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On Tuesday, May 22nd, Tifton County vegetables were clobbered by a major hail 
storm, which apparently will wipe out most loading opportunities there for truckers. The county’s 2,525 acres of watermelons, some of which were within 10 days of harvest, also were devasted. Tifton County ships about 10 percent of the state’s watermelons. Veggies receiving severe damage ranged from cantaloupe to sweet corn, peas, squash, peppers and cucumbers.
Supplies of refrigerated equipment from shipping areas c0ast-to-coast 
continue to tighten as seasonal fresh fruit and vegetable volume rises. The result is buyers of produce are being forced to pay higher freight rates and truckers now have the upper hand in rate negotiations.
Truck supplies are especially short in California, Nogales, South Texas and in Florida.
The truck supply situation will continue, and worsen, after Memorial Day as receivers replenish supplies.
California hasn’t even got cranked up yet with produce shipments, although they are certainly getting there. If you are a produce hauler, let the good times roll.
The week of May 21st there were already a few loads out Southern California, Santa Maria, as well as the Salinas and San Joaquin valleys topping $8000 to places like New York and Boston.
In Arizona, rates for Mexican grapes crossing the border at Nogales, increased the past week by double digits. The most extreme example was a 30-plus percent hike in rates to Dallas.
Speaking of Texas, strong demand for reefer loads out of the Lower Rio Grande Valley continues. There’s a lot of watermelons and other Mexican fruits and veggies coming into the USA.
In Florida, rates have been all over the board — especially for hauling red potatoes. If you hit it right when truck supplies are really short, you could gross $2000 MORE on a load to the Northeast. Most of the state’s watermelon shipments are coming from areas north of Orlando, with shipments now coming from Georgia.
Salinas Valley vegetables- grossing about $8200 to Boston with some loads higher.
Mexican grapes from Nogales – about $3400 to Dallas.
South Texas produce – about $5500 to Boston.
Florida potatoes – anywhere from $3000 to $5000 to New York.
While many Florida veggies, such as pepper and squash shipments are 
seasonally finished, items ranging from potatoes to tomatoes and watermelons are moving in good volume. Heaviest volume out of Florida is now with central area watermelons, which is approaching 2,000 loads per week. There’s moderate volume with tomatoes, followed by potatoes. But in the overall scheme of things, Florida produce volume is in a seasonal decline.
Georgia is entering perhaps its most active time of the year for produce loads. There’s light volume in the Southern part of the state with blueberries, and heavier tonnage coming from mixed vegetables….About 400 truckloads of Vidalia sweet onions are being shipped weekly. In the Ft. Valley area, Georgia peach hauls are limited, resulting in a lot of multi drop loads as the season hasn’t really kicked in yet and shippers are trying to please as many customers as possible.. But come June that will change rapidly and more straight loads of peaches will become available.
South Carolina peach loadings are only a few days behind those in Georgia.
Georgia vegetables – grossing about $2600 to Chicago.
Florida watermelons – about $4200 to New York City.
After a more than four-day journey on its cross-country haul, the California 
fresh strawberry load was just being backed into Andover, MA Market Basket warehouse dock as the sun was rising.
Waiting with a clip board grasped in one hand and a coffee mug in the other was Allen Moczygemba, team leader with TransFresh Corporation’s Tectrol Service Network and the designated rep responsible for
*****
Allen Moczygemba, Tectrol Service Network rep, inspects strawberry load and takes atmosphere readings using sensor probe.
*****
conducting the final Tectrol® quality check before its Tectrol-sealed pallets could be opened and clamshells distributed to the New England chain of supermarkets and superstores in time for the Mother’s Day rush.
Behind the scenes, Mike Maguire, Market Basket’s vice president for perishables, awaited the TransFresh quality assurance report, well aware of the time and the dozens of equally important tasks facing him that day.
This scene is one that is repeated hundreds of times across the country throughout the long strawberry season as members of the Tectrol Service Network seamlessly and vigilantly troubleshoot the proper application and performance of the proprietary Tectrol Atmosphere freshness solution for strawberries. Carefully monitoring and measuring everything from the proper sealing of the Tectrol® pallet bags to the levels of CO2 and O2 inside, Tectrol Service Network inspectors also observe truck temperature settings, 
strawberry pulp temperatures and even truck loading patterns (away from truck walls is preferred for more even pulp temperatures due to optimal refrigeration air flows). In short, the Tectrolservice reps are “on the case” to help make certain that the Tectrol Atmosphere systems are properly in place and performing at desired levels to help assure strawberry quality throughout the growing seasons.
*****
Mike Maguire (left), Vice President of Perishables for Market Basket, reviews Tectrol data with Allen Moczygemba, Tectrol Service Network rep.
*****
According to Moczygemba, the early morning hours at receiving warehouses are tough but worth it. “Because the Tectrol Service Network may ensure the recommended 10% or higher CO2 levels that are proven to limit strawberry decay, we’re more than willing to monitor every step of the process if it means better berries and more benefits for our growers-shippers, the retail customer and their consumers.”
Tectrol Service Network Quality Checklist At-A-Glance
Shipping Point Audits
- Routine spot inspections of all Tectrol® application processes
- Routine confirmation of Tectrol® atmosphere pre shipment levels
- Routine equipment inspections operational efficiency
- Continuous monitoring and on-site training ofservicepersonnel
- 24/7 certified technical support
Distribution Service Audits
- Routine spot inspections at receiving points to ensure Tectrol® performance
- Verification of Tectrol® application and pallet bag seal integrity
- Measurement of atmospheric readings to ensure accuracy
- Network-wide updates within 12 hours
- Process improvements that are immediate and ongoing
Online Reporting
- Convenient online customer access to detailed reporting
Vince King has been trucking since 1978 hauling dairy products, frozen 
chickens and fresh produce. He loves hauling refrigerated freight, but dislikes trucking in California and the attitudes of many drivers.
A resident of Cuba, NY, located near Buffalo, HaulProduce caught up recently with Vince at the Pilot Truck Stop at Warner Robins, GA. “I haul dairy, chickens and produce — it really doesn’t matter to me which one. The only difference is setting the temperature (on the reefer unit) right for the different loads. I’ve grown to love that reefer unit over the years that’s behind my truck,” he relates.
Vince drives a 2009 blue Freightliner housing a 470 h.p. Detroit, equipped with a 13-speed transmission. He pulls a 53-foot Utililty trailer with a Thermo King unit.
“I love this truck. My boss asked me what I wanted and what color. My previous truck was a 2004 black Freight, says, Vince, who drives for Sargent Transportation Lines Inc. of Cuba, a small fleet with 20 over-the-road trucks. “The money is good and they keep me hopping or I wouldn’t still be here.”
Vince, who has been with Sargent 16 years, had just delivered dairy product in Florida the previous day, which had three drops. He was on his way to pick up frozen chicken in Doraville, GA for delivery to U.S. Foodservice near Albany, NY. He also hauls potatoes and onions off of the West Coast.
“I don’t like California. I used to run it every week, but now there is just too 
much ‘crap’ out there.” Vince cites all of the excessive regulations on truckers in California, adding, “You can’t sneeze there without getting a ticket. I just took my son out there on a trip. I’ve decided I just don’t need the hassles.”
Since becoming a trucker 34 years ago, Vince has considered buying a truck, but has always decided to remain a company driver. “I thought about becoming an owner operator years ago, but right now I wouldn’t even consider it because of the economy. It’s really hard to find a good company where you can make it with a lease. Over the years I’ve seen what these companies can do, especially with these lease-purchase plans.”
One of the best aspects of trucking is simply being out on the road, Vince says. He typically leaves the house on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning to pick up a load. He is usually home by Friday at the latest. If he’s doing an East Coast run, he’s usually gone only a couple of nights.
His least favorite part of trucking, which he dislikes even more than the excessive regulations, are the attitudes of a lot of drivers.
“I don’t even mean just the new breed, but some of the older drivers as well. Sometimes it is just sickening,” he states.
What is his biggest challenge in trucking? “Trying to figure out what the other drivers are going to do before they do it. A majority of this is with the older drivers, the four wheelers and the campers,” he says. “To a certain extent there is a lack of professionalism in trucking. I”m not just talking about the baby boomers, because you have the ‘me’ generation. It’s me, me, me. That is not the way things should be done.”
By Larry Oscar
It’s been interesting to observe the reaction of some people to government 
failures. What seems so obvious to many seems to totally escaping the thought process of others. “Why is it that government agencies fail while private corporations succeed”, a liberal friend of mine recently asked? Sometimes all you can do to help these poor folks is just smile. The answer lies in the observations of a man by the name of Charles Darwin. Back in 1859 Darwin published his book On the Origin of Species and the rest is history.
Over 99.9 percent of all species that ever lived on this planet have fallen to extinction. We are a product of natural selection and if we fail to adapt to changes in climate and our environment, we will follow the same fate. Darwin’s observation of natural selection is not limited to nature alone. It is the reason that Socialism, Marxism, and big governments fail while Capitalism succeeds.
In order for a society to prosper the society must have a viable economy supported by trade and successful business. That has been true for all great civilizations, past and present. Capitalism supports the process of natural selection in an economy. Whereas, Socialism and Marxism do not. Under Capitalism businesses must adapt to an ever changing market or fail and become extinct. Under Socialism and Marxism the government props up what the government decides businesses should become, regardless of the market conditions. This leads to a costly and prolonged, but inevitable extinction of the business. Why, because the process of natural selection has not been allowed to occur.
The Capitalist free market is the crucible that weeds out the weak. There can be no greater example of Darwin’s natural selection process than the United States Post Office versus the United Parcel Service. If an outside observer were to pick a winner among these two the logical choice would have been the United States Post Office. After all, the Post Office can deliver both first class mail and parcels while UPS can only deliver parcels. And UPS was not allowed to deliver first class mail by law. A government interference in the market. The failure of the Post Office is a glaring example of why government intervention in the free market process will always inevitably end in failure.
Historically the failures of great civilizations can be traced to an ever increasing size of government and the government interference in the free market forces that result in the collapse of trade, business, and ultimately the economy. Capitalism is often described as “brutal” because there will be losers, winners, and failures. May I remind all that capitalism is no different than sports. When you compete in baseball, football, golf, or any other sport it would be ludicrous to compete and not have winners and losers. So why is the competition in a capitalist business environment any different? Do you think the early baseball teams of the early 1900’s would stand a chance against the teams of today? No way. Why? Because sports has evolved. We have much more skilled players and better training and equipment today. We no longer play golf with wooden handle clubs or leather covered golf balls. Our tennis rackets today are lightweight carbon fiber, not wood.
Like sports, market free competition in business is absolutely essential. And it is essential that government keep the interference in the market to an absolute minimum. We have pumped tens of billions of borrowed government money into GM. The GM story has yet to write it’s final chapter. GM has not been “saved” as many are claiming now. GM has only survived until now because of a government handout. GM will be back in trouble within a few years or decades at most when the government handout money is gone and once again they have to stand on their own two feet. The systemic problems at GM are still there, and those problems will bring GM to it’s knees sooner or later. A very good read on this subject is John Stossel’s new book entitled No They Can’t. It cites numerous examples of government failures in the free market place. You can pick it up on Amazon for about $17 at:
http://www.amazon.com/They-Cant-Government-Fails-But-Individuals
And be kind to your emotional friends. After all, they may have an issue! You also may want to read up on that subject as well…My Stroke of Insight by Jill Taylor, Ph.D. It’s a great story of a true scientist and what she discovered about the brains thought processes.
The index for fruits and vegetables posted the largest increase of any food 
group, rising 1% percent in April after a series of declines, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistcs. Despite the April increase, the report said the fruits and vegetables food group is the only one to decline over the past 12 months, falling 1.7% compared with this time last year.
Lower energy costs in April helped hold the Consumer Price Index steady despite a pne percent hike in price index for fruits and vegetables.
The agency said the 1.7% decline in energy costs offset increases in food, which saw five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increase. Cereal and bakery products rose 0.4%, while the index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs rose 0.1%. The index for dairy fell 1% in April, the third straight decline.
Average price data reported by the bureau showed retail tomato prices in April were $1.39 per pound, down from $1.45 per pound in March and sharply off from $2.27 per pound in April 2011.
The average price for red delicious apples in April was $1.26 per pound, down from $1.28 per pound in March and lower than the $1.35 per pound average a year ago. Navel oranges averaged 91 cents per pound, up from 85 cents in March but down from 93 cents a year ago.
Banana prices were also lower than a year ago, with the April price of 60 cents per pound off from 62 cents a year ago.
The report said the food-at- home price index has risen 3.3% in the past year, compared with a 2.9% increase for food-away-from home.
Equipment Modifications Announced by TransFRESH Now Make Tectrol Available to Strawberry Shippers Who Employ Reusable Plastic Containers
SALINAS, CA May 16, 2012 ‒ TransFRESH Corporation has announced that 
palletized Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) used by a select number of growers and shippers in the berry industry now work seamlessly with the company’s proprietary Tectrol® Modified Atmosphere system due to innovative equipment modifications made by the TransFRESH team.
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TransFresh squeeze completes the cycle of inserting the bottom seal on a pallet that is now ready for the Tectrol bag and seal.
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“We’ve implemented certain adjustments that make our equipment ‘RPC Capable’ for shippers who use RPCs as part of their box or carton mix,” according to Rich Macleod, vice president, TransFRESH Pallet Division North America. “This makes it possible for berry growers, shippers and retailers to take advantage of the benefits of Tectrol® regardless of the package method.”
Previously, growers and shippers using RPCs experienced a more complicated process that involved placing the bottom seal on the pallet in the field. However, with the new modifications, it’s now possible to run RPC pallet units on the company’s automated equipment provided at the coolers, ensuring the ease and integrity of the sealing process.
“The goal of our Tectrol Service Network is to remain ahead of the curve in terms of marketplace and customer demands,” said Macleod. “We realized that with some adjustments and retooling, we would be able to ensure a viable seal on all sides of the RPCs, making it possible for shippers who provide Tectrol® to readily apply our technologies with RPC palletization.”
Studies have shown that Tectrol’s high CO2 (carbon dioxide) modified atmosphere may reduce decay and thereby protect the quality of fresh strawberries throughout the distribution process. Berries shipped using the Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging System are shown in university, USDA and private studies to deliver strawberries with less decay.
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About TransFRESH® TransFRESH Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiquita Brands (NYSE: CQB), is a pioneering and established global company, with nearly 50 years of experience in perishables transport. Tectrol ® is the trademarked brand name for the TransFRESH® family of proprietary modified and controlled atmosphere systems and processes developed and owned by TransFRESH®. The Tectrol® Service Network™ services, markets and supports the Tectrol Pallet Systems operations and technologies. Since inception, TransFRESH’s innovations in packaging, equipment and sealing processes have established Tectrol® as the industry standard.
There are fruits and vegetables being shipping from a number of California 
districts. As strawberry volume declines from Ventura County, there’s good volume from Santa Maria, as the Salinas Valley gears up to get rockin’. The same can be said for Salinas vegetable tonnage, which is building as well. Southern California is shipping citrus, plus there are avocados and tomatoes from shippers located between L.A. and SanDiego. Mexican tomatoes are crossing the California border at Otay Mesa. Coachella Valley grape loadings are on the rise and should be peaking most of June.
CALIFORNIA RATES RATES ARE ON THE RISE. WE’RE APPROACHING THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN THE PRODUCE INDUSTRY STARTS PAYING FOR ITS SINS OF LOOKING FOR THE CHEAPEST TRUCK, KICKING OVER LOADS FOR WHICH THEY’VE PAID TOO MUCH FOR PRODUCT AND GENERALLY BEING BAD BOYS TO TRUCKERS.
While Nogales is pretty much finished with vegetables from Mexico, Mexican grapes crossing the Arizona border are hitting full stride.
In Washington state, there’s light volume of potatoes from the Columbia Basin and the nearby Umatilla Basin in Oregon, but onion shipments are about finished….About the only thing that leaves in Washington are Yakima Valley apples and pears.
Washington apples and pears – grossing about $4900 to Cleveland.
Mexican grapes from Nogales – about $4100 to Chicago.
Southern California produce – about $7600 to New York City.
By Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission
YAKIMA, WA — Everyone loves a fresh batch of sweet cherries, but these delicious treats are not just for tasty pies — research have 
received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries:1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005).2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003).3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005).4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39).5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003).6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003).
7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag.
“Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.”
When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com .
About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission
Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com .
shows they also pack a major punch when it comes to improving health and helping fend off a number of serious diseases. Soon this year’s fresh sweet cherry crop will be available throughout the country, as reported by the Northwest Cherry Growers, and consumers can look forward to plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this superfruit, and even preserve them for year-round use.
Sweet cherries — including the golden-blushed Rainier and iconic Bing varieties, among others — are known for their high fiber and low calorie count. Over the past few years, they have received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries:
1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005).
2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003).
3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005).
4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39).
5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003).
6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003).
7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag.
“Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.”
When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com .
About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission
Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com .
On Tuesday, May 22nd, Tifton County vegetables were clobbered by a major hail storm, which apparently will wipe out most loading opportunities there for truckers. The county’s 2,525 acres of watermelons, some of which were within 10 days of harvest, also were devasted. Tifton County ships about 10 percent of the state’s watermelons. Veggies receiving severe damage ranged from cantaloupe to sweet corn, peas, squash, peppers and cucumbers.
Supplies of refrigerated equipment from shipping areas c0ast-to-coast continue to tighten as seasonal fresh fruit and vegetable volume rises. The result is buyers of produce are being forced to pay higher freight rates and truckers now have the upper hand in rate negotiations.
Truck supplies are especially short in California, Nogales, South Texas and in Florida.
The truck supply situation will continue, and worsen, after Memorial Day as receivers replenish supplies.
California hasn’t even got cranked up yet with produce shipments, although they are certainly getting there. If you are a produce hauler, let the good times roll.
The week of May 21st there were already a few loads out Southern California, Santa Maria, as well as the Salinas and San Joaquin valleys topping $8000 to places like New York and Boston.
In Arizona, rates for Mexican grapes crossing the border at Nogales, increased the past week by double digits. The most extreme example was a 30-plus percent hike in rates to Dallas.
Speaking of Texas, strong demand for reefer loads out of the Lower Rio Grande Valley continues. There’s a lot of watermelons and other Mexican fruits and veggies coming into the USA.
In Florida, rates have been all over the board — especially for hauling red potatoes. If you hit it right when truck supplies are really short, you could gross $2000 MORE on a load to the Northeast. Most of the state’s watermelon shipments are coming from areas north of Orlando, with shipments now coming from Georgia.
Salinas Valley vegetables- grossing about $8200 to Boston with some loads higher.
Mexican grapes from Nogales – about $3400 to Dallas.
South Texas produce – about $5500 to Boston.
Florida potatoes – anywhere from $3000 to $5000 to New York.
While many Florida veggies, such as pepper and squash shipments are seasonally finished, items ranging from potatoes to tomatoes and watermelons are moving in good volume. Heaviest volume out of Florida is now with central area watermelons, which is approaching 2,000 loads per week. There’s moderate volume with tomatoes, followed by potatoes. But in the overall scheme of things, Florida produce volume is in a seasonal decline.
Georgia is entering perhaps its most active time of the year for produce loads. There’s light volume in the Southern part of the state with blueberries, and heavier tonnage coming from mixed vegetables….About 400 truckloads of Vidalia sweet onions are being shipped weekly. In the Ft. Valley area, Georgia peach hauls are limited, resulting in a lot of multi drop loads as the season hasn’t really kicked in yet and shippers are trying to please as many customers as possible.. But come June that will change rapidly and more straight loads of peaches will become available.
South Carolina peach loadings are only a few days behind those in Georgia.
Georgia vegetables – grossing about $2600 to Chicago.
Florida watermelons – about $4200 to New York City.
After a more than four-day journey on its cross-country haul, the California fresh strawberry load was just being backed into Andover, MA Market Basket warehouse dock as the sun was rising.
Waiting with a clip board grasped in one hand and a coffee mug in the other was Allen Moczygemba, team leader with TransFresh Corporation’s Tectrol Service Network and the designated rep responsible for
*****
Allen Moczygemba, Tectrol Service Network rep, inspects strawberry load and takes atmosphere readings using sensor probe.
*****
conducting the final Tectrol® quality check before its Tectrol-sealed pallets could be opened and clamshells distributed to the New England chain of supermarkets and superstores in time for the Mother’s Day rush.
Behind the scenes, Mike Maguire, Market Basket’s vice president for perishables, awaited the TransFresh quality assurance report, well aware of the time and the dozens of equally important tasks facing him that day.
This scene is one that is repeated hundreds of times across the country throughout the long strawberry season as members of the Tectrol Service Network seamlessly and vigilantly troubleshoot the proper application and performance of the proprietary Tectrol Atmosphere freshness solution for strawberries. Carefully monitoring and measuring everything from the proper sealing of the Tectrol® pallet bags to the levels of CO2 and O2 inside, Tectrol Service Network inspectors also observe truck temperature settings, strawberry pulp temperatures and even truck loading patterns (away from truck walls is preferred for more even pulp temperatures due to optimal refrigeration air flows). In short, the Tectrolservice reps are “on the case” to help make certain that the Tectrol Atmosphere systems are properly in place and performing at desired levels to help assure strawberry quality throughout the growing seasons.
*****
Mike Maguire (left), Vice President of Perishables for Market Basket, reviews Tectrol data with Allen Moczygemba, Tectrol Service Network rep.
*****
According to Moczygemba, the early morning hours at receiving warehouses are tough but worth it. “Because the Tectrol Service Network may ensure the recommended 10% or higher CO2 levels that are proven to limit strawberry decay, we’re more than willing to monitor every step of the process if it means better berries and more benefits for our growers-shippers, the retail customer and their consumers.”
Tectrol Service Network Quality Checklist At-A-Glance
Shipping Point Audits
- Routine spot inspections of all Tectrol® application processes
- Routine confirmation of Tectrol® atmosphere pre shipment levels
- Routine equipment inspections operational efficiency
- Continuous monitoring and on-site training ofservicepersonnel
- 24/7 certified technical support
Distribution Service Audits
- Routine spot inspections at receiving points to ensure Tectrol® performance
- Verification of Tectrol® application and pallet bag seal integrity
- Measurement of atmospheric readings to ensure accuracy
- Network-wide updates within 12 hours
- Process improvements that are immediate and ongoing
Online Reporting
- Convenient online customer access to detailed reporting
Vince King has been trucking since 1978 hauling dairy products, frozen chickens and fresh produce. He loves hauling refrigerated freight, but dislikes trucking in California and the attitudes of many drivers.
A resident of Cuba, NY, located near Buffalo, HaulProduce caught up recently with Vince at the Pilot Truck Stop at Warner Robins, GA. “I haul dairy, chickens and produce — it really doesn’t matter to me which one. The only difference is setting the temperature (on the reefer unit) right for the different loads. I’ve grown to love that reefer unit over the years that’s behind my truck,” he relates.
Vince drives a 2009 blue Freightliner housing a 470 h.p. Detroit, equipped with a 13-speed transmission. He pulls a 53-foot Utililty trailer with a Thermo King unit.
“I love this truck. My boss asked me what I wanted and what color. My previous truck was a 2004 black Freight, says, Vince, who drives for Sargent Transportation Lines Inc. of Cuba, a small fleet with 20 over-the-road trucks. “The money is good and they keep me hopping or I wouldn’t still be here.”
Vince, who has been with Sargent 16 years, had just delivered dairy product in Florida the previous day, which had three drops. He was on his way to pick up frozen chicken in Doraville, GA for delivery to U.S. Foodservice near Albany, NY. He also hauls potatoes and onions off of the West Coast.
“I don’t like California. I used to run it every week, but now there is just too much ‘crap’ out there.” Vince cites all of the excessive regulations on truckers in California, adding, “You can’t sneeze there without getting a ticket. I just took my son out there on a trip. I’ve decided I just don’t need the hassles.”
Since becoming a trucker 34 years ago, Vince has considered buying a truck, but has always decided to remain a company driver. “I thought about becoming an owner operator years ago, but right now I wouldn’t even consider it because of the economy. It’s really hard to find a good company where you can make it with a lease. Over the years I’ve seen what these companies can do, especially with these lease-purchase plans.”
One of the best aspects of trucking is simply being out on the road, Vince says. He typically leaves the house on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning to pick up a load. He is usually home by Friday at the latest. If he’s doing an East Coast run, he’s usually gone only a couple of nights.
His least favorite part of trucking, which he dislikes even more than the excessive regulations, are the attitudes of a lot of drivers.
“I don’t even mean just the new breed, but some of the older drivers as well. Sometimes it is just sickening,” he states.
What is his biggest challenge in trucking? “Trying to figure out what the other drivers are going to do before they do it. A majority of this is with the older drivers, the four wheelers and the campers,” he says. “To a certain extent there is a lack of professionalism in trucking. I”m not just talking about the baby boomers, because you have the ‘me’ generation. It’s me, me, me. That is not the way things should be done.”
By Larry Oscar
It’s been interesting to observe the reaction of some people to government failures. What seems so obvious to many seems to totally escaping the thought process of others. “Why is it that government agencies fail while private corporations succeed”, a liberal friend of mine recently asked? Sometimes all you can do to help these poor folks is just smile. The answer lies in the observations of a man by the name of Charles Darwin. Back in 1859 Darwin published his book On the Origin of Species and the rest is history.
Over 99.9 percent of all species that ever lived on this planet have fallen to extinction. We are a product of natural selection and if we fail to adapt to changes in climate and our environment, we will follow the same fate. Darwin’s observation of natural selection is not limited to nature alone. It is the reason that Socialism, Marxism, and big governments fail while Capitalism succeeds.
In order for a society to prosper the society must have a viable economy supported by trade and successful business. That has been true for all great civilizations, past and present. Capitalism supports the process of natural selection in an economy. Whereas, Socialism and Marxism do not. Under Capitalism businesses must adapt to an ever changing market or fail and become extinct. Under Socialism and Marxism the government props up what the government decides businesses should become, regardless of the market conditions. This leads to a costly and prolonged, but inevitable extinction of the business. Why, because the process of natural selection has not been allowed to occur.
The Capitalist free market is the crucible that weeds out the weak. There can be no greater example of Darwin’s natural selection process than the United States Post Office versus the United Parcel Service. If an outside observer were to pick a winner among these two the logical choice would have been the United States Post Office. After all, the Post Office can deliver both first class mail and parcels while UPS can only deliver parcels. And UPS was not allowed to deliver first class mail by law. A government interference in the market. The failure of the Post Office is a glaring example of why government intervention in the free market process will always inevitably end in failure.
Historically the failures of great civilizations can be traced to an ever increasing size of government and the government interference in the free market forces that result in the collapse of trade, business, and ultimately the economy. Capitalism is often described as “brutal” because there will be losers, winners, and failures. May I remind all that capitalism is no different than sports. When you compete in baseball, football, golf, or any other sport it would be ludicrous to compete and not have winners and losers. So why is the competition in a capitalist business environment any different? Do you think the early baseball teams of the early 1900’s would stand a chance against the teams of today? No way. Why? Because sports has evolved. We have much more skilled players and better training and equipment today. We no longer play golf with wooden handle clubs or leather covered golf balls. Our tennis rackets today are lightweight carbon fiber, not wood.
Like sports, market free competition in business is absolutely essential. And it is essential that government keep the interference in the market to an absolute minimum. We have pumped tens of billions of borrowed government money into GM. The GM story has yet to write it’s final chapter. GM has not been “saved” as many are claiming now. GM has only survived until now because of a government handout. GM will be back in trouble within a few years or decades at most when the government handout money is gone and once again they have to stand on their own two feet. The systemic problems at GM are still there, and those problems will bring GM to it’s knees sooner or later. A very good read on this subject is John Stossel’s new book entitled No They Can’t. It cites numerous examples of government failures in the free market place. You can pick it up on Amazon for about $17 at:
http://www.amazon.com/They-Cant-Government-Fails-But-Individuals
And be kind to your emotional friends. After all, they may have an issue! You also may want to read up on that subject as well…My Stroke of Insight by Jill Taylor, Ph.D. It’s a great story of a true scientist and what she discovered about the brains thought processes.
The index for fruits and vegetables posted the largest increase of any food group, rising 1% percent in April after a series of declines, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistcs. Despite the April increase, the report said the fruits and vegetables food group is the only one to decline over the past 12 months, falling 1.7% compared with this time last year.
Lower energy costs in April helped hold the Consumer Price Index steady despite a pne percent hike in price index for fruits and vegetables.
The agency said the 1.7% decline in energy costs offset increases in food, which saw five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increase. Cereal and bakery products rose 0.4%, while the index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs rose 0.1%. The index for dairy fell 1% in April, the third straight decline.
Average price data reported by the bureau showed retail tomato prices in April were $1.39 per pound, down from $1.45 per pound in March and sharply off from $2.27 per pound in April 2011.
The average price for red delicious apples in April was $1.26 per pound, down from $1.28 per pound in March and lower than the $1.35 per pound average a year ago. Navel oranges averaged 91 cents per pound, up from 85 cents in March but down from 93 cents a year ago.
Banana prices were also lower than a year ago, with the April price of 60 cents per pound off from 62 cents a year ago.
The report said the food-at- home price index has risen 3.3% in the past year, compared with a 2.9% increase for food-away-from home.
Equipment Modifications Announced by TransFRESH Now Make Tectrol Available to Strawberry Shippers Who Employ Reusable Plastic Containers
SALINAS, CA May 16, 2012 ‒ TransFRESH Corporation has announced that palletized Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) used by a select number of growers and shippers in the berry industry now work seamlessly with the company’s proprietary Tectrol® Modified Atmosphere system due to innovative equipment modifications made by the TransFRESH team.
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TransFresh squeeze completes the cycle of inserting the bottom seal on a pallet that is now ready for the Tectrol bag and seal.
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“We’ve implemented certain adjustments that make our equipment ‘RPC Capable’ for shippers who use RPCs as part of their box or carton mix,” according to Rich Macleod, vice president, TransFRESH Pallet Division North America. “This makes it possible for berry growers, shippers and retailers to take advantage of the benefits of Tectrol® regardless of the package method.”
Previously, growers and shippers using RPCs experienced a more complicated process that involved placing the bottom seal on the pallet in the field. However, with the new modifications, it’s now possible to run RPC pallet units on the company’s automated equipment provided at the coolers, ensuring the ease and integrity of the sealing process.
“The goal of our Tectrol Service Network is to remain ahead of the curve in terms of marketplace and customer demands,” said Macleod. “We realized that with some adjustments and retooling, we would be able to ensure a viable seal on all sides of the RPCs, making it possible for shippers who provide Tectrol® to readily apply our technologies with RPC palletization.”
Studies have shown that Tectrol’s high CO2 (carbon dioxide) modified atmosphere may reduce decay and thereby protect the quality of fresh strawberries throughout the distribution process. Berries shipped using the Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging System are shown in university, USDA and private studies to deliver strawberries with less decay.
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About TransFRESH® TransFRESH Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiquita Brands (NYSE: CQB), is a pioneering and established global company, with nearly 50 years of experience in perishables transport. Tectrol ® is the trademarked brand name for the TransFRESH® family of proprietary modified and controlled atmosphere systems and processes developed and owned by TransFRESH®. The Tectrol® Service Network™ services, markets and supports the Tectrol Pallet Systems operations and technologies. Since inception, TransFRESH’s innovations in packaging, equipment and sealing processes have established Tectrol® as the industry standard.
There are fruits and vegetables being shipping from a number of California districts. As strawberry volume declines from Ventura County, there’s good volume from Santa Maria, as the Salinas Valley gears up to get rockin’. The same can be said for Salinas vegetable tonnage, which is building as well. Southern California is shipping citrus, plus there are avocados and tomatoes from shippers located between L.A. and SanDiego. Mexican tomatoes are crossing the California border at Otay Mesa. Coachella Valley grape loadings are on the rise and should be peaking most of June.
CALIFORNIA RATES RATES ARE ON THE RISE. WE’RE APPROACHING THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN THE PRODUCE INDUSTRY STARTS PAYING FOR ITS SINS OF LOOKING FOR THE CHEAPEST TRUCK, KICKING OVER LOADS FOR WHICH THEY’VE PAID TOO MUCH FOR PRODUCT AND GENERALLY BEING BAD BOYS TO TRUCKERS.
While Nogales is pretty much finished with vegetables from Mexico, Mexican grapes crossing the Arizona border are hitting full stride.
In Washington state, there’s light volume of potatoes from the Columbia Basin and the nearby Umatilla Basin in Oregon, but onion shipments are about finished….About the only thing that leaves in Washington are Yakima Valley apples and pears.
Washington apples and pears – grossing about $4900 to Cleveland.
Mexican grapes from Nogales – about $4100 to Chicago.
Southern California produce – about $7600 to New York City.
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By Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission
YAKIMA, WA — Everyone loves a fresh batch of sweet cherries, but these delicious treats are not just for tasty pies — research have
received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries:1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005).2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003).3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005).4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39).5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003).6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003).
7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag. “Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.” When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com . About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com . shows they also pack a major punch when it comes to improving health and helping fend off a number of serious diseases. Soon this year’s fresh sweet cherry crop will be available throughout the country, as reported by the Northwest Cherry Growers, and consumers can look forward to plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this superfruit, and even preserve them for year-round use. Sweet cherries — including the golden-blushed Rainier and iconic Bing varieties, among others — are known for their high fiber and low calorie count. Over the past few years, they have received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries: 1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005). 2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003). 3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005). 4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39). 5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003). 6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003). 7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag. “Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.” When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com . About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com . |