Reefer Rates Firm 20–35% Above Year Ago as Pacific Northwest Produce Transition Begins

Summary

The California-to-Pacific Northwest produce transition is tightening temperature-controlled capacity, with reefer spot rates running 20%–35% above year-ago on matched lanes as the Columbia Basin storage potato harvest builds in Washington and spring carrots peak. BlueGrace notes the PNW window runs about 60 days through October and typically produces the tightest reefer environment between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Shippers should lock carrier coverage now, as confirmation lead time is two to four weeks.