In its August Edge report, C.H. Robinson details shifting refrigerated truckload conditions across the U.S. as seasonal produce and harvest activity influence freight demand, capacity, and transportation costs. The company, which provides transportation and logistics services, reports that refrigerated market conditions vary significantly across the East Coast, Central U.S., and West Coast.

In the Eastern U.S., New England capacity has tightened as expected for the summer produce season and is likely to remain constrained through the remainder of the season. The Upper Atlantic is experiencing similar conditions, with rates increasing alongside stronger seasonal demand.

The Ohio River Valley has seen significant volatility as changes in demand drive swings in load-to-truck ratios and transportation costs. The Lower Atlantic experienced substantial rate increases through much of July before early signs of easing emerged heading into August.

In the Southeast, outbound refrigerated costs declined sharply as regional produce volumes fell, and the summer harvest season began winding down. While this has improved outbound capacity availability, fewer outbound opportunities have made carriers more selective about serving Florida, creating potential challenges for inbound freight.

Across the Central U.S., refrigerated conditions softened during the second half of July as demand retreated from peak summer levels. The South Central region experienced the largest decline, with outbound freight volumes and load-to-truck ratios falling.

Transportation costs have also eased, though cost-per-mile declines have lagged demand reductions as carriers continue to face elevated operating costs. The Midwest and Great Lakes are following a similar trajectory, with demand and load-to-truck ratios declining while pricing remains elevated compared with historical norms.

The Upper Midwest remains an exception as corn harvesting creates localized increases in refrigerated demand and periodic capacity tightening. As harvest activity expands, the region is expected to remain one of the tighter refrigerated markets in the country.

On the West Coast, California remains largely balanced, though outbound demand, load-to-truck ratios, and cost-per-mile trends have moderated. Capacity continues to tighten sporadically depending on harvest schedules, commodity flows, and specific origin markets.

The Pacific Northwest is entering a period of increasing seasonal pressure as cherry and onion harvests accelerate. Refrigerated capacity tightened as July ended, with additional crops expected to increase demand for equipment in the coming months.

What this means for the trucking industry

Regional refrigerated markets are moving in different directions, making local freight conditions increasingly important for fleet planning. Fleets serving the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest may face tighter capacity conditions as harvest activity expands, while softer demand in the Southeast and South Central regions could create greater equipment availability.