Load post volumes last week remained 35 percent above year-ago levels according to DAT, and the combination of a holiday-week capacity crunch and strong summer produce movement is keeping refrigerated trucking rates elevated. Summer produce demand is specifically called out as a driver keeping reefer rates firm.
The freight market has been under sustained pressure throughout the summer season as produce volume builds across multiple commodity regions simultaneously. When capacity tightens during holiday weeks, spot rates spike quickly because there are fewer available trucks chasing more loads.
For operations moving time-sensitive commodities — berries, stone fruit, leafy greens — the elevated spot market is worth factoring into margin calculations. Contract rates may not fully reflect what's happening on the spot side right now.