Spring / SummerMarch — September

Produce Season Trucking

Average pay boost: +20-35% over base rates

Season Overview

Produce season is one of the most lucrative periods for reefer drivers, running from March through September as harvests move north from Florida and South Texas through California's Central Valley. During peak produce months, spot rates for refrigerated freight can surge 20-35% above annual averages, and carriers scramble to fill seats. Florida kicks off the season with citrus and winter vegetables, followed by Georgia peaches, California strawberries and lettuce, and Northwest cherries and apples. Drivers with reefer experience and a clean CSA score can command premium per-mile rates, sign-on bonuses, and percentage-of-load pay during this window. The key to maximizing produce season earnings is positioning yourself in the right state at the right time and being flexible on routes. Owner-operators who follow the harvest north often see their best annual revenue during these months.

Top States

  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Arizona
  • Texas
  • Washington

Equipment Needed

  • Reefer trailer (53-ft)
  • Multi-temp reefer
  • Straight truck reefer

Companies Hiring

  • KLLM Transport
  • Prime Inc.
  • Marten Transport
  • Knight-Swift
  • Schneider National

Pay & Timing

Pay Boost+20-35% over base rates
Active MonthsMarch — September
SeasonSpring / Summer

Tips for Drivers

Practical advice to help you make the most of produce season trucking.

  1. 1

    Get your reefer trailer pre-tripped and DOT-ready before the season starts — breakdowns during produce season mean lost loads and lost money.

  2. 2

    Position yourself in South Florida or South Texas by late February to catch the first loads moving north as the season opens.

  3. 3

    Build relationships with produce shippers and brokers early — repeat customers get first call when loads are hot and capacity is tight.

  4. 4

    Monitor USDA crop reports and regional harvest calendars to anticipate where the next wave of freight will originate.

  5. 5

    Keep your temperature monitoring logs meticulous — produce claims from temperature excursions can wipe out weeks of premium earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does produce season start for truckers?
Produce season typically begins in late February to early March in South Florida and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, then moves north through spring and summer. California's Salinas Valley peaks April through October, and Northwest stone fruit runs June through September.
How much more can reefer drivers earn during produce season?
Reefer drivers can earn 20-35% more during peak produce season compared to off-season rates. Spot rates for refrigerated freight out of California and Florida often exceed $3.00-$3.50 per mile when capacity tightens during peak harvest weeks.
Do I need special experience for produce hauling?
Most carriers require at least 6 months of reefer experience for produce season positions. You need to understand temperature settings for different commodities, proper pre-cooling procedures, and how to handle lumper fees and USDA inspections.
What are the risks of produce season trucking?
The main risks are cargo claims from temperature excursions, detention time at shippers (produce sheds often have long wait times), and the seasonal nature of the work. Drivers must also be comfortable with tight delivery windows and FSMA food safety requirements.
Which states have the most produce freight?
California is the top produce state by far, followed by Florida, Arizona (winter lettuce from Yuma), Georgia, Texas, and Washington. California's Central Valley alone produces over 250 different crops and generates billions in freight revenue annually.

Other Seasonal Opportunities

Holiday Peak Season Freight

October — December · +15-25% over base rates

Harvest Season Hauling

August — November · +20-30% over base rates

Winter Freight & Snow Removal

November — March · +15-25% over base rates

View All Seasonal Guides →

Don't Miss This Season

Apply now and get matched with carriers running the best produce season trucking routes.

Apply NowBrowse Companies