Pacific Northwest reefer procurement premium of 10-20% as fall produce ramps

Summary

BlueGrace warns the Labor Day-Thanksgiving window is when Pacific Northwest potato, carrot and fall-produce lanes firm, with reactive spot rates 10-20% above committed levels. The Cass Truckload Linehaul Index hit 152.9 in July (+8.6% YoY), its highest since the prior cycle peak, as FMCSA English-language and CDL enforcement keep produce-corridor driver pools tight.