For truckers, produce season is one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. As farms across the country reach peak harvest periods, demand for reefer trucks (refrigerated trailers) surges, freight rates rise, and competition intensifies. This seasonal shift doesn’t just affect those hauling fruits and vegetables—it ripples through the entire freight market, tightening capacity for non-refrigerated goods.
Staying ahead during produce season for trucking requires careful planning, financial stability, and the ability to adapt to shifting demand. Carriers who can efficiently secure produce loads, manage operating costs, and work with trusted brokers stand to gain the most. Understanding when and where produce season peaks, how it shapes freight demand, and how to navigate logistical challenges can help truckers maximize profits. With the right strategy—and the right financial tools from OTR Solutions—carriers can turn this seasonal surge into an opportunity for long-term success.
When Is Produce Season in Trucking?
The produce season for trucking typically runs from March through September, with peak activity occurring between mid-March and July. However, not all regions experience the same peak season at the same time.
Regional Differences in Produce Season
The timing of produce shipments depends on climate, crop cycles, and regional weather patterns. Here’s a breakdown of when key states hit their peak harvest periods.
This regional variability means trucking demand shifts month by month, with Florida and California kicking off the season in early spring, followed by Texas, Arizona and Georgia and peaking in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest by late summer.
How Produce Season Impacts the Trucking Industry
Produce season brings significant changes to the freight industry, affecting everything from demand and capacity to competition and pricing. As fresh crops are harvested and transported across the country, trucking companies must navigate shifting freight patterns, rising rates, and increased logistical challenges.
Surge in Shipping Activity
Produce season creates a sharp increase in freight demand as farms harvest crops and produce shippers rush to distribute fresh goods to grocery stores, warehouses and markets. This surge leads to a higher volume of reefer loads, requiring truckers to meet strict delivery timelines to prevent spoilage. Efficient logistics and careful route planning are essential for keeping up with the pace of seasonal demand. Truckers who prepare for the heightened workload by securing reliable freight contracts and managing schedules effectively can capitalize on the increased freight activity and maximize earnings.
Tight Reefer Trucking Capacity
With a limited number of refrigerated trailers available, reefer capacity quickly tightens, making it difficult for shippers to secure reliable transport for produce loads. As demand surges, freight markets become increasingly competitive and carriers must act quickly to secure the best-paying loads. This capacity crunch impacts not only perishable freight but also non-perishable goods that typically rely on reefer trailers, creating ripple effects across the industry. Truckers who have established strong broker relationships and access to premium load boards have a strategic advantage in securing consistent, high-paying reefer freight.
Higher Freight Rates for Produce and Non-Produce Loads
The increased demand for reefer trucking allows carriers to negotiate higher rates, benefiting those who haul both produce loads and non-perishable freight. As more reefer trucks focus on hauling produce, shippers moving dry goods face limited capacity, and must pay premium rates to secure transport. This seasonal shift in pricing makes produce season one of the most profitable times of the year for carriers who strategically plan their freight schedules. Truckers who monitor spot rates, stay flexible with their routes and position themselves in high-demand regions can take full advantage of the elevated freight rates.
Increased Risk of Dealing With Unreliable Brokers
The surge in produce freight attracts a wave of new brokers looking to secure contracts, but not all brokers are financially stable or trustworthy. Carriers must be cautious when accepting loads, as some brokers fail to pay on time, misrepresent load details, or disappear altogether. Protecting revenue during produce season for trucking requires truckers to verify brokers before hauling freight. Using broker check tools helps carriers avoid non-payment risks and ensures they only work with creditworthy partners. Factoring services that offer non-recourse protection add another layer of security by guaranteeing payment regardless of broker reliability.
Regional Freight Market Shifts
Freight availability changes as produce harvests shift across the country, requiring truckers to adapt their routes to follow high-demand lanes. Early in the season, Florida, California and Texas dominate with citrus, berries and onions, while later in the summer, Midwestern and Pacific Northwest states lead with apples, corn and melons. Truckers who stay ahead of these seasonal transitions can secure consistent, high-paying freight by repositioning to states where demand is highest. A flexible strategy, strong broker relationships and access to real-time market insights allow carriers to maximize profits throughout the entire produce season for trucking.
How OTR Solutions Supports Carriers During Produce Season
Navigating trucking produce season requires smart financial management, especially as demand for reefer loads increases, and competition for high-paying freight intensifies. OTR Solutions provides critical support to ensure truckers get paid quickly, avoid financial risks, and have access to the best produce loads on the market.
True Non-Recourse Factoring: No Risk of Chargebacks
OTR Solutions’ True Non-Recourse Factoring ensures truckers get paid on time—without chargebacks—no matter what. Unlike standard factoring, there’s zero financial risk if a broker defaults. This protection allows carriers to haul produce loads with confidence, maintain steady cash flow and focus on maximizing profits during the busiest season. With fast, reliable payments, truckers can keep their business moving and their earnings secure with OTR Solutions.
Instant Funding with BOLT
Produce season moves fast and truckers need quick access to cash to cover expenses like fuel, maintenance and unexpected repairs. OTR’s BOLT Instant Funding allows carriers to receive payment in minutes once their invoices have been processed. This ensures truckers never miss out on a high-paying produce load due to cash flow issues. Having immediate funds also enables carriers to stay on the road longer, refuel without delay, and capitalize on peak freight rates during the most profitable season of the year.
DAT Load Board Integration for Easy Load Booking
Securing high-paying produce loads is essential during peak season and OTR Solutions makes it easier with seamless integration into the DAT Load Board. This allows truckers to quickly find pre-approved freight, submit invoices instantly and get paid faster with OTR’s factoring services. With this streamlined process, carriers spend less time chasing payments and managing paperwork, allowing them to focus on hauling produce efficiently. OTR Solt combines load board access with factoring and funding solutions, providing truckers with a complete financial toolkit to thrive during produce season.
24/7 Broker Checks for Risk-Free Load Hauling
With the influx of new brokers during produce season, truckers face an increased risk of working with unreliable or financially unstable partners. OTR Solutions offers 24/7 broker credit checks through the OTR Mobile App, allowing carriers to instantly verify a broker’s payment history and credibility before accepting a load. This critical tool helps truckers avoid non-payment issues, prevent financial losses and work only with trusted brokers. OTR Solutions tools and services help carriers haul produce with confidence and maintain steady cash flow throughout the season.
Maximize Your Profits This Produce Season with OTR Solutions
Produce season is one of the most profitable times for truckers, but navigating tight capacity, fluctuating freight rates, and increased competition requires careful planning. Carriers who stay ahead by tracking regional produce trends, securing reliable loads, and using financial tools will see the greatest success. OTR Solutions provides instant funding on approved invoices, 24/7 broker checks and True Non-Recourse Factoring to ensure truckers get paid fast and avoid financial risks. Partner with OTR Solutions today to make the most of the trucking produce season and maximize your earnings!