How Tariffs Could Affect Produce Season For Shippers [Podcast]

Produce season is fast approaching, and with it comes major shifts in freight demand, trucking capacity, and shipping rates. If you’re a shipper, understanding how this seasonal surge impacts the transportation industry can help you stay ahead and keep your supply chain moving efficiently.

In this episode of Beyond The Road, host Eric Metso is joined by Mark Andres, Director of Operations at ATS Logistics, and Josh Rivers, Sales Team Manager at ATS Logistics, to discuss key industry trends and challenges for 2025.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The State of the Trucking Industry – A look at freight capacity, driver availability, and market conditions heading into 2025.
• Tariffs & Cross-Border Freight – How new policies on imports from Canada and Mexico could affect supply chains and shipping costs.
• Understanding Produce Season – Why this annual cycle causes freight rates to rise and how it impacts shippers across all industries.
• Shipper Strategies – Best practices for managing capacity constraints, planning shipments, and controlling costs.
• Trucking Trivia & Fun Facts – Surprising insights about the most imported produce, transportation challenges, and industry trends.

Key Takeaways for Shippers:

✔ Plan Ahead: Expect increased rates and competition for truck capacity, especially if you’re shipping out of the South.
✔ Monitor Cross-Border Freight: Keep an eye on tariff changes and evaluate sourcing strategies for imports from Canada and Mexico.
✔ Leverage Partnerships: Work closely with your carriers and brokers to secure reliable capacity and optimize shipping schedules.
✔ Stay Flexible: If possible, adjust your shipping timelines to take advantage of lower rates and available capacity.

Stay Informed & Stay Competitive

For more insights on trucking, logistics, and supply chain strategies, visit the ATS Learning Hub.

Got questions? Reach out to our team—we’re here to help you navigate the changing freight market!