en.Wedoany.com Reported - C.H. Robinson raised its 2026 reefer trucking cost per mile forecast in its July freight market update, citing continued tightening of carrier capacity.

The company expects reefer trucking costs per mile to increase 35% year-over-year in 2026. Although demand may ease slightly after the Independence Day holiday, capacity constraints are expected to keep upward pressure on reefer transport prices throughout the year.

Seasonal produce shipments in June continued to impact reefer market conditions, though disruptions were less severe than in previous years. Capacity constraints were most pronounced in the Southeast market, where harvest and replenishment cycles drove short-term demand; northern markets remained generally balanced aside from periodic surges.

In the central U.S., the Midwest market stabilized after early disruptions, but Texas and the surrounding South Central market remained tight due to produce transport, cross-border freight, and ongoing supply constraints. These conditions kept capacity and prices elevated, particularly for time-sensitive reefer cargo.

Looking ahead, C.H. Robinson expects produce volumes to decline after the holidays, alleviating some demand imbalances. However, the company noted that potential supply constraints may prevent the typical seasonal rate declines seen in previous years. Texas is expected to remain one of the tightest reefer markets, with price pressure persisting on major reefer transport lanes.

On the West Coast, produce outbound demand from California and the Pacific Northwest remained steady, with capacity tightening near peak harvest periods and major agricultural transport corridors. Demand is expected to slow as harvest activity shifts geographically, but limited carrier supply relative to historical seasonal patterns may keep rate declines moderate.