Transportation the greatest challenge for O.C. Schulz
Transportation the greatest challenge for O.C. Schulz
The potato business is good for Crystal, ND-based O.C. Schulz this winter. David Moquist, secretary-treasurer of the firm, said getting his spuds delivered “is our greatest challenge.”
The volume moved has been relatively normal, he said Dec. 16. “On a five-year average, stocks on hand for movement to date is on target.” Looking into January, he said, “In this world it’s hard to predict next week, but I think we will be fine; the demand for reds is healthy.”
David Moquist and his son, Andy Moquist.
“I understand the Florida acres may be down” in the potato business this spring, which would work to the advantage of Red River Valley growers, he said. “We heard a couple of growers quit” in Florida. “But I don’t know.”
Meanwhile, “transportation has been a really big hassle all the way around," Moquist noted. "All the growing areas have hassles.”
Truck availability was slow before Thanksgiving, but there was increased availability going into December. This is partly because truckers who are locally based in the Red River Valley were done with deer season and ready to get back to work.
Railroad service helped somewhat in shipping potatoes, Moquist added.
He was pleased by the news that congress will at least temporarily return restrictions on truck drivers’ daily hours to previous levels. “Maybe that will help after the first of the year.”