The Benefits of Outsourcing Customer Support for Logistics Companies
Why Produce Season Shipping Matters
As temperatures rise, the U.S. agricultural sector enters its peak season, leading to a surge in produce shipments from April to October. This period significantly influences logistics networks, demanding agility and strategic planning from freight brokers, 3PLs, carriers, and supply chain managers. Understanding the nuances of produce season shipping is crucial for maintaining profitability and ensuring timely deliveries.
What Is Produce Season Shipping?
Produce season shipping refers to the heightened period of agricultural harvests in the U.S., where transportation demand escalates to move fresh fruits and vegetables across the country. This season aligns with various regional harvest schedules, necessitating meticulous route planning, carrier coordination, and load management to meet market demands effectively.
South-to-North Shipping Trend: A Core Pattern in Produce Season
The produce season typically follows a south-to-north progression as warmer weather advances:
| Region | Harvest Window | Key Crops |
| Florida | April–July | Strawberries, citrus, tomatoes |
| Texas | Year-round peak in spring | Melons, onions, leafy greens |
| California & Arizona | Year-round | Avocados, lettuce, grapes, berries |
| Georgia & South Carolina | June–July | Peaches, greens |
| Midwest (IA, IL, IN, MN) | August–October | Corn, soybeans, pumpkins |
| Northeast (NY, NJ, VT) | September–October | Apples, berries, sweet corn |
- West Coast: Ships produce year-round across the U.S.
- Southeast: Feeds regional markets and ships northward.
- Midwest: Plays a major role late in the season.
- MX Imports: Key volumes from Texas, Arizona, and California move into the U.S., particularly fresh vegetables and tropical fruits. Zipline Logistics
Current Freight Market Dynamics: Flatbed and Bulk Tank Trucks Leading the Way
While refrigerated (reefer) and dry van freight have yet to experience significant upticks, flatbed and bulk tank trucking are currently at the forefront of freight demand:
- Flatbed Freight: Driven by increased demand for construction materials and agricultural equipment, flatbed rates have seen consistent weekly increases since late January 2025. This surge is attributed to seasonal demand and tariff-related inventory stockpiling. Supply Chain Dive
- Bulk Tank Trucks: The transportation of liquid fertilizers and other bulk agricultural inputs has intensified, aligning with the planting season’s requirements.
These trends underscore the importance of diversifying freight strategies to accommodate varying equipment demands during the produce season.
Challenges in Truckload Capacity During Produce Season
As produce volumes increase, logistics teams face several challenges:
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- Capacity Crunch: The surge in flatbed and bulk tank freight tightens overall truckload availability, impacting scheduling and delivery timelines.
- Spike in Spot Market Rates: Elevated demand leads to increased spot market rates, necessitating proactive budgeting and rate negotiations.
- Longer Dwell Times: Congestion at ports, farms, and packing facilities can result in delays, affecting supply chain efficiency.
Pro Strategies to Win During Produce Season
To navigate the complexities of the produce season, consider the following strategies:
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- Forecast Demand Proactively: Leverage historical data and predictive analytics to anticipate demand surges and secure capacity in advance.
- Diversify Carrier Base: Establish relationships with carriers specializing in flatbed and bulk tank freight to enhance flexibility.
- Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Implement TMS solutions to optimize routes, monitor shipments, and manage costs effectively.
- Outsource Back-Office Logistics: Delegating non-core functions such as track & trace, appointment setting, documentation, and billing can free up internal resources during peak periods.
Why Valoroo Is the Nearshore Partner Logistics Companies Trust
At Valoroo, we specialize in building high-performance nearshore logistics teams that integrate seamlessly with your in-house operations. With offices in Mexico, Belize, and Colombia, we provide:
How Valoroo Supports Freight Teams During Produce Season Shipping
At Valoroo, we empower 3PLs, brokers, and shippers to maintain operational excellence during the seasonal surge. Our dedicated teams specialize in:
Track & Trace: Ensuring real-time visibility and communication for all shipments.
Freight Billing & Invoice Auditing: Providing accurate and timely financial processing.
Carrier Communication & Follow-Ups: Managing carrier relationships to ensure reliability and performance.
Data Entry and Appointment Scheduling: Streamlining administrative tasks to enhance efficiency.
Customer Service Support and Load Updates: Offering responsive support to address client inquiries and updates.
With offices in the Philippines, Mexico, Belize, and Colombia, Valoroo offers:
- ✅ 24/7 logistics staffing
- ✅ Cost savings of up to 60%
- ✅ Seamless integration with your TMS & SOPs
- ✅ Scalable solutions to handle peak load volumes
We don’t just answer questions—we enhance your logistics brand experience.
Conclusion: Prepare Now for the Freight Surge of 2025
The 2025 produce season presents unique challenges and opportunities within the logistics landscape. By understanding current market dynamics and implementing strategic measures, businesses can navigate the freight surge effectively.