California’s consistent temperatures make it an ideal place to grow different produce all-year round. In fact, California can contribute about 80% of the vegetables and fruits requirements of the whole of US. The state can produce crops and other fruit bearing trees in all of the seasons. Some seasons, however, yield higher produce that the other seasons, which also affects the movement of the freight industry.
California consists of three major markets that require different transportation or freight requirements.
1. There is the local as well as regional distribution of fruits, veggies and other Californian’s produce;
2. The state distributes in the local market or domestic trade and also national distribution;
3. There is the international trade.
During later summer and running through fall are the seasons when apples are plenty, while apricots ripen during late spring until the early part of summer. Artichokes and asparagus, however, grow during spring and also during the early part of fall. Basil grows well during summer, while the arugula, avocado, beets and Belgian Endive grow all-year round. Produce that thrives well during summer are blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupes, cherries, chiles, corn and many others. While celery root, escarole, horseradish and many others are best grown during fall and winter.
Mint and parsley grow throughout the year, while potatoes are harvested during the late summer towards fall. Some vegetables like potatoes, onions, garlic and others may grow during certain seasons, but can be stored any time of the year. Needless to say, the all-year-round produce in California assures the freight industry that they have something to transport throughout the year.
Hence, about 223 millions of tons of fruits and veggies are transported regardless of the time and date. And it is a good thing that the ports, roads and railways are getting some attention, which is needed support to ensure a consistent transportation of goods from one state to another. To further ensure a safer, faster and more efficient freight system, the transportation network in California has invested largely in international gateway facilities.