May proved to be one of the most important transition months the freight market has seen this year, setting the tone for what is shaping up to be an extremely active summer shipping season.
Across dry van, reefer, and flatbed markets, pricing strength continued building throughout the month. In several cases, rates pushed to all-time highs in pay per mile as capacity tightened and seasonal freight accelerated across multiple regions.
A major contributor to that movement was Transportation Blitz Week, which added additional urgency into the market and reduced available capacity as carriers adjusted operations around enforcement activity. What stood out most, however, was that rates largely held after the event instead of quickly retracing. That is a strong indication that the market tightening is being driven by underlying capacity conditions rather than temporary volatility alone.
At the same time, produce season activity intensified nationwide. Florida reached peak produce season conditions while California began ramping heavily across several key agricultural regions.
May Market Highlights
Several major developments defined the freight market throughout May:
- Transportation Blitz Week accelerated rate movement and tightened available capacity
- Dry van, reefer, and flatbed markets all pushed toward record pay per mile levels
- California produce season ramped significantly across the Central Valley and Salinas regions
- Florida produce season reached peak activity levels and tightened capacity throughout the Southeast
- Spot rates largely held after major spikes instead of falling back quickly
- Regionalized capacity pockets became more noticeable as carriers grew more selective
- The May 14th Supreme Court ruling added additional uncertainty and discussion throughout transportation markets
Overall, May reflected a freight market that became increasingly selective, regional, and demand driven. Seasonal freight concentration combined with tightening carrier availability allowed rates to strengthen and sustain across multiple major freight markets.
June Freight Market Preparation
As the market transitions into June, freight activity historically begins entering one of the busiest shipping stretches of the year. Produce season shifts further north and west, construction demand remains elevated, and manufacturing freight continues moving heavily throughout the Midwest and Southeast.
One of the most important things to understand about produce season is that its impact extends well beyond refrigerated freight.
As reefer carriers reposition into stronger produce markets, capacity tightens across surrounding regions and eventually impacts the broader truckload market as a whole. This often creates ripple effects throughout dry van and flatbed capacity nationwide.
Below are several major markets and freight trends expected to shape June.
California Produce Market
California becomes one of the most important produce shipping regions in the country throughout June and July.
Key Regions
- Salinas
- Fresno
- Bakersfield
- Stockton
- Ontario
Major Commodities
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Grapes
- Stone fruit
As produce volumes increase throughout California, reefer carriers aggressively reposition into the region, tightening outbound capacity and creating stronger pricing pressure across national markets.
Georgia and the Carolinas
As Florida begins cooling down from peak produce season, freight activity naturally shifts north into Georgia and the Carolinas.
Key Regions
- South Georgia
- Atlanta outbound
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
Major Commodities
- Watermelons
- Peaches
- Vidalia onions
- Blueberries
These regions generate substantial grocery replenishment freight moving toward the Midwest and Northeast, often tightening outbound capacity quickly during summer months.
Washington Cherry Season
Late June marks the beginning of Washington cherry season, one of the most time sensitive produce markets in the country.
Key Regions
- Yakima
- Wenatchee
- Spokane
Major Commodities
- Cherries
Cherry season historically tightens outbound reefer availability rapidly due to the strict transit requirements associated with produce freshness and shelf life.
Midwest Manufacturing Freight
The Midwest manufacturing belt remains one of the most consistently active dry van regions throughout the summer.
Key Regions
- Detroit
- Indianapolis
- Columbus
- Louisville
- Nashville
Major Commodities
- Automotive parts
- Industrial freight
- Consumer packaged goods
- Food manufacturing
While these markets may not experience the same sharp seasonal spikes as produce regions, they continue generating strong outbound freight demand throughout summer months.
Flatbed Markets Remain Strong
Construction activity continues supporting strong flatbed demand nationwide.
Key Regions
- Texas
- Southeast
- Midwest
- Mountain States
Major Commodities
- Steel
- Lumber
- Roofing materials
- Machinery
- Construction materials
Summer construction season historically keeps flatbed markets elevated well into Q3, especially as infrastructure and commercial projects remain active nationwide.
As June begins, the freight market continues showing signs of tightening regional capacity, sustained demand, and elevated seasonal pressure across multiple modes. Produce season, manufacturing freight, and construction demand are all converging at the same time, creating an environment where proactive planning and market awareness will remain critical throughout the summer months.
Learn more about how Integrity Express Logistics can help you navigate these roads.
Author
Brian Seven – Sales Engagement Manager