Produce Season in the Texas Freight Market

Produce Season in Texas: Impact on Truckload Pricing

During this time, the demand for truckload transportation services increases as farmers need to transport their fresh produce to markets and distribution centers across the state and country. This increased demand for reefer transportation services can lead to higher freight rates for trucking companies, as they are able to charge more for their services due to the limited availability of trucks and drivers. 

The transportation industry in Texas plays a crucial role in getting fresh produce from the farm to the consumer. The state's central location in the United States makes it an ideal hub for distribution, with easy access to major markets in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. 

Farmers in Texas also benefit from the state's extensive network of highways and railways, which allows them to quickly and efficiently transport their produce to markets and distribution centers. This helps to keep transportation costs low, which in turn helps to keep produce prices affordable for consumers. Here are the 5 most popular highways & interstates within Texas:

1. Interstate 10 (I-10) - This is the southernmost transcontinental highway in the United States and runs through major cities in Texas including El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, and Beaumont.
2. Interstate 35 (I-35) - This highway runs from Laredo on the Texas-Mexico border through major cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Waco, and Dallas, all the way to Duluth, Minnesota.
3. Interstate 45 (I-45) - This highway connects the cities of Dallas and Houston, and is a major transportation route for both commercial and residential traffic.
4. U.S. Highway 59 (US 59) - This highway stretches from Laredo through Houston, and is a major transportation route for trade and commerce.
5. Texas State Highway 130 (SH 130) - This is a toll road that runs from Georgetown to Seguin and bypasses the major cities of Austin and San Antonio. It is known for having the highest speed limit in the United States at 85 mph.



During the peak of produce season, the demand for transportation services exceeds the supply, leading to higher rates. This can be a challenge for farmers, as they may have to pay more to transport their produce, which can eat into their profits. 

To mitigate the impact of higher freight rates during produce season, farmers may choose to enter into long-term contracts with trucking companies. This allows them to lock in a set rate for transportation services, rather than being subject to the fluctuations in the market. 

In conclusion, produce season in Texas is a busy time of year for the state's farmers and the transportation industry. The increased demand for transportation services during this time can lead to higher freight rates, but farmers can mitigate this impact by entering into long-term carrier contracts with trucking companies. The state's central location and extensive transportation infrastructure also help to keep costs low and ensure that fresh produce reaches consumers quickly and efficiently. 

Got a hot shipment to route in this Texas heat? Check out our hotshot service!