If you’ve been in the shipping game for a while, you know freight isn’t a one-size-fits-all business. It’s more like a living, breathing organism that changes with the seasons. Understanding those seasonal shifts can make the difference between staying ahead of the curve—or playing catch-up when truck capacity dries up.
At Clear Horizon Logistics, we’ve seen how smarter planning around seasonal freight trends helps our partners reduce costs, avoid delays, and keep their operations running smoothly year-round.
Here’s what every shipper should know:
🚛 Spring: Construction and Agriculture Take Off
As winter thaws, construction projects and agriculture ramp up. This puts pressure on flatbed capacity, especially in the South and Midwest. Lumber, steel, farm equipment, and fertilizer shipments spike.
What to expect:
- Tight flatbed availability
- Rising spot rates
- Delays if you’re not booking in advance
Shipper tip: Plan projects ahead of time and lock in carriers early, especially if you move flatbed freight or oversize loads.
☀️ Summer: Produce Season + Peak Imports
Summer means produce season is in full swing, especially from California, Florida, and the Southeast. Reefer demand surges, and import volumes rise as retailers stock up for back-to-school and early holiday inventory.
What to expect:
- Capacity crunch for reefers and dry vans
- Port congestion in key coastal cities
- More freight shifting inland, clogging up lanes
Shipper tip: Stay flexible. Carriers may prioritize higher-paying produce loads, so keep your lanes competitive or build relationships with dedicated providers.
🍂 Fall: Retail Surge and Tight Capacity
Fall is crunch time. Retailers push hard to stock shelves for Black Friday and the holidays. Parcel, LTL, and full truckload demand all skyrocket.
What to expect:
- Tougher carrier availability
- Shorter lead times from buyers
- Higher rates across most equipment types
Shipper tip: Use this time to build strong relationships with 3PLs and carriers that can offer surge capacity or project-based freight support.
❄️ Winter: Weather Woes and Capacity Resets
Winter is a mixed bag. The first quarter tends to be slower after the holiday rush, but severe weather can throw a wrench into everything—especially in the Northeast and Midwest.
What to expect:
- Reduced truck availability due to storms
- Delays and detentions
- Lower overall freight volumes
Shipper tip: Build weather buffers into your timeline and consider diversifying your carrier base to improve flexibility during unpredictable stretches.
Year-Round Advice: Partner With Someone Who Gets It
At Clear Horizon Logistics, we don’t just “cover loads”—we stay ahead of seasonal patterns so you’re never left in the lurch. Whether it’s peak season pressure or off-season slowdowns, we build strategies tailored to your freight and your goals.
Need help navigating seasonal shifts?
Let’s talk. We’re always here to simplify the chaos and deliver clarity in your supply chain.
