Freight season calendar

Post-holiday slowdown. Freight volume often dips after the holidays, and winter weather slows lanes up north.

Often one of the slower months. Storms can tighten capacity in some regions for a few days at a time.

Produce starts moving out of southern growing regions, and end-of-quarter shipping adds volume.

Produce season builds, and construction materials pick up as the weather warms.

Produce ramps up, and a major roadside inspection blitz is often held in spring, which can tighten capacity for a few days.

Peak produce season in many regions plus end-of-quarter pushes. Reefer demand is usually strong.

The July 4 holiday week can disrupt schedules and tighten capacity. Produce keeps moving.

Back-to-school retail freight moves, and produce continues in northern regions.

End of quarter, harvest freight and Labor Day. Retailers start building holiday inventory.

Holiday retail shipping ramps up, and fall harvest freight moves.

Holiday retail peak and Thanksgiving week. Plan around holiday closures.

Busy early in the month, then usually slows into the last two weeks as shippers close for the holidays.