Miami, Fla. — Each February, Miami International Airport becomes the launchpad for a massive flower convoy that fuels Valentine’s Day sales nationwide.

Nearly 80 % of U.S. bouquets originate abroad, primarily from Colombian and Ecuadorian farms. Those imports land in Miami, then rely on the trucking sector to race them to retail shelves before the 14th.

DAT Freight & Analytics reports that, in the seven‑week window preceding Valentine’s Day, about 500 truckloads of flowers leave Miami every day. The loads are handled by a mix of major carriers and independent owner‑operators, all scrambling to meet the seasonal surge.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A drivers, the holiday creates a predictable surge that can boost earnings through higher freight rates and overtime opportunities. Owner‑operators often secure back‑to‑back loads, reducing deadhead miles and maximizing equipment utilization. Fleet managers must balance tight delivery windows with FMCSA regulations on driver hours, forcing precise route planning and crew‑change coordination. The spike also pressures OTR truck driver staffing, prompting many carriers to post “truck driver jobs” ads targeting experienced long‑haul talent.

Industry Reaction

Carriers view the Valentine’s surge as a seasonal cash cow, prompting them to lock in capacity early and offer premium pay to retain reliable drivers. Industry groups note that the extra demand highlights chronic driver shortages, urging recruitment drives and incentives for new CDL‑A drivers. Some shippers are experimenting with temperature‑controlled trailers to preserve delicate blooms, a move that could reshape load‑board expectations for OTR routes.

Key Points

• Approximately 80 % of U.S. flowers are imported, mostly from Colombia and Ecuador.
• Miami International Airport serves as the primary entry point for Valentine’s Day floral imports.
• DAT Freight & Analytics tracks roughly 500 daily truckloads of flowers during the seven weeks before February 14.
• Both large carriers and independent owner‑operators share the load, creating extra earnings for CDL‑A and OTR drivers.

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