Now that the holidays have passed, grower-shippers in most regions are seeing a slight easing of the dramatic truck rate increases of the past few weeks. However, rates remain historically high and continue to rise out of most growing areas.
A winter storm snarled transportation along much of the East Coast early in the week, including shutting down and stranding motorists and truck drivers alike on Interstate 95, the main north-south artery through the region, for more than 24 hours in some cases. The post-holiday surge of the Omicron variant has arrived as predicted, with virus rates in many locations higher than have been seen since the beginning of the pandemic. Many wholesale markets are reporting multiple cases among sales and warehouse employees, while shipping point employees are largely back to working remotely from home whenever possible.
Mexican avocado crossings through Texas are expected to decrease slightly. Trading was fairly slow. Prices on 48s higher and others generally unchanged. Trading was limited due to high prices and high freight rates. Shippers report continued difficulty in finding trucks to move product as supplies replenish with the resumption of harvest after the holidays. Supplies of larger sizes continue to be light.
Mexican blueberry crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas movement expected to increase. Trading was moderate early and active later at higher prices as Mexican blueberries gained strength in the market. Quality and condition reported as variable.
Movement of Chilean imports of blueberries via boat through both various East Coast and West Coast ports of entry is expected to increase as harvesting increases in Chile, with current supplies in too few hands to establish a market for both coasts. The first F.O.B. price report is expected within the next week. Some shippers report Chile has sent more of its crop than usual to Europe to avoid competition with Peruvian berries.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov