Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
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
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Florida strawberry growers breathed a sigh of relief following recent winter weather in the Plant City area. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association, reports no snowfall in west central Florida during the cold snap, where the industry is located.
The organizaation noted cooler temperatures are good for increasing flavor and sweetness, and the crop is used to thermal variations, making it sturdy in cold weather.
Strawberry fields benefit from a technique similar to citrus’s microjet sprinklers. The main difference is that in the former case, water is sprayed overhead to keep temperatures steady at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The weather forecast for central Florida indicates a return to warm temperatures, with thermometers expected to reach 79 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the week, and no significant showers until next Tuesday (January 27). As for South Georgia, temperatures will remain mild and climb into the upper sixties by Friday (January).
As the storm moves farther north, both states seem to be in the clear from freezing weather events in the foreseeable future.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Chino Hills, CA — Despite a decline in Peruvian grape exports to North America early in the season, is charting a different course thanks to its long-term supply base and the advantages of aligning with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October 2025.
The strategic integration of DDNA brings an additional 1.25 million boxes of grapes to Oppy’s program from Peru and Chile, up 44% over prior year. Oppy ranks among the top ten importers of Peruvian grapes into the U.S. and Canada.
“This is a milestone season for Oppy,” said Executive Director of Grapes and Stonefruit Bill Poulos. “By expanding our program through Dole, we’re not only increasing volume, but adding depth and resilience to our supply. We have exceptional grapes coming from Peru, and our team’s visit to Ica in November confirmed the fruit is outstanding. We are very happy with the quality, and we’re set up for a strong season.”
This year also marks an exciting influx of high-demand varieties, including Sun World favorite AutumnCrisp arriving from Peru, followed by availability from Chile through the end of April.
Director of Domestic Grapes and Sales Manager Marc Serpa shared, “As the import grape season gets into full stride, the market is primed for promotable green and red grapes. Shoppers are eager for grapes with green stems, great sizing and outstanding flavor profiles coming from Sun World and BloomFresh.”
Oppy expects excellent availability across a wide spectrum of colors and varieties, including:
- Red varieties: Allison, Jack’s Salute, and Scarlotta Seedless
- Green varieties: AutumnCrisp, Timpson, Sweet Globe, and Great Green
“Our strategic grower-partners are rated very highly for the quality of their AutumnCrisp, and have the acreage and scale to deliver more than last season. Red and green fresh crop grapes will be available in volume from mid-January till the end of February,” said Vice President of South American Operations David Nelley. “With trusted brands in our portfolio including Dole, Ocean Spray and Sun Grape, Oppy’s grape program offers consistency and quality shoppers will be looking for at shelf.”
With new varieties and consistent brands consumers know and trust, Oppy is well-positioned to help retailers drive sales this season and into the future.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Premier grower, producer, sales, marketing and distribution company has announces the launch of its new Florida strawberry program, marking the company’s inaugural offering under the Dole label since its integration with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October.
Production is underway, with promotable volumes expected from late January through early February.
Grown on more than 300 acres in Frostproof, Zolfo Springs, Dover and Plant City, Florida, the program features a strong lineup of premium conventional varieties in 1-lb and 2-lb packs. Favorable weather conditions to date have supported excellent fruit development and quality.
“This Florida production completes Oppy’s year-round supply of strawberries, which also includes central and Baja, Mexico and production up and down the California coast,” said Tony Colonna, senior berry category manager. “It allows us to diversify our supply with multiple regions simultaneously and keep customers’ shelves filled regardless of any weather interruptions in one of the major growing regions.”
With availability through March, Florida strawberry production provides an important strategic advantage through winter, providing reliable supply during a critical demand period and ensuring retailers can maintain strong category performance. Oppy’s business development representatives are actively setting up ads and providing promotional tools to drive sales at retail.
“The new volume expands the strength of our year-round berry portfolio under the widely recognized Dole brand,” Colonna said, citing a recent IPSOS survey that revealed a 54% unaided recognition of the popular fresh fruit label. “It’s exciting to bring this first large-scale Dole branded strawberry offering to the marketplace through Oppy.”
In addition to its strawberry program, Oppy delivers depth and breadth across the entire berry category, with year-round volumes of high-quality fruit in all key items.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. For more information, please visit www.dole.com or www.doleplc.com.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIES: 1-800-404-5863.