Preparing your Network for Produce Season

With the summer months just around the corner, produce season will soon reach its peak, which means shippers will be working at full capacity. And regardless of whether a fleet transports produce or not, all freight logistics are affected. Why? Because produce shipments take precedence over all other cargo, thus making an impact on the availability of trucks, warehouse space, labor, and more.

So, if you think your business isn’t directly impacted by produce season, think again. Here’s how you can make the most of this time of the year.

What Is Produce Season?

Produce season typically runs from April through July, with warmer areas starting as early as February. It is the peak time for harvesting fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. And these products are extremely time sensitive.

Most fruits and vegetables are picked before they’re ripe, which means time is of the essence. These products are meant to ripen during transit with the goal of arriving at restaurants and grocery stores perfectly ready to prepare or sell. Needless to say, that puts a strain on almost every aspect of the transportation industry.

The heightened demand this time of the year has an industry-wide ripple effect that’s sure to impact your operations. For starters, spot market freight volumes are about to increase, and you can expect shipping rates to spike. It’s simply inevitable, and it’s part of the business. The question is, how should you prepare?

Transporting Produce

While some growers deliver their own goods, most rely on the shipping/delivery experts. The transport of produce is primarily done via domestic trucks, but depending on where the produce originates, it may also involve a combination of freight methods including ships, trucks, railways, and airways.

In order to maintain the freshness of produce during transport, various factors come into play such as temperature control, categorizing produce based on shelf life, best mode of shipping and packaging, as well as adhering to proper Food Modernization Safety Act (FMSA) regulations.

Knowing how your network will be affected is key to staying ahead of the curve. This involves being aware of the varying peak seasons based on states and crops, as well as how rates and shipping capacity is being impacted in the areas that your fleet serves.
Additionally, understanding the best modes of transportation is vital. For example, refrigerated transportation is in high demand during this time of year, which means securing reefers well in advance is a critical part of planning.

Without question, relying on freight and logistics experts during produce season will help you keep your customers satisfied and ensure produce arrives on time and in top quality condition.

How Trucking Is Affected During Produce Season

Regardless of whether your fleet delivers produce or not, all carriers are affected in some way. From the time that growers begin harvesting crops, the goal is to deliver them as soon as possible. This time-sensitivity equates to produce shippers being ready and willing to pay premium prices to secure the necessary equipment (dry vans, reefers, etc.). Regional carriers work to meet those demands and repurpose part of their fleet to do so, which in turn affects non-produce shippers. This ripple effect triggers spot market rates to downshift causing carriers to get a piece of the action, seeing it as a profitable opportunity.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Produce season is nothing new to the trucking industry. However, disruptions due to COVID-19 continue to present more challenges than ever before. As delays and shortages are experienced throughout the country, workers are hard to find, and prices continue to rise. During the 2022 produce season it is imperative that shippers be proactive in avoiding negative impacts.

Successful, seasoned carriers recognize the importance of planning ahead, preparing for disruptions, and having alternative solutions.

Why You Need an Experienced Partner

TCI Transportation helps businesses, large and small, find capacity solutions throughout the year, regardless of seasons or cycles. Equipped with an extensive fleet and partnered with multiple third-party networks, TCI provides over-the-road services throughout North America, ensuring you can meet customer demands and avoid seasonal disruptions.

Whether you need to expand your fleet or need additional equipment for a few short months, TCI’s Equipment Rental and Lease options include long-term and short-term leasing programs. Plus, third-party capacity creates flexibility for your operations, allowing you to scale up and down dynamically as the need arises.

Business owners know the importance of planning ahead regarding growth, demand, and price changes. But no amount of planning can prevent accidents or breakdowns. That is where TCI’s Intermodal Services can help you excel and overcome most any circumstance. Additional services and perks include:

24/7 roadside assistance is offered through service contracts and will help you avoid downtime even when a mishap occurs.
Power-only solutions make it possible for you to move your Trailers or TCI trailers around your network with a universal box not dedicated to one market or lane. TCI’s power-only program leaves you in the driver’s seat while helping you expand operations and accommodate appropriate load capacities.
Index Pricing – 100% acceptance of your non-contracted business with pricing that mirrors the peaks and valleys of the market.

Be Prepared

This produce season, as always, will be challenging. But being prepared with a seasoned company at your side can make all the difference in the world. Having been involved in the trucking industry since 1978, TCI is dedicated to customer service, forecasting future needs, and helping clients overcome challenges and aid in their growth and success while staying on budget.