Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
The first of four break bulk cargo ships from Peru’s Port of Paracas arrived in Philadelphia at the Port of Gloucester in New Jersey January 16. In a historic milestone, the boat transported shipments of Peruvian table grapes.
The accomplishment came due to SENASA of Peru and the USDA which is a breakthrough, resulting the Peruvian industry have a new alternative to ship fruit in containers.
SENSA pointed out this had never been done from Peru. It came about due to a long term coordinated effort with SENASA, PROVID (the table grape association), the shipping companies, and the ports to achieve this operation in break bulk ships.
This type of transportation is more efficient, when considering the global container shortage, where a demand that exceeds the inventory creates substantial congestion in container terminals.
Break bulk ships arrive at private terminals which are less congested, thus avoiding the congestion at other terminals. This results in fruit being unloaded faster.
A second ship is on its way from Peru to the U.S., a third is about to sail, and the fourth is ready to leave the week of January 20-24.
The first vessel arrived in Philadelphia carrying 3,876 pallets and 76 containers of grapes.
The second, third, and fourth vessels will deliver 4,500 pallets and 100 containers each. Break bulkHe favors Peruvian grape exports to the United States, especially during the winter in the northern hemisphere, when operations become longer and congestion at ports builds up.
This permits ships to bypass the line and avoid the 7 to 10-day congestion delays in the ports today.
Peruvian table grapes are among the fastest-growing industries, increasing from 400,000 metric tons (MT) in 2019-2020 to 622,000 MT in 2022-2023.
In this context, market research firm Fluctuante recently published a report on agro-exports, analyzing the current state of the industry in Peru.
The report indicates that in the 2023-2024 campaign, table grape exports slightly declined to 525,000 MT due to heavy rains and high temperatures affecting fruit quality. Despite the downturn, Peru remains the world’s largest exporter of table grapes.
Meanwhile, China significantly increased its exports, reaching 490,000 MT in 2023-2024. South Africa maintained a stable share, while Chile’s exports decreased from 496,000 MT to 480,000 MT over the same period.
The Peruvian Table Grape Producers Association (Provid) projects record exports for the 2024-2025 season, estimating more than 78 million boxes of 8.2 kg each, equivalent to approximately 640,000 MT.
Provid highlighted that this volume represents a 25.4% increase over the previous season, driven by production recovery along the north coast and the introduction of new, higher-yield varieties.
Peruvian grapes are primarily destined for the United States, Europe, Latin America, and China.
David Sandoval, general manager of Fluctuante, pointed out that Peru has transitioned from an emerging exporter to a global leader in the table grape market.
He explained that the industry’s growth began in the 1980s with initial Red Globe exports, but “it was in the last decade that the country solidified its position through crop expansion, varietal innovation, and strategic trade agreements.”
Sandoval noted that Peru achieved a milestone during the 2022-2023 season by exporting 585,000 tons, accounting for 16% of the global market and surpassing long-standing competitors.
“For the 2024-2025 campaign, we expect a new record of 640,000 tons, driven by production recovery and the introduction of seedless varieties like Sweet Globe and Autumn Crisp,” he said.
Peruvian table grape exports reach more than 50 international markets. The primary destinations include the United States, Europe, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Latin American markets, such as Mexico and Brazil, also play a significant role. In Asia, China is a growing market for Peruvian grapes.
Sandoval remarked that in December 2024, the industry successfully exported grapes cold-treated in shipholds for the first time in South America.
“The shipment, consisting of 4,000 pallets—nearly 200 containers—departed from the Port of Paracas bound for the United States. This logistical innovation aims to improve efficiency and quality in the supply chain,” he said.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, two of the world’s leading shipping companies, announced recently they will not be returning to the Red Sea immediately following the ceasefire announcement between Hamas and Israel.
Hapag-Lloyd reports the company is closely monitoring the conflict in the Red Sea and wants to resume operations as soon as they are safe.
Maersk reports it is still too early to speculate about timing.
Hapag-Lloyd had already give notice in June a ceasefire would not mean an immediate resumption of passage through the Suez Canal, as attacks from Yemen-based Houthi militants, could still be possible.
Rearranging the schedule takes four and six weeks.
Disruptions in the Middle East have caused shipping companies to divert their vessels towards longer routes. These companies often force their container ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, pushing freight rates higher and disrupting global ocean shipping.
California grower and shipper Fruit World is experiencing a strong organic and conventional mandarin season, with this year’s organic clementines in particular showing notably high sugar levels. The overall quality is exceptional, with both flavor and appearance meeting high standards, the company said in a release.
Bianca Kaprielian, the founder and CEO of Fruit World, based in Reedley, CA, explains that the season started with organic Clementines from Sky Ranch, the family’s property, and that these fruits are performing especially well.
“These mandarins are always special, but this year they are exceptional,” she noted. Other organic varieties, including Satsumas, also exhibit higher-than-average sugar content for this season. With an abundant crop, Fruit World anticipates a continued supply of fruit throughout the season.
In addition to mandarins, the firm is also offering a variety of other organic fruits, including Navel oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and soon, Cara Caras, Buddha’s Hand, Mandarinquats, and Limequats.
A recent desert freeze in California and Arizona is the most serious thus far this winter. Damage to lettuce needs to be closely watched by haulers to help reduce chances of claims at destination.
In a press release, Markhon Cooperative of Salinas, CA recently assessed the current situation.
• Widespread, moderate-to-heavy lettuce ice is expected throughout this entire week in all Arizona and California desert growing areas
• Harvesting delays of three to four hours are being reported; loading delays can also be expected
• This significant freeze event will have lasting effects on the quality of many desert row crop items
• Lettuces and tender leaf items are the most susceptible to freeze-related quality and shelf-life challenges
• Apart from quality, plant growth will also be affected as ground temperatures decrease this week
• Markon inspectors are monitoring conditions and will update further as needed
Over 150,000 tons of avocados will be shipped from 
Michoacán to the United States for the 59th edition of the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, according to the head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco), Claudio Méndez Fernández.
El Sol de Zamora informs that production corresponds to that harvested in the municipalities of Acuitzio, Tacámbaro, Peribán, Tancítaro, and Uruapan.
The Super Bowl is one of the main events for the avocado industry in the U.S., along with Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
“Demand is growing year by year. The Super Bowl is when avocados are sold the most in the United States. The second date is May 5th, because it has become part of the gastronomy and diet of the citizens,” Méndez said.
Last year, around 54 million avocados were consumed on Super Bowl Sunday alone, making them one of the favorite foods of American football fans.
“Consumer consumption for avocados that are used to make guacamole significantly increases during Super Bowl Sunday,” according to the USDA. “Regarding increased sales, avocados are the real Super Bowl champion.”
FreightWaves reports more than 90% of avocado imports from Mexico enter the U.S. through Texas ports of entry in Laredo and Pharr.
The industry will experience a 25-30% avocado shortage through January. USDA inspections were curtailed over the last two holiday weeks; inclement weather has also caused trucking delays. Expect extremely limited supplies and increased prices for the next two weeks, according to a press release by Markhon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Mexico
- All sizes are extremely tight
- Size and grade substitutions may be requested to fill orders
- Quality is good; checkerboarding (uneven ripening within a case) has been reported
- Expect elevated markets and tight supplies through the next two weeks
Colombia
- Imports will ship into the East Coast through May; these supplies only account for 5% of U.S. demand
- The crop is currently dominated by small sizes (60- to 84-count fruit)
- Quality is comparable to that in Mexico; texture is creamy and oil content is high
California
- Regular inspection schedules will resume in mid-January
- New crop production will start in late January
- Once this season begins, supplies will help fill the void from Mexico-grown product
Caution is urged loading melons from Central America, which is arriving at various U.S. port, as well a crossing the border at Nogales, AZ.
Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA in a press release reports Central American melon supplies are extremely limited following the effects of Tropical Storm Sara. Markets are elevated; demand exceeds supply and quality issues abound.
Cantaloupe
Central American
- Offshore shipments of Central American cantaloupes are arriving by vessel into domestic ports; volume is extremely limited
- Quality issues are arising from flooding brought by Tropical Storm Sara; yields are lower in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica
- Projections for upcoming lots are minimal
- Markon recommends increased order lead time to maximize coverage over the next three to four weeks; size substitutions may be recommended
- Expect elevated markets and light supply through early January
Honeydew
Central American/Mexican
- Mexican volume is light crossing into Nogales, Arizona as growers finish their season in Northern Mexico; light volume will continue to ship from Southern Mexico through February
- Offshore/Central American honeydews are arriving by vessel into domestic ports; volume is extremely limited
- Quality issues are arising from flooding brought by Tropical Storm Sara, resulting in lower yields in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica
- Projections for upcoming lots are minimal
- Markon recommends increased order lead time to maximize coverage over the next three to four weeks; size substitutions may be recommended
- Expect limited supplies and elevated markets through early January
Higher volume will hopefully translate into more loading opportunities for California strawberries.
Strawberry supply exceeds demand; falling prices are forecast through next week, according to Markhon
of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria, California
- Growers will start harvesting the winter crop next week
- Size currently ranges from medium (20 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is fair; color and appearance have improved
- Expect markets to remain low for another week
Oxnard, California
- MFC Strawberries are sporadic; packer label will be shipped as necessary
- Volume is decreasing
- Size currently ranges from medium to large (21 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is good; color is deep red and flavor is sweet
- Prices will remain soft
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Volume has increased
- Size currently ranges from medium to large (18 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is good; some white shoulders have been reported
- Expect increasing yields (crossing into San Juan, Texas)
- Markets will remain low for the next seven days
Florida
- Growers are shipping berries in a limited manner
- Cooler weather is forecast for next week
- Expect to see smaller fruit with some green tips due to low temperatures
- Quality will slowly improve week after week
- Prices will inch up
Proarándanos, an association of blueberry producers and exporters in Peru, has reported the 2024-2025 Peruvian blueberry season, although progressing at a slower pace compared to previous seasons, is showing higher volumes.
The Peruvian blueberry season goes from May 2024 to April 2025.
To date, 254,406 tons of Peruvian blueberries have been exported, with 89% being conventional and 11% organic. Compared to the same date last season, this represents a growth of 61%, the association stated.
Almost 30,000 tons of organic blueberries have been shipped worldwide, and it is projected that the season will end with nearly 40,000 tons. Unlike past seasons, when almost 100% of organic blueberries went to the United States, this year 89% is destined for the U.S., with 10% going to the European market.
The peak week of the 2024-2025 season occurred in mid October, during which 22,348 tons of fresh blueberries were exported. This contrasts with the peak of the 2023-2024 season, recorded the last week of October, and in mid September for the 2022-2023 season.
The entity reported that 97% of the total volume exported has been shipped by sea. The main ports of arrival by destination are the Port of Philadelphia, with a 58% share of the volume exported to the United States; the Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands), with 72% of the volume exported to all of Europe (excluding Russia); the Port of Shenzhen, with 72% of the volume exported to China; the Port of Dover, with 44% of the volume exported to the United Kingdom; and the Port of Kaohsiung, with 18% of the volume exported to other destinations.
In 2024, Peru had 49,903 acres certified and inspected by SENASA.
Proarándanos indicated that 67% of the total hectares consist of five varieties: Ventura from Fallcreek with 26%, Biloxi with 16%, Sekoya Pop from Sekoya with 14%, Rocio from Hortifrut with 8%, and finally, Mágica from Ozblu with 5%, most of which are located in the north of the country, in the department of La Libertad.
The next 23% of the hectares are distributed among 12 varieties, with Fallcreek’s Atlasblue and Emerald standing out with 8% between them.
Continuing with the analysis of varieties per hectare of the current blueberry season, the companies that have contributed the most with their genetics are Fallcreek with 32% representation, followed by open varieties with 19%, Sekoya with 16%, Hortifrut with 9% and Driscolls with 8%. The remaining 16% is divided between Ozblu, Mbo, Inkasberries, Planasa, Florida University, and Iq Berries.
Proarándanos indicated that during the 2024-2025 season, shipments of fresh Peruvian blueberries will reach a total volume of 323,928 tons. This amount represents a variation of +4.1 % in relation to the October estimate (311,202 tons).