Reefer dispatch in Florida

Florida ships far less than it receives, which makes outbound rates weak across almost every equipment type. Winter produce is the exception. From roughly December through April, vegetables move north out of the Homestead, Immokalee and Belle Glade growing areas, and northbound reefer rates firm up substantially against the rest of the year.

Outside that window, Florida reefer works food distribution inbound and intra-state along I-4, and the outbound problem returns. Operators who plan for both seasons do well. Operators who assume produce season lasts all year find out in May.

What we watch for you

• Season timing, not season reaction. We position you before the window rather than after rates have already moved.
• Off-season exit planning. From May onward, every Florida entry is planned around a confirmed exit or a costed deadhead to Jacksonville or south Georgia.
• Jacksonville as the escape valve. The best outbound market in the state and the easiest place to reload out of the peninsula.
• Temperature terms on the con. Produce set points are tight and claims are expensive. Terms confirmed in writing before you accept.
• Agricultural inspection. Florida runs significant agricultural inspection activity — factor the time into transit rather than being surprised by it.