How shippers can navigate peak produce season this summer

Every year, produce season brings both perennial patterns and unpredictable shifts. Take it from brothers Steven and Jay Moss, who have been in the trenches of produce logistics for decades. As Uber Freight’s resident produce experts, they bring not only deep expertise but also the kind of shorthand only brothers can share.

Yet even with familiar rhythms, this year’s season carries its own set of challenges—and opportunities—for shippers moving perishable freight with precision and reliability.

California remains the center of gravity for summer produce, with Florida and the Southeast kicking off earlier in the year. But the sourcing landscape is evolving. Shippers are increasingly buying local or turning to imports from South America to fill seasonal gaps, shorten hauls, and preserve freshness. “Soft fruit in California means all hands on deck,” says Jay—but disease pressures in citrus crops and sourcing shifts are changing how and where produce moves.

While capacity hasn’t been a major concern in recent years, macroeconomic uncertainty and evolving tariff policies are creating a more watchful market. “If you take trucks out of the market, you create a glut or gap that can shake up the entire system,” Steven explains. 

In this article, we’ll explore why these shifts make it even more critical for shippers to stay flexible, and how Uber Freight can help forecast effectively and secure capacity early.

Key challenges: Capacity, labor, and time sensitivity

Every produce season comes with pressure points, but this year, three stand out: swelling capacity needs, labor constraints, and time-sensitive freight.

Demand for trucks can spike dramatically during summer harvests. “If you’re moving 100 loads a week, you should be prepared to move 120 in peak season,” Jay says. That kind of surge requires planning and agile sourcing to avoid service disruptions, even for shippers with long-standing contracts.

Labor is another concern. Shippers rely on a tight chain: fresh produce comes in from the field, gets cooled, and must be loaded quickly to avoid spoilage. “Produce is already notorious for longer dwell times,” Steven says. “And it only gets worse when the labor pool shrinks.” Those delays can ripple through the supply chain, affecting truck availability and delivery windows.

And of course, timing is everything. Produce is unforgiving freight, as most of it rides on refrigerated trailers. Any lapse in temperature control, visibility, or scheduling can cause spoilage. With so little margin for error, on-time delivery and consistent communication are essential.

Opportunities: Broker flexibility, real-time visibility, and strategic partnerships

Despite the challenges, shippers have real opportunities to build resilience and gain efficiency if they plan early and move with flexibility. “Produce sets up really well for brokerage,” Jay says. “You can double in volume from one month to the next. That flexibility is hard for assets to manage alone.”

As harvests shift geographically—starting in Florida early in the year and peaking in California by the Fourth of July—shippers need to be ready to adapt quickly. Success depends on the ability to anticipate changes, maintain real-time visibility across networks, and scale capacity precisely when and where it’s needed. This agility helps prevent disruptions and ensures that fresh freight keeps moving smoothly, no matter how the season evolves.

There’s also an opportunity to rethink how carriers are engaged. In a tight labor market, shippers who help attract and retain reliable drivers will see better performance. “We’re giving owner-operators access to discounts on fuel, tires, and other essentials,” Jay shares. Small incentives like these create better service for shippers during the busiest times of year, especially when every load counts.

Game plan: What shippers should do now

1) Forecast capacity needs

Peak produce season often requires up to 20% more capacity than usual. Shippers should work closely with partners to model volume spikes and secure flexible coverage early. Uber Freight’s extensive carrier network and flexible capacity solutions help shippers quickly adapt to seasonal surges without sacrificing service quality.

2) Secure reefer trucks early

Temperature-controlled shipping is essential—even seemingly less-sensitive commodities often need reefers to maintain quality. Uber Freight’s large, reliable reefer network and technology-enabled capacity planning ensure shippers have the equipment they need, exactly when they need it.

3) Prioritize communication

Produce season demands clear, constant communication. Uber Freight’s Control Tower provides 24/7 support, real-time exception management, and continuous oversight to help shippers solve issues before they escalate, keeping freight on schedule and in optimal condition.

4) Track in real time

Visibility is crucial for protecting perishable goods. Uber Freight’s Transportation Management System (TMS) and tracking tools provide shippers with real-time updates on truck location, temperature, and potential disruptions, empowering faster, data-driven decisions that safeguard cargo.

5) Partner for the long haul

The most resilient supply chains are built on strategic, year-round partnerships. By combining deep produce expertise with robust digital tools and an extensive carrier network, Uber Freight doesn’t just help shippers navigate the summer rush, but strengthen operations for every season.

From strategic capacity planning to visibility tools and a flexible, reliable network, Uber Freight knows what it takes to move the most demanding freight on time and on temp. As Steven puts it, “You don’t learn how to move produce from a manual. You learn by doing, and we’ve done it all.”

With the right plan, and the right partner, shippers can not only survive but succeed this peak produce season.

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