In addition to record levels of imports moving through the nation’s sea ports, volumes moved by the domestic trucking industry continue to show growth as well.
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The latest tonnage index released in May by the American Trucking Association indicate that the trucking market, and specifically the share of contract tonnage versus the spot market, is transitioning back to pre-pandemic levels.
In spite of several key economic factors related to trucking showing negative growth in May - including retail sales, housing starts, and manufacturing output - the monthly index was at its second highest level since the beginning of the pandemic.
This is despite increasing stresses on the industry from many factors, including the rapidly rising cost of diesel fuel.
Movement of Peruvian asparagus through South Florida ports of entry expected to remain about the same this week before increasing slightly next week.
Shipments may be affected by a trucking strike in Peru protesting the high cost of fuel. Trading jumbo and extra-large very active, large active, others moderate. Prices on small generally unchanged and others higher.
Supplies of green jumbo and white in too few hands to establish a market; supplies extra-large green also very light, large light, others moderate.
Production in northern Peru expected to finish this week with many current shipments already coming out of storage. Demand for the European market remains strong on larger sizes. Movement of Mexican asparagus crossings through Arizona, California and Texas expected to remain about the same. Trading jumbo size moderate at higher prices, others fairly slow with prices generally unchanged.
Mexican avocado crossings through Texas expected to increase as the transition to new crop fruit gets underway. Light harvest has already started with more growers expected to begin this week. Trading fairly light with prices for most sizes lower. Prices are adjusting this week due to multiple supply and demand factors all merging at once.
As more imports come in from Peru and Columbia, plus domestic avocados from California, prices expected to slowly come down.
Peruvian imports of avocados expected to increase seasonally. Supplies remain light but imports are expected to increase week by week. Demand is moderate and prices are steady.
Avocados out of Southern California District movement expected to decrease. Demand remains fairly active at lower prices for the California market. Cucumber crossings from Mexico through Texas movement expected about the same. Trading remains active at higher prices. Quality expected to be variable. Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments.
Movement of cucumbers from Mexico crossings through Otay Mesa, California supplies are very light, and demand exceeds supply. Prices are higher this week and quality is being reported as generally good. Movement from South Georgia expected to decrease as many shippers are finished for the season. Temperatures have been very high but are expected to come down this week. The heat is affecting the fields and accelerating the season to close rapidly. Demand is shifting north where supplies are more widely available. Trading moderate with prices holding about steady.
South Georgia movement of green bell peppers is expected to remain about the same. Growers are watching the weather, with heat and dry weather potentially bringing the vegetable growing season to an early end. Trading moderate and prices on large steady and others higher. Quality reported as generally good.
Green bell peppers out San Joaquin Valley California is expected to increase seasonally. Trading reported as fairly active with prices generally unchanged. Demand fairly good as more shippers have begun harvest on green bell peppers. Quality is being reported as generally good.
Movement of green bell peppers out of Coachella Valley California expected to decrease seasonally as most shippers have finished and are transitioning into new growing areas. Most remaining supplies are for red bell peppers. Trading active at slightly lower prices and quality is reported as variable. ■