Reefer dispatch in Texas

Texas reefer runs on two clocks. From roughly November through April, the Rio Grande Valley around McAllen, Pharr and Harlingen moves citrus, winter vegetables and a large volume of Mexican produce crossing at Pharr and Laredo. Northbound reefer rates out of South Texas firm up substantially during that window, and it's a genuinely less crowded opportunity than California produce because fewer carriers position for it.

The rest of the year, reefer works protein and food distribution out of DFW and Houston — steady, unglamorous, year-round freight that keeps the trailer earning between seasons.

What we watch for you

• Valley positioning before the window. We start pointing you south ahead of the season rather than after rates have already moved.
• Cross-border produce handled carefully. Freight crossing at Pharr or Laredo involves customs timing that isn't yours to control. We confirm who bears the delay risk before you accept, because waiting at a crossing is unpaid unless the con says otherwise.
• Temperature terms on the confirmation. Set point, continuous or cycle, and pre-cool requirements in writing before you take the load.
• The Valley exit problem. South Texas pays well inbound during season and can be thin outbound after. We plan the return leg, not just the load.
• Year-round protein backfill. When produce is quiet, DFW and Houston food distribution keeps the trailer moving rather than sitting.