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Seasonal Freight Calendar

Seasonal Freight Calendar — Southeast focus

_Freight moves in seasons. We position carriers BEFORE the surge, not during it._

Nov–Apr — Florida produce season (happening NOW)

• Reefers and dry vans move produce north out of South/Central FL.
• Strawberries (Dec–Mar), tomatoes, citrus, sweet corn.
• Strategy: get reefer carriers ready NOW; produce pays premium and runs consistent.
• USDA truck rate reports (free) track produce lane rates weekly.

Oct–Dec — Retail peak / holiday freight

• Dry van volume surges nationwide; FL inbound retail freight is strong.
• Strategy: position dry vans on inbound-to-FL retail lanes Oct–Nov, then catch produce northbound.

Jan–Mar — Produce peak + post-holiday reset

• FL produce at max volume. Backhaul planning critical (northbound produce, southbound general freight).

Apr–Jun — Construction season ramp

• Flatbed demand rises: building materials, lumber, roofing. FL construction is year-round but peaks spring/summer.
• Strategy: flatbed carriers chase construction materials lanes.

Jun–Nov — Hurricane season (watch, don't chase blindly)

• Storms create emergency/FEMA freight spikes — high rates, chaotic conditions.
• Only take it with eyes open: verify the broker, confirm detention, keep fuel topped.
• Strategy: keep trucks flexible Aug–Oct; be ready to pivot.

Year-round Florida plays

• Building materials (growth market, constant construction).
• Auto transport in/out of FL ports (specialized, higher barrier).
• Amazon Relay volume is steadier than seasonal spot freight — the base layer.

How we use this

• Monthly: Quanta flags the upcoming season's lanes per carrier profile.
• New carrier onboarding: match their equipment to the CURRENT season's money lanes.
• Never let a reefer sit in December. Never let a flatbed chase produce.