Getting produce from here to there is vital. Freight may not be the most glamorous part of the supply chain, but it is every bit important as the other aspects. According to C.H. Robinson and its latest Edge Report, North American freight markets face rising structural pressure.

The report stated that the produce season is placing continued pressure on refrigerated transportation networks across North America. While trucks remain available produce shippers are facing less flexibility in key regions. 

Refrigerated conditions along the East Coast vary from north to south. Catch-up shipments after Memorial Day have moderated, with most lanes settling back into more typical seasonal patterns.

Capacity across the Southeast is tight, and remains sensitive to short-term demand spikes, particularly in produce-heavy corridors. Georgia particularly continues to experience tightening tied to residual produce movement, which can create pockets of elevated outbound pricing. “Capacity is improving for outbound Northeast loads, while rates slowly begin to normalize as backlogs of freight are being worked through,” said a representative from C.H. Robinson.

Conditions across the Mid-North have shown some easing with activity returning closer to seasonal norms. “At this stage, no immediate large-scale disruptions are expected outside of typical holiday-driven surges, suggesting a more stable short-term environment across these lanes,” he said.

In contrast, Texas continues to experience elevated rates and tighter capacity conditions. Markets in the region remain highly competitive, driven by a combination of produce shipping, cross-border dynamics and overall supply constraints. “As a result, the market is operating with limited room for inefficiency,” said the representative. 

“Overall, Texas continues to be the most disrupted and elevated refrigerated market in the region on a year-over-year basis,” he continued. “While conditions elsewhere have begun to normalize, Texas remains a focal point for tight capacity, elevated pricing and ongoing volatility — making it a key area for shippers to monitor as peak produce and beverage seasons progress.”

Across the West conditions have largely mirrored trends seen in the Central region, with significant tightening observed through the Memorial Day shipping cycle. During this period, many lanes experienced meaningful rate acceleration, with increases of 40 percent or more in some high-demand corridors.

“While capacity remains accessible, execution has become increasingly dependent on planning and lead time,” said the representative. “Loads that are prebooked with adequate notice continue to secure more favorable pricing and consistent coverage. In contrast, same-day tenders and recovery freight are encountering both elevated costs and limited carrier availability, reflecting a market that remains highly reactive to short-term demand spikes.”

As June progresses, some modest easing from peak holiday pricing is expected. However, any downward movement is likely to be limited. Backlogs created during the recent surge are still working their way through the system, which is delaying meaningful cost normalization. This dynamic could push out any significant relief until after the July 4 shipping cycle, which typically begins to build momentum in the back half of June.

Across most Western markets, capacity is technically available, but access is increasingly linked to price. In practical terms, trucks are available but often at a premium, particularly for short lead-time or high-demand freight. This dynamic is contributing to higher instances of route guide failure, as contract rates lag current market conditions and more freight is pushed into the spot market.

“Overall, West Coast refrigerated conditions remain elevated and highly sensitive to both produce flows and short-term demand changes, with execution increasingly dependent on planning discipline and pricing flexibility,” the representative said.