Cold Chain Continuity: Overcoming Holiday Logistics Challenges
The holiday season brings a surge of demand and celebration across the country, but for refrigerated and temperature-controlled shippers, it also introduces a range of logistical challenges. With heightened demand, reduced transportation capacity, and a shrinking driver pool, maintaining cold chain continuity during this period requires robust planning and technology. From tight market conditions to […]
Seasonal Delights: Ensuring Freshness from Farm to Table
As the holiday season approaches, fresh produce shippers are bracing for the surge in demand that accompanies festive gatherings. Certain holiday staples—such as cranberries, sweet potatoes, and green beans—see significant spikes in demand, driven by traditions that emphasize fresh, wholesome ingredients. For produce shippers, ensuring that these seasonal delights arrive fresh, flavorful, and ready for […]
Grapes and Strawberries: Extending the Produce Season into Winter for California Shippers
Introduction: The Extended Produce Season While the bulk of produce harvests wrap up by late fall, certain crops—namely grapes and strawberries—continue to require refrigerated transportation well into the winter. California, in particular, is a key player in the extended season for these two crops, which remain in high demand through December. In this blog, we’ll […]
California Citrus and Yuma Vegetables: Preparing for Winter Transportation
Introduction: Winter Produce in the Southwest As the fall season gives way to winter, the agricultural focus shifts to California citrus and Yuma vegetables, two major produce categories that dominate the market from October through February. Shippers face unique challenges during this period, balancing the demand for refrigerated freight and ensuring the safe transport of […]
Pacific Northwest Produce: Gearing Up for Potatoes, Onions, and Blueberries
Introduction: Fall’s Core Crops in the PNW As the peak produce season ends in the Pacific Northwest, the focus shifts to a select few key crops: potatoes, onions, and blueberries. These crops dominate the fall harvest and require unique logistical strategies to ensure they reach their destinations in optimal condition. In this blog, we’ll explore […]
Understanding the September Shift in Reefer Freight for West Coast Shippers
Introduction: A Time of Transition in the Refrigerated Freight Industry As September rolls around, produce shippers in California and the Pacific Northwest face a critical transition. The peak summer produce season comes to an end, and the demands on refrigerated freight (reefer) transportation shift. This change can affect everything from availability to pricing, making it […]
The Advantage of Trucking Experience in Freight Brokerage for Refrigerated Freight
In the complex and highly specialized world of refrigerated freight, having a freight broker with extensive truck driving experience can make all the difference. Time spent navigating the challenges of refrigerated trucking provides invaluable insights and skills that can elevate the quality of service offered to both shippers and carriers. Here’s how that experience in […]
Cradle-to-Grave Brokerage Model vs. Chicago Model During Peak Produce Season
Understanding the Models Cradle-to-Grave (C2G) Brokerage Model In the C2G model, a single broker manages the entire transportation process from start to finish. This broker acts as the sole point of contact, handling everything from securing carriers to ensuring timely deliveries. Chicago Model The Chicago model splits responsibilities between customer sales and carrier sales and […]
Top 10 Refrigerated Freight Destinations for ATS, Inc Year to Date: Insights and Trends
As we progress through the year, the dynamics of refrigerated freight logistics continue to evolve, with certain states emerging as key destinations for shipments. Understanding these trends not only helps optimize supply chain operations but also offers insights into market demands and logistical efficiencies. This blog delves into the top 10 destinations for refrigerated freight […]
The Crucial Role of On-Time Delivery in Refrigerated Transportation
When it comes to shipping refrigerated goods, particularly perishable food items, on-time delivery is not just a target—it’s a necessity. Here’s why ensuring timely pick-up and drop-off is paramount for food shippers dealing with refrigerated freight: Maintaining Product Quality and Safety Temperature Control Refrigerated freight must be kept at specific temperatures to prevent spoilage and […]