Spring is in full swing, which means something big is happening behind the scenes. In the world of transportation, it’s temperature-controlled produce season, and managing capacity is crucial.
From strawberries in Florida to onions in Texas, fresh fruits and vegetables are arriving in the market quickly — and they’re not moving on their own. For supply chain teams, this time of year brings a significant increase in volume, capacity constraints, and immense pressure to keep perishable products moving safely and on schedule during the produce season. It’s imperative to adjust strategies to handle the demands of temperature-controlled produce season.
This is when third-party logistics providers (3PLs) can significantly impact operations during produce season.
Why Produce Season Changes the Game
Unlike most freight, produce lacks the luxury of waiting around. It is time-sensitive, temperature-sensitive, and often transported in high volumes from a few key growing regions — all at once during the peak produce season, particularly in the temperature-controlled produce season.
What happens next is fairly predictable: capacity tightens, rates rise, and competition for reefer trucks intensifies due to peak produce season. For businesses that aren’t prepared for that kind of demand fluctuation, it can lead to significant headaches.
That’s where 3PLs step in and provide solutions tailored for produce season.
How 3PLs Help During Peak Season
Good 3PLs offer more than just trucks. They provide options, visibility, and expertise — elements that are even more crucial when freight is moving quickly and timing is essential, especially during the temperature-controlled produce season.
Here’s how they help:
- Flexible Capacity: When trucks are scarce in produce regions, 3PLs with robust carrier networks can still navigate the challenges of moving your freight —not just with any available option, but with reliable partners who understand the produce season process.
- Cold Chain Expertise: Fresh freight must remain cold, which involves more than simply booking a reefer. From proper temperature settings to pre-cooling and in-transit monitoring, 3PLs with cold chain experience can assist in protecting the product and minimizing spoilage risks, particularly during produce season.
- Real-Time Problem Solving: Weather delays? Late harvest? Last-minute changes at the dock? A responsive 3PL can assist with troubleshooting on the fly — rerouting freight, locating backup carriers, or adjusting delivery windows as necessary, especially during produce season.
- Market Insights & Forecasting: Many third-party logistics providers (3PLs) monitor seasonal trends and anticipate changes before they occur — enabling shippers to plan more effectively, secure capacity in advance, and avoid unpleasant surprises when rates rise during the produce season.
- 24/7 Support: Freight operations run around the clock, and so do the teams behind them during the busy produce season. A 3PL offering live support ensures that there’s always someone monitoring your shipments and prepared to intervene when issues arise.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
The best advice for produce season? Don’t do it alone — and don’t wait until the last minute. Whether you ship produce directly or feel the ripple effects in the freight market, having a logistics partner who understands seasonal pressure can help you stay ahead during the temperature-controlled produce season.
From ensuring reliable capacity to managing spot market fluctuations, 3PLs play a crucial role in keeping supply chains agile during the busy produce season.
Bottom Line
Temperature-controlled produce season comes around every year, and while the details may shift, the need for speed, precision, and flexibility remains essential. With the right logistics partner, it’s a lot easier to keep things moving smoothly (and cold) during produce season.
