Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
The Peruvian Table Grape Producers’ Association (PROVID) revised its projection for the industry’s current campaign, adjusting it down by two percent.
The Andean country is now expected to finish the 2025–26 season in week 17, with an estimated volume of 84.2 million 18-pound boxes. The updated forecast represents a decrease of nearly two million boxes.
The new projection is mainly the result of changes in weather conditions, yield adjustments, and field management decisions during the campaign’s development stage.
At the close of January, Peru has already exported more than 72 million boxes, with approximately 12 million remaining to be shipped by the end of the season.
The country’s north, which accounts for 38.5 million boxes (53 percent of the total), is nearly complete with the harvest, whereas the south remains fully operational, contributing 33.7 million (47 percent of the total), up five percent from last year.
Varieties such as Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, and Allison are the primary varieties exported.
Regarding varieties, the season is marked by the progress of varietal replacement, with seedless grapes gaining prominence. White Seedless leads with 42.8 million boxes, up eight percent from last season. Red Seedless stands in second place, with 18.6 million (up five percent), while Red Globe and Black Seedless experience a downward trend.
Regarding destination markets, the United States remains the main buyer of Peruvian table grapes, with a 52 percent share. The country is followed by the Netherlands and Mexico, with the latter showing significant growth compared to last season.
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Both strawberries and blueberries have suffered losses due to winter storm Fern earlier this month.
Strawberries appear to be the most immediately affected as growers report fruit losses near harvest, along with damage to blossoms supporting upcoming production. In some fields, repeated freeze nights have compounded stress on plants, increasing the risk of sustained yield reductions rather than isolated losses. Cold snap damage is also expected to slow ripening and reduce berry size, limiting weekly volumes during what is typically a peak winter supply period.
Some Florida blueberry operations face total losses after the storm, while others expect to lose 50 percent of their crops.
Florida blueberries were in bloom when freezing temperatures descended from the north. Temperatures plunged to as low as 20 degrees F. bringing the season to a halt. For that fruit escaping the brunt of the storm, it will be April before any shipments take place.
Overhead irrigation, the blueberry industry’s freeze-protection standard, usually fares well in cold snaps, creating a thermoprotective layer that keeps fruit and foliage above-freezing temperatures. However, Winter Storm Fern was more than your usual cold snap, causing the method to backfire.
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry council reports freeze protection not only failed to protect the crops but also further damaged them due to heavy ice remaining on the bushes over several days, which damaged to the plants.
Fortunately for Georgia producers, who were also in the path of the brunt of the winter storm, they managed to escape the worst of it.
Georgia blueberries are expected to be less affected because the crop wasn’t as far along and the bloom was not as advanced as it was in Florida. This resulted in the plants being less vulnerable to the freezing temperatures. There will be some crop loss, but nowhere near the level of Florida.
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A historic avocado season for Mexico, with exports to the US expected to reach record levels during the 2025–26 crop year, which runs from July 2025 through June 2026. Industry projections point to a total production of roughly 2.5 billion pounds, marking the first time Mexico is expected to cross that threshold.
The outlook is strong not only in volume but also in fruit quality. After two seasons dominated by high volumes of smaller fruit, this year’s crop is shaping up with larger, more retail-friendly sizes. Strong availability of 40s and 48s is expected to support aggressive promotions across US retail.
If projections hold, total volume would represent double-digit growth compared with last season and exceed the current record set in 2023. Mexico remains the only origin capable of supplying avocado volumes at this scale year-round.
Production from Michoacán, which accounts for the majority of exports, provides a consistent supply throughout the year. Jalisco, approved for US exports in 2022, continues to expand and plays an increasingly important role during the summer months, when Michoacán volumes are lower.
Together, the two states offer a complementary supply window that supports stable availability, with about 55 percent of Mexico’s total avocado production destined for the US market.
The Super Bowl remains the single largest consumption event of the year. Shipments in the four weeks leading up to the game are expected to surpass last year’s Mexican avocado season record, potentially reaching 280 million pounds, driven by early and sustained increases in weekly volumes.
Strong movement is also expected around other major occasions, including Cinco de Mayo and the Fourth of July. Beyond these peak moments, the industry continues to focus on driving year-round consumption.
While the Super Bowl, Cinco de Mayo, and Independence Day together account for roughly a quarter of annual avocado demand, most consumption occurs outside these events. Promotional efforts tied to sports, health and wellness, and international tournaments such as the World Cup are expected to play a key role in sustaining momentum throughout the year.
With favorable growing conditions, expanded production capacity, and strong demand drivers, the upcoming Mexican avocado season is shaping up to be one of the most significant in the industry’s history.
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A combination of heavy snow, ice accumulation, and dangerous cold made roads treacherous during Winter Storm Fern and for days after, causing widespread paralysis of supply chains and boosting demand for available trucks.
The weather heated up the spot truckload freight market during Jan. 25-31 (Week 5). The total number of loads posted to the DAT One load board topped 3.6 million, a 40% increase from the previous week, and truck posts dropped 18% to 200,769—almost exactly what we’d expect from a storm of Fern’s magnitude. National average spot rates were higher across all three equipment types.
Freight trends from DAT One and DAT iQ
Spot market data for Jan. 25-31, 2026 (Week 5)
Broker-to-carrier 7-day average spot rates:
▲ Dry van: $2.38 per mile, up 11 cents week over week
▲ Refrigerated: $2.85 per mile, up 15 cents
▲ Flatbed: $2.53 per mile, up 1 cent
Dry van
▲ Van loads: 1.65 million, up 55% week over week
▼ Van equipment: 142,817, down 19% week over week
▲ Linehaul rate: $2.01 per mile, up 11 cents week over week
Reefer
▲ Reefer loads: 1 million, up 71% week over week
▼ Reefer equipment: 36,670, down 10% week over week
▲ Linehaul rate: $2.49 per mile, up 15 cents week over week
Flatbed
▲ Flatbed loads: 1 million, up 5% week over week
▼ Flatbed equipment: 21,282, down 18% week over week
▲ Linehaul rate: $2.16 per mile, up 1 cent week over week
Note: Linehaul rates exclude an amount equal to an average fuel surcharge.
Analysis from Dean Croke, Industry Analyst, DAT Freight & Analytics
Last week’s 11-cent increase in the national average spot dry van rate was the largest week-over-week increase in more than three years. That’s nearly 30 cents higher year-over-year and exceeds the five-year average by 36 cents, excluding the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years.
The relative scarcity of available trucks was exacerbated in the refrigerated market as shippers competed for insulated trailers to protect dry van freight from freezing. The freeze-risk pricing premium sent spot reefer rates soaring last week.
At $2.16 per mile, the national average spot flatbed rate increased by 1 cent last week, a modest boost compared to the van and reefer markets. The rate is 19 cents higher year over year, however, and exceeds the five-year average (excluding 2020 and 2021) by 25 cents.
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 every Tuesday or on demand: https://www.youtube.com/DATLoadBoards.
Load and truck posts refer to the number of posts on the DAT One marketplace during Week 5 (Jan. 25-31). Load volume refers to the number of loads moved. Rates are aggregated from invoice data submitted to DAT iQ. dat.com
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Southern Specialties of Pompano Beach, FL, a leading importer and distributor of specialty produce, is pleased to announce excellent availability of premium white asparagus in anticipation of the 2026 Valentine’s Day (February 14) and Easter (April 5) holidays. As a centerpiece of sophisticated seasonal dining, Southern Specialties is positioned to meet high demand across both retail and foodservice sectors.
The company is a premier grower, importer, processor and shipper of a variety of specialty products grown in Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada and the U.S. The company distributes from its Pompano Beach, Florida headquarters, and facilities in San Luis, AZ.
White asparagus offers a unique culinary profile that distinguishes it from its green counterpart. The spears maintain a striking pearlescent color and a delicate, nutty flavor with a tender texture.
“We are seeing excellent quality from our farm as we head towards two of the most important dining holidays of the year,” said Jami Dingler, sales manager for Southern Specialties. “Valentine’s Day and Easter represent the perfect opportunities for chefs and retailers to showcase this elegant vegetable, providing consumers with a premium experience that elevates any holiday menu.
Merchandising white asparagus on the shelf next to green asparagus creates a focus point that draws shoppers to the product, enhancing interest.” Dingler says.
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Carrot supplies will remain limited through February due to weather-related issues that are reducing yields in California, according to Markhon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Value-added packs such as Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Baby Carrots, RSS Carrot Coins, RSS Carrot Matchsticks, and RSS Shredded Carrots will require advance order lead time of 96 hours to help fill orders in full.
California
- Supplies will remain extremely tight through February due to prior rain damage
- Growers are holding to six-week averages
- Expect a demand-exceeds-supply market through February; 96-hour lead times are necessary to help fill orders
- During this period, packer label will be substituted as needed
- Substitutions are available out of Arizona and Georgia
- Expect elevated markets and limited supplies through February
Georgia
- The season is in full swing and will run through early June
- Commodity supplies are snug; quality is very good
- Expect elevated markets as this region helps fill the void from California
Arizona
- The season is in full production and will run through July
- Quality is great
- Size is small but will increase as the season ramps up over the next three weeks
- Markets will start high, but ease as the season progresses
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October rains flooded Mexico’s orange groves, resulting a projected three percent decline in orange yields for the 2025/26 season and a 0.4 percent decrease in overall citrus projections, reports the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In late 2025, Tropical Storm Raymond and Hurricane Priscilla caused significant damage nationwide and struck Veracruz, Mexico’s leading orange-producing region, particularly hard.
Prolonged, erratic rainfalls destroyed several groves and delayed the October harvest until November and December 2025, leading to the loss of significant amounts of ripe fruit and inconsistent quality.
This year’s orange harvest is projected to fall short of last season’s, landing at just 5.18 million short tons.
This season’s numbers dip even further below last year’s, which had already dropped by more than 2.1 percent. The culprit, once again, is rain, the report states.
The orange planted area, on the other hand, will increase by 0.97 percent despite challenges posed by erratic weather, citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), and other pests that are reducing yields in Veracruz and other orange-producing states.
While total production of fresh oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit in Mexico may decrease, average consumption is up by four percent. Likewise, exports are projected to rise by six percent, according to the USDA.
Lemons and limes are stealing the spotlight, driving the surge in both domestic consumption and international exports.
The total planted area for citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, reached over 1.49 million acres, a 1.2 percent increase from last year.
Oranges account for 58 percent of all citrus plantings, lemons for 38 percent, and grapefruit for 3.6 percent.
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Florida is the primary winter growing region for many fresh fruit and vegetable crops. The current forecast calls for abnormally low temperatures beginning Monday evening, January 26 and lasting through Saturday, January 31, according to Markhon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Central/Western Florida (Tampa region) is forecast to receive freezing temperatures as low as 31 degrees with daily high temperatures in the 50- to 60-degree range.
Crops growing in this part of the state include:
- Strawberries
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
Southern Florida (Immokalee, Ft Pierce, Belle Glade, LaBelle) is expected to fall into the low 30s with highs around 60 degrees.
Crops growing in this part of the state include:
- Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Lettuces (Iceberg, Romaine, Green Leaf)
- Radishes
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Citrus
These abnormally low temperatures will slow maturity and push prices higher.
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Favorable growing conditions and a shift to new varieties has Chile bubbling with optimism on a table grape crop which is increasing in volume with the recently started season.
An estimated 64 million boxes is forecast with an emphasis of limiting exports to the U.S. of between 3.5 and 4 million boxes weekly to avoid flooding the market. Now, the Chileans are just hoping the Peruvians can show as much restraint with their grape exports.
Chilean grape company Uvanova reports Ivory, Sweet Globe, Superior, and some Autumn Crisp are already being shipped. In red varieties, some Sweet Celebration, Ralli Seedless, and Allison are moving.
Some late varieties still remain on the vines to complete the mix, marking a gradual and orderly start to the season.
Over 80 percent of Chile’s table grapes are now of the seedless variety.
Meanwhile, Chile has reinforced efforts to diversify destinations. In addition to the United States, shipments have been directed to Latin America, Europe, and, to a lesser extent, Asia.
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The first citrus production forecast for the 2025/2026 season, with projections showing a still depressed Florida citrus industry, has been released by the USDA.
The forecast reveals steady national numbers compared to last year, with a slight decline of two percent in total orange production. Numbers show the same drop in Valencia oranges, totaling 4.5 million boxes, and only a one percent drop in non-Valencian oranges, totaling 7.5 million boxes.
The state-by-state numbers show a bit more of a difference. According to the government agency, total orange production in Florida is expected to drop to a new record low of 12 million 90-pound boxes, down 200,000 boxes or 1.6 percent compared to last year.
This projection sets a downward trend for Florida citrus producers, who saw numbers drop dramatically since the 2023/2024 season, when production totaled a breakthrough 18 million boxes. Since then, extreme weather events and citrus greening disease have devastated the state’s once iconic citrus industry, which recorded its lowest numbers in over a century during the 2024/2025 season.
The breakdown is not gentler on Florida citrus growers, either—Valencia and non-Valencia oranges, as well as grapefruit are expected to be a million boxes short this season. Tangerine and mandarin production is forecast to remain steady with 400,000 boxes (down only 80 thousand from the 2022/2023 season), while lemon output will go up by 30,000 boxes compared to last year.
Regardless of these numbers, Florida Citrus Mutual is optimistic and emphasizes other fronts where the industry is seeing signs of a slow rebound.
“While this year’s initial crop estimate is lower than we would like, production is making steady gains on a per-acre basis and the industry is gaining confidence that we’re on the best path toward recovery as growers are reporting healthier trees and larger fruit,” he said.
The executive explained that innovative treatments, therapies and disease-tolerant trees are making “a real difference.”
In a statement, Florida Citrus Mutual noted that back in July the state received $140 million in state funds to support the local citrus industry. “More than $100 million was designated for research, field trials and planting disease-resistance varieties,” the document reads.
The Sunshine state also received USDA funding back in Thanksgiving, as the government agency pledged to buy $30 million of the state’s citrus through the end of 2025.
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