Shipping Alternatives for Moving Florida Produce to Eastern and Midwestern Markets

A significant shift in modal market share has occurred in the movement of Florida fresh fruits and vegetables within the last twenty years with a resulting complete dependence by Florida produce shippers on truck transportation at present. Evaluation of shipping alternatives to truck transportation concentrated on a cost and service comparison of a potential Plan III TOFC shipping program with present truck transportation for the Florida producers. The feasibility of Plan III TOFC shipping to each of seven market areas for Florida produce was found to vary according to assumptions concerning equipment turnaround time and level of backhaul that the shippers obtain. However, under operating information as provided by present TOFC shippers, a Plan III TOFC program for Florida produce shippers was found competitive with present truck transportation to several market areas. The study also examined various entry considerations for shippers wishing to establish a Plan III TOFC shipping program