Refrigerated Freight Demand During Holidays

The holiday season drives a sharp rise in refrigerated freight demand due to increased transportation needs for perishable foods, Christmas trees, and freeze-sensitive goods. However, limited truck availability, driver shortages, and winter weather create challenges for carriers. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• High Demand for Perishables: Turkeys, hams, fresh produce, and festive greenery require temperature-controlled shipping.
• Protect-From-Freeze (PFF) Services: Beverages, chemicals, and other goods need freeze protection, adding pressure on capacity.
• Capacity Crunch: Fewer drivers on the road and hazardous winter conditions lead to tight supply, with load-to-truck ratios hitting 9.9-to-1 in December 2025.
• Rate Increases: Spot rates surged over 25% during the 2025 holiday season, peaking at $2.92 per mile.

For owner-operators, this environment offers higher earnings opportunities, especially when leveraging regional trends and high-demand lanes. Planning ahead and working with supportive carriers like Booker Transportation Services can help navigate this busy season effectively.

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What Drives Holiday Refrigerated Freight Demand

The holiday season brings a sharp increase in refrigerated freight demand, driven by the need to transport both perishable foods and temperature-sensitive non-food items. These demands fall into two main categories: traditional perishable goods and items requiring protection from freezing temperatures.

High-Demand Perishable Goods

Thanksgiving and Christmas create a massive need for refrigerated freight, with turkey shipments alone accounting for over 28,000 full truckloads in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Around 46 million turkeys are transported from farms to retailers for the holiday, with fresh turkeys requiring extra care due to their short 21-day shelf life. Hams also contribute to sustained demand throughout the holiday season.

Fresh produce shipments spike significantly as well. Thanksgiving in 2024 generated $6.8 billion in fresh produce revenue, reflecting a 4.5% increase from the previous year. Retailers heavily promote items like mandarins (74%), yams (71%), and potatoes (64%) during this period. Jose Rossignoli, President of Robinson Fresh, highlights the scale of operations:

In November alone, Robinson Fresh will deliver over 130 million pounds of fruits and vegetables from 13 countries to more than 7,500 retail locations across the U.S.

Between November and March, nearly 90% of the U.S. supply of leafy greens comes from Yuma, Arizona, and Florida. This seasonal shift in production places significant demand on refrigerated transport in these regions. Even Christmas trees require refrigeration for long hauls, with some loads receiving ice treatments to maintain moisture during their journey from the Pacific Northwest to markets in Southern California or Texas.

While perishable goods dominate the conversation, non-food items also rely on refrigerated trailers during the colder months.

Protect-From-Freeze Items

Winter weather adds another layer of complexity to holiday freight operations. Refrigerated trailers become essential for transporting non-food items like beverages, chemicals, electronics, and pharmaceuticals that could be damaged by freezing temperatures. These goods require "protect-from-freeze" (PFF) services to maintain temperatures above 33°F.

This additional demand puts immediate pressure on capacity. Dean Croke, Industry Analyst at DAT iQ, explains:

The surge in demand for ‘protect from freeze’ capacity meant that trucks normally hauling perishable produce were diverted to move general freight

For example, during a severe winter storm in late 2025, Midwest reefer spot rates jumped 23% in the week following Thanksgiving due to increased PFF demand. This competition for limited refrigerated trailers forces food shipments to compete with non-food freight, further straining capacity during the holiday season.

How the Holiday Season Affects Rates and Capacity

The holiday season brings a mix of challenges and opportunities for refrigerated freight. Demand surges while truck availability plummets, creating a tough environment for owner-operators. Understanding how these shifts impact rates and capacity is crucial.

Capacity Shortages

Refrigerated truck availability takes a major hit during the holidays due to several factors. Many carriers and owner-operators take time off between Christmas and New Year’s, reducing the number of trucks on the road significantly. On top of that, winter storms in regions like the Midwest and Northeast make driving conditions hazardous, prompting many drivers to avoid these areas altogether. This season, the load-to-truck ratio reached record highs.

Adding to the capacity crunch, stricter CDL requirements have kept more drivers off the road during this critical period. Tender rejections – a key indicator of tight capacity – spiked to 13.24%, far above the usual 7-8% threshold that signals a strained market. Dean Croke, an Industry Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics, highlighted the impact:

Spot rates for Week 50 were the highest outside of the pandemic years (2020-2021) across all three major equipment types, highlighting how quickly short-term shocks can strain an already fragile capacity environment

Interestingly, the 2025 holiday season broke from past trends. David Spencer, Vice President of Market Intelligence at Arrive Logistics, explained:

Historically, there is a lull in early to mid-December before volumes and rates begin to rise sharply; this year, that lull did not materialize, allowing tender rejections and spot rates to reach multi-year highs

This capacity squeeze directly pushes spot rates higher, creating a challenging but potentially lucrative market for those who can stay on the road.

Rate Increases

With fewer trucks available, competition among shippers drives rates up sharply. Refrigerated spot rates see a dramatic increase as shippers scramble for limited capacity. Between November 15 and December 28, 2025, national spot rates rose from $2.32 to $2.76 per mile, peaking at $2.92 per mile in the final week – a jump of over 26 cents in just seven days. These late-December rates were more than 20% higher than the same period in 2024.

Regional trends add another layer of opportunity. For example, in McAllen, Texas, where Mexican produce imports drive demand, carriers earned an average of $2,910 per load for the 1,600-mile trip to Los Angeles – nearly $800 more than the previous year. Meanwhile, outbound rates from Lakeland, Florida climbed by 10 cents per mile, well ahead of the usual produce season. As the C.H. Robinson Edge Report noted, "Given the large decrease in available trucks over the holidays, costs will likely remain elevated during this time".

Analysts forecasted a 25% rise in spot rates from early November through the end of 2025. For owner-operators willing to navigate the challenges of holiday freight and winter weather, these elevated rates offer a chance to secure substantial earnings well above the norm for this time of year.

Regional Differences in Holiday Refrigerated Freight

Holiday refrigerated freight demand shifts significantly across the United States, shaped by regional industries and weather conditions. These variations reveal opportunities for owner-operators to pinpoint profitable routes and prepare for capacity challenges in specific markets.

Midwest: Meat and Dairy Products

The Midwest takes center stage during the holiday season, contributing 46% of the nation’s refrigerated freight load volume at its peak. This region is the backbone of Thanksgiving and Christmas staples like turkeys, hams, beef roasts, cheese platters, eggnog, and baking ingredients. Production in states such as Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois surges as food processing plants work overtime to meet seasonal demand.

Adding to the pressure, winter weather creates a heightened need for protect-from-freeze (PFF) services to safeguard temperature-sensitive goods. This dual demand for both holiday food and PFF loads caused Midwest reefer spot rates to climb to $1.95 per mile in late 2025 – 23 cents above the national average.

While the Midwest juggles these challenges, the Pacific Northwest faces its own seasonal freight frenzy.

Pacific Northwest: Produce and Christmas Trees

The Pacific Northwest sees a short but intense spike in freight demand, driven by Christmas trees and storage crops. Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Washington lead the charge, shipping hundreds of thousands of Douglas firs during the 30-day window around Thanksgiving. Some tree farms, like Noble Mountain Tree Farm, operate at an astonishing pace – helicopters deliver freshly cut firs to loading pads every 30 seconds, and for long-haul trips to Southern California, a ton of ice is applied to keep the trees fresh for the journey.

Aside from trees, the region also moves large quantities of apples, pears, potatoes, and dry onions. Together, these crops make up 83% of the Pacific Northwest’s produce volume for the year. In fact, apple truckload volumes in 2023 were up 36% compared to the previous year. This competition between tree and produce shippers often drives spot rates up by as much as 20% in the three weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. During the fall produce rush, outbound reefer rates from Washington averaged $2.39 per mile.

As freight demand shifts northward, the focus in the Northern states turns toward protecting goods from freezing temperatures.

Northern States: Protect-From-Freeze Freight

In the Northern states, refrigerated trailers increasingly carry goods that require freeze protection, such as liquids, meal kits, specialty chocolates, and other consumer products.

The week following Thanksgiving is particularly challenging for carriers. MegaCorp Logistics highlighted the strain:

The post-Thanksgiving week places immense strain on the temperature-controlled sector. The need to move holiday perishables, combined with protect-from-freeze requirements, has pushed reefer tender rejection rates above 15%.

Severe winter weather can amplify this pressure. For instance, Winter Storm Cora caused tender rejection rates in Buffalo, New York, to skyrocket to 36%, more than double the national average of 15.4%, as carriers struggled to maintain proper temperature conditions during the storm.

How Owner-Operators Can Profit During the Holiday Season

Higher Rates and More Consistent Loads

As the holiday season rolls in, owner-operators find themselves in a prime position to maximize earnings. With many drivers stepping away to spend time with family, the reduced capacity pushes spot rates higher, creating a lucrative environment for those still on the road.

Tender rejections during this period hit 13.24%, a significant jump from the usual 7–8% that typically signals stronger spot rates. This gave owner-operators a clear edge in rate negotiations. Reefer load availability also surged, climbing by an impressive 117.5% week-over-week after Thanksgiving, ensuring a steady stream of loads throughout the season.

Strategically choosing lanes became a game-changer. For example, routes like McAllen to Dallas-Fort Worth averaged around $2.60 per mile, while Yuma to Los Angeles brought in $3.73 per mile during peak times. This combination of higher rates and consistent freight made the holiday season a golden opportunity for drivers willing to stay on the road.

How Booker Transportation Services Supports Owner-Operators

Booker Transportation Services steps in to help owner-operators make the most of these favorable conditions. Their daily pay structure ensures drivers have immediate access to their earnings – an essential perk during the costly holiday season.

Additional incentives, like longevity bonuses for staying on the road during peak demand weeks and the free tires for life program, help cut down on major expenses. These benefits are available to qualified drivers operating in key states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico. These regions thrive during the holidays with freight from Mexican produce imports, Midwest meat and dairy shipments, and protect-from-freeze loads.

Experienced dispatchers at Booker Transportation Services also play a critical role. They analyze holiday freight trends and position drivers in high-demand lanes, ensuring that owner-operators can focus on earning without worrying about cash flow or surprise maintenance costs. This combination of support and strategy allows drivers to turn the holiday rush into a season of profit.

Conclusion

The holiday season offers a prime opportunity for owner-operators to maximize earnings by understanding and leveraging market trends. This time of year consistently sees a spike in refrigerated freight demand, fueled by the need to transport perishable goods, freeze-sensitive items, and regional produce. Those who anticipate these patterns and prepare accordingly can transform this busy season into some of their most lucrative weeks. The key? Thoughtful planning and preparation.

Experts recommend starting your planning 8–12 weeks in advance to identify high-performing lanes, lock in commitments, and focus on areas where rates are climbing. Historical data supports this approach, showing record-high spot rates and load-to-truck ratios during peak holiday periods. These trends are largely driven by capacity shortages and shippers’ urgent needs. As Mike Manders, a strategic planning expert, emphasizes:

"The difference between surviving and succeeding isn’t luck, it’s preparation. With accurate forecasting, collaborative planning and strategic carrier alignment, shippers can maintain service quality and cost control."
– Mike Manders

Beyond rates and capacity, owner-operators must also account for external factors like weather, regulatory enforcement, and driver availability, all of which can add volatility and affect profit margins. Looking ahead, the 2026 forecast predicts a 5% year-over-year growth in refrigerated truckload rates, suggesting sustained strength in the market. Aligning with carriers that provide daily pay, maintenance support, and experienced dispatchers can help operators stay focused on driving while avoiding cash flow challenges.

For those operating in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico – regions known for heavy holiday freight activity – Booker Transportation Services offers tailored support to help drivers thrive. With perks like longevity bonuses and a free tires program for qualified drivers, they help reduce costs while enabling drivers to benefit from higher seasonal rates. By planning ahead and choosing the right carrier partner, owner-operators can turn holiday demand into steady profits.

FAQs

When should I start planning for holiday reefer season?

Start preparing for the holiday reefer season well in advance – ideally by late summer or early fall. Getting an early start allows you to handle the surge in demand and navigate the tighter capacity that often comes with peak months like September and October.

Which holiday lanes usually pay the best for reefer loads?

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, reefer loads tend to offer some of the most lucrative opportunities. This is largely due to the surge in demand for high-value and time-sensitive shipments. For example, Christmas trees from the Pacific Northwest and seasonal produce from California see significant movement, particularly during harvest seasons.

How do I handle protect-from-freeze loads in winter?

To keep freeze-sensitive goods safe during winter, preparation and the right tools are key. Equipment like heated trailers, pallet covers, thermal blankets, and heat shelters can help maintain the necessary temperatures. For full truckloads, running the trailer’s refrigeration motor can safeguard items like chemicals, food, and liquids from freezing. It’s also essential to communicate clearly with shippers about temperature needs and use suitable packaging – like Styrofoam coolers – to ensure everything arrives in good condition.

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