Although 2024 has barely begun, some analysts are already predicting another challenging year for the trucking industry. The freight shortage experienced in 2023 is expected to continue, according to an article by Smart Trucking. This is creating a domino effect, where the effects are felt by trucking companies, drivers, and ultimately the American consumers of the goods they haul. Several issues are compounding the issue, including lingering disruptions caused by the pandemic, capacity constraints, increasing freight rates, and a shortage of qualified drivers. Fuel prices are down from record levels experienced in the past few years but remain high, further straining the supply chain.
Movement of avocados from Mexico crossing through Texas is expected to increase slightly. Trading fairly active on 60s84s, others fairly slow. Prices conventional 60s and 84s and organic 60s-70s higher, conventional 36s-48s lower, others generally unchanged. Cartons 2-layer Hass 32s mostly 46.25-48.25, 36s mostly 40.25-42.25, 40s mostly 35.25-37.25, 48s mostly 33.25-35.25, 60s mostly 32.25-33.25, 70s mostly 22.25-23.25 and 84s mostly 18.25-19.25. Extra services included.
Movement of blueberries from Chile through ports of entry Miami, Philadelphia, and New York area is expected to increase. Trading fairly active. The first F.O.B. price report has been issued, and prices flats 12 1-pint cups with lids mostly 28.00-30.00, flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 29.00-30.00. Movement of blueberries from Peru imports through Miami, Philadelphia, and New York ports of entry via boat expected to decrease seasonally. Trading moderate with prices generally unchanged. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 28.00-30.00, flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids large 18.00-23.00. Quality is reported as good.
Click here to read the full report.
Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov