US consumers are again seeing a scarcity of certain goods on store shelves as transportation shortages continue on a global scale. Sea ports all over the world are struggling to cope with an overabundance of empty containers needing to be repositioned, along with record amounts of new goods arriving to fulfill pent-up orders.
Rates for air and ground transport keep rising along with fuel prices, and the price for crude oil is expected to increase through the remainder of the year. Customers are being warned by news media to place holiday orders early and to expect shipping delays. As holiday shopping increases seasonally, grower-shippers of specialty crop items can again expect growing competition in securing transportation for their commodities to markets.
Mexican avocado crossings through Texas are expected to remain about the same. Trading was moderate with a wide range in prices but generally trending lower on all sizes except 32s as heavy volumes, especially on smaller fruit, continue.
Peruvian imports of blueberries arriving through the Philadelphia and New York City areas via boat are expected to decrease seasonally. Trading was fairly active at lower prices. Movement of Peruvian imports arriving through Southern California via boat is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading was fairly active at lower prices.
Movement of Mexican cucumber crossings through Texas is expected about the same, with moderate trading on light available supplies. Prices were lower on medium and slightly lower on others, with most supplies reserved for contracts or previous commitments. Mexican cucumber crossings through Otay Mesa are expected about the same.
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