Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

Contents

National Summary.......................... 2

Quarterly Overview .......................... 2

U.S. Truck Rates ................................ 3

Truck Rates for Selected Routes........ 4

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices ...................... 5

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and 

Truck Rates........................................ 6

Quarterly Truck Availability............... 8

Reported U.S. Shipments................ 11

Reported Shipments by Selected 

Commodities................................... 12

Regional Markets...........................13

U.S.-Mexico Border......................... 13

California......................................... 17

PNW................................................ 20

Florida............................................. 23

Southeast........................................ 26

Additional Information..................29

Terms and References..................... 29

Contact Us....................................... 30

Quarter 2, April-June 2023

Published February 2024

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq/

https://agtransport.usda.gov/
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

USDA reported second quarter 2023 U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce were 11.27 million tons—16 percent higher 

than the previous quarter and 6 percent higher than second quarter 2022. 

Also, in second quarter 2023, shipments from Mexico were 3.84 million tons, which was higher than from any other 

reported origin. Shipments from Mexico accounted for 34 percent of the total reported shipments of fresh fruit and 

vegetables. Shipments from the next four top regions by volume were as follows: California, 3.02 million tons (27 

percent of the total); Pacific Northwest (PNW), 1.26 million tons (11 percent of the total); Florida, 992,000 tons (9 

percent of the total); and finally, Southeast, 510,000 tons (5 percent of the total). 

These top five commodities accounted for 38 percent of reported truck movements in second quarter 2023: 

► Seedless Watermelons (11 percent)

► Potatoes (10 percent)

► Apples (6 percent)

► Dry Onions (6 percent)

► Oranges (5 percent)

Truck Rates 

The table below provides a snapshot of quarterly truck rates for U.S. produce shipments over four mileage 

categories—1-500; 501-1,500; 1,501-2,500; and 2,501+ miles. Please note the U.S. average truck rates provided below 

were calculated using weighted regional rates and volumes.

Diesel Fuel 

During second quarter 2023, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $3.94 per gallon—down 10 percent from the previous 

quarter, and down 28 percent from the same quarter in 2022.

National Summary

Average U.S. Truck Rates for Selected Routes Between 501 and 1,500 Miles ($/Mile)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data. 

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: The rates for 8 long-haul fruit and vegetable truck corridors are included in the national rate, weighted by commodity and origin volume.

0-500 miles 501-1,500 miles 1,501-2,500 miles 2,501+ miles

Q2 2022 8.09 3.65 2.87 1.64

Q3 2022 8.40 3.23 2.86 1.50

Q4 2022 6.82 3.03 2.81 1.39

Q1 2023 5.93 2.63 2.28 1.41

Q2 2023 6.32 2.82 2.33 1.47

Q2 Change from 

Previous Quarter 6% 7% 2% 4%

Q2 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year -22% -23% -19% -10%

Quarterly Overview 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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U.S. Truck Rates

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: The rates for 8 long-haul fruit and vegetable truck corridors are included in the national rates, weighted by commodity and origin volume.

Table 1: Average U.S. Truck Rates for Selected Routes Between 501 and 1,500 Miles ($/Mile)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data. 

Note: The rates for 8 long-haul fruit and vegetable truck corridors are included in the national rate, weighted 

by commodity and origin volume.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Figure 1: Average Truck Rates for Selected Routes ($/Mile) 

Year 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

2023 2.63 2.82

2022 3.25 3.65 3.23 3.03

2021 2.90 3.70 3.21 3.48

2020 2.56 2.51 2.56 2.92

2019 2.59 2.60 2.47 2.52

2018 2.82 2.99 2.74 2.84

2017 1.86 2.41 2.33 2.56

2016 2.22 2.37 2.49 2.06

2015 2.47 2.63 2.59 2.36

2014 2.32 2.67 2.64 2.49

2013 2.24 2.60 2.62 2.27

2012 2.10 2.54 2.45 2.29

2011 2.02 2.60 2.77 2.26

6.32 

2.82 

2.33 

1.47 

 -

 1.00

 2.00

 3.00

 4.00

 5.00

 6.00

 7.00

 8.00

 9.00

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

2020 2021 2022 2023

$/Mile 

 0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Truck Rates for Selected Routes

Table 2: Quarterly Rates for Key Origins by Month; 501-1,500 miles ($/Mile)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available.

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 2nd Quarter 2023 ($/Mile)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available.

2nd Quarter, 2023 1st Quarter, 2023

U.S. Origin April May June January February March

California 2.95 3.31 3.68 3.19 3.05 2.98

Florida 2.53 2.89 2.28 2.42 2.51 2.18

Great Lakes 4.20 4.16 4.30 4.27 4.25 4.14

MexicoArizona 2.61 2.91 3.23 2.94 2.97 2.67

MexicoTexas 2.97 2.84 2.92 3.38 2.89 2.91

New York 3.44 3.44 3.44 3.49 3.48 3.44

Other 2.99 2.97 2.96 3.06 2.99 2.99

PNW 2.63 2.40 2.44 3.36 3.07 3.05

Southeast 4.26 3.52 3.71 5.47 5.48 5.37

Texas 2.98 3.02 n/a n/a n/a n/a

U.S. Origin Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

California 2.74 2.60 2.48 2.63 3.21 14.47 2.77 2.64 2.53 3.16

Florida 3.14 2.90 2.78 2.15 n/a 2.09 3.22 2.70 2.55 n/a

Great 

Lakes 4.36 4.38 4.03 5.29 3.68 n/a 3.82 4.70 3.69 n/a

MexicoArizona 2.55 2.46 2.52 2.25 2.94 2.89 2.57 2.70 2.56 n/a

MexicoTexas 3.11 2.81 2.80 2.70 3.68 2.35 2.99 2.86 2.86 n/a

New York 3.85 5.00 14.12 n/a n/a n/a 3.03 17.50 7.61 n/a

Other 3.17 3.26 2.82 2.84 3.18 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

PNW 2.52 2.56 2.55 2.39 2.44 2.49 2.41 2.72 2.55 8.08

Southeast 6.50 4.33 3.85 3.76 2.87 n/a 3.99 4.11 4.18 n/a

Texas 3.18 3.05 2.72 2.78 4.14 n/a 3.03 n/a 2.91 n/a
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices 

The diesel fuel price provides a proxy for trends in U.S. truck rates. Diesel fuel is a significant component 

underlying truck rates.

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy data.

Table 4: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 2nd Quarter 2023 ($/Truck)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available.

Figure 2: U.S. Average On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices

2.43 2.43 2.47

2.89

3.21

3.36

3.66

4.29

5.48 5.16 5.06

4.40

3.94

2.30

2.80

3.30

3.80

4.30

4.80

5.30

Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

2020 2021 2022 2023

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices were down 10% 

from last quarter and were down 

28% from the same quarter last 

year.

U.S. Origin Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

California 6,081 7,005 7,464 5,482 4,638 1,538 7,627 7,444 7,094 3,675

Florida 1,495 2,868 3,868 2,641 n/a 5,250 772 3,060 2,680 n/a

Great 

Lakes 4,657 4,113 5,007 1,841 4,026 n/a 6,188 4,838 5,160 n/a

MexicoArizona 4,592 5,792 6,794 4,042 2,885 1,619 5,858 6,750 6,135 n/a

MexicoTexas 3,573 5,038 6,158 3,862 1,838 3,765 4,569 5,715 5,442 n/a

New York 3,850 1,650 2,400 n/a n/a n/a 4,400 2,625 1,750 n/a

Other 2,584 5,082 4,781 2,138 2,325 n/a n/a 3,450 2,888 n/a

PNW 5,911 6,295 7,001 4,323 4,507 2,563 7,223 6,934 6,432 1,131

Southeast 1,412 2,622 3,771 3,254 2,723 n/a 2,290 3,379 2,873 n/a

Texas 3,371 5,250 5,757 3,786 1,779 n/a 4,429 n/a 5,293 n/a
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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The diesel fuel price provides a proxy for trends in U.S. truck rates. Diesel fuel is a significant expense for fruit 

and vegetable movements.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and Truck Rates

Table 5: Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types)

Sources: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data and Energy Information Administration/

U.S. Department of Energy data.

Note: The rates for 8 long-haul fruit and vegetable truck corridors are included in the national rates, weighted by origin volume.

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy data.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Figure 3: U.S. Average On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

Region 2nd Quarter 2023 Price 

$/Gallon

Change From Last 

Quarter Change From Last Year

East Coast 4 -13% -29%

California 4.86 -10% -26%

New England 4.32 -12% -27%

Central Atlantic 4.29 -12% -27%

Lower Atlantic 3.86 -13% -29%

Gulf Coast 3.66 -11% -29%

Midwest 3.85 -9% -27%

Rocky Mountain 4.08 -11% -25%

West Coast Except California 4.33 -7% -23%

U.S. 3.94 -10% -28%

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

$9.00

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

2020 2021 2022 2023

Truck Rates in $/Mile

Diesel Price in $/Gallon

Diesel Fuel 0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Table 6: Average Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

Sources: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data and Energy Information 

Administration/U.S. Department of Energy data.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Year Quarter Diesel Fuel 

($/gallon)

Truck Rates ($/mile) 

501-1500 miles

% Change From

Last Quarter Last Year

Diesel Truck Diesel Truck

2020 Q2 2.43 2.51 -16% -2% -22% -3%

Q3 2.43 2.56 > -1% 2% -20% 4%

Q4 2.47 2.92 2% 14% -19% 16%

2021 Q1 2.89 2.90 17% -1% > -1% 14%

Q2 3.21 3.70 11% 27% 32% 47%

Q3 3.36 3.21 5% -13% 38% 25%

Q4 3.66 3.48 9% 8% 48% 19%

2022 Q1 4.29 3.25 17% -7% 48% 12%

Q2 5.48 3.65 28% 12% 71% -1%

Q3 5.16 3.23 -6% -12% 54% 1%

Q4 5.06 3.03 -2% -6% 38% -13%

2023 Q1 4.40 2.63 -13% -13% 3% -19%

Q2 3.94 2.82 -10% 7% -28% -23%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Truck availability legend

1=Surplus 2=Slight surplus 3=Adequate 4=Slight shortage 5=Shortage

Quarterly Truck Availability

Table 7: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

California, Central, And 

Western Arizona Commodities 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27

Imperial, Coachella Valleys 

Ca, Central And Western Az, 

Mexico Crossings Through 

Calexico And San Luis

Artichokes, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Fresh Cut Cabbage, Green 

Onions, Green Peas, Radishes, Anise, Bok Choy, Broccoli, 

Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Cilantro, Endive, Escarole, Kale 

Greens, Leeks, Green Leaf Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Red Leaf 

Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Parsley, Spinach

3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

Kern District California Carrots, Grapes 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

Oxnard District California Artichokes, Brussels Sprouts, Fresh Cut Cabbage, Celery, Cilantro, 

Kale Greens, Parsley, Radishes, Spinach 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

Salinas-Watsonville 

California

Anise, Artichokes, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, 

Celery, Chinese Cabbage, Cilantro, Escarole, Leeks, Boston Lettuce, 

Green Leaf Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Red Leaf Lettuce, Romaine 

Lettuce, Parsley, Green Peas, Radishes, Spinach

3 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 4

Santa Maria California

Anise, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, 

Chinese Cabbage, Cilantro, Endive, Escarole, Kale Greens, Boston 

Lettuce, Green Leaf Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Red Leaf Lettuce, 

Romaine Lettuce, Parsley, Green Peas, Radishes, Spinach

3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

South District California Grapefruit, Lemons, Oranges, Tangelos 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Florida Commodities 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27

Central And South Florida

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Plum 

Tomatoes, Watermelons, Other Peppers, Round Green Beans, 

Sweet Corn, Eggplant, Bell Peppers, Radishes, Squash, Cabbage, 

Cantaloupe, Endive, Escarole, Strawberries

3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Florida Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Florida West And South 

Carolina District

Cantaloupe, Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Plum 

Tomatoes, Watermelons 4 4 4 4
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Truck availability legend

1=Surplus 2=Slight surplus 3=Adequate 4=Slight shortage 5=Shortage

Table 7, continued: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

Pacific Northwest (ID, OR, &, 

WA) Commodities 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27

Columbia Basin Washington Potatoes, Dry Onions 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Idaho And Malheur County, 

Oregon Dry Onions 3 2

Upper Valley, Twin FallsBurley District Idaho Potatoes 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Yakima Valley And 

Wenatchee District, 

Washington

Apples, Cherries, Pears, Rhubarb, Asparagus 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3

U.S.-Mexico border Commodities 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27

Imperial, Coachella Valleys 

Ca, Central And Western Az, 

Mexico Crossings Through 

Calexico And San Luis

Artichokes, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Fresh Cut Cabbage, Green 

Onions, Green Peas, Radishes, Anise, Bok Choy, Broccoli, 

Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Cilantro, Endive, Escarole, Kale 

Greens, Leeks, Green Leaf Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Red Leaf 

Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Parsley, Spinach

3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

Nogales, Arizona

Cucumbers, Honeydews, Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Grey 

Squash, Kabocha Squash, Spaghetti Squash, Yellow Squash 

Straightneck, Zucchini Squash, Tomatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Plum 

Tomatoes, Watermelons

3 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 3

South Texas

Asparagus, Broccoli, Carrots, Chayote, Cilantro, Cucumbers, 

Grapefruit, Limes, Mangos, Oranges, Papaya, Anaheim Peppers, 

Bell Peppers, Habanero Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Poblano 

Peppers, Serrano Peppers, Pineapples, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, 

Grape Tomatoes, Plum Tomatoes, Watermelons

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 2 1

Great Lakes (MI & WI) Commodities 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27

Central Wisconsin Potatoes, Dry Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Truck availability legend

1=Surplus 2=Slight surplus 3=Adequate 4=Slight shortage 5=Shortage

Table 7, continued: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

Southeast (GA, SC, & NC) Commodities 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27

Eastern North Carolina Sweet Potatoes 4 4 3

Florida West And South 

Carolina District

Cantaloupe, Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Plum 

Tomatoes, Watermelons 4 4 4 4

South Georgia

Round Green Beans, Cantaloupe, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, 

Eggplant, Greens, Bell Peppers, Other Peppers, Watermelons, 

Cabbage, Squash

3 3 3 3

Vidalia District Georgia Dry Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Texas and Oklahoma Commodities 4/4 4/11 4/18 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27

Lower Rio Grande Valley, 

Texas Dry Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Reported U.S. Shipments

Table 8: Reported U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Shipments (1,000 Tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Figure 4: Reported U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Shipments (1,000 Tons)

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

2020 2021 2022 2023

(1,000 Tons)

2nd quarter 2023 U.S. 

shipments increased 

16% compared to the 

previous quarter, and 

increased 6% compared 

to the same quarter last 

year.

Year 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Annual

2023 9,685 11,265 20,950

2022 9,010 10,636 9,032 8,922 37,600

2021 10,051 11,520 9,498 9,034 40,103

2020 10,081 10,750 9,058 9,007 38,895

2019 9,381 10,246 8,687 8,714 37,028

2018 9,421 10,795 8,789 8,503 37,508

2017 8,072 9,642 8,479 8,267 34,459

2016 8,094 9,761 8,541 8,188 34,583

2015 8,118 9,630 8,324 7,771 33,842

2014 7,733 9,139 8,080 7,725 32,677

2013 7,451 8,972 7,762 7,527 31,712

2012 7,577 9,008 7,774 7,532 31,890

2011 7,007 8,981 7,887 7,988 31,863

2010 7,065 8,881 7,985 7,522 31,454

2009 7,158 8,728 7,990 7,270 31,147

2008 7,059 8,666 7,426 6,904 30,057

2007 6,959 8,585 7,475 7,099 30,118
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Table 9: Reported Top 10 Commodity Shipments (1,000 Tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities

Table 10: Reported Top 10 Regions (1,000 Tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: Due to a lack of rate and availability data, Canada is excluded from the Regional Markets section of this report.

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2023

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 1,234 330 1,553 274% -21%

Potatoes 1,128 1,133 1,127 > -1% < 1%

Apples 674 710 722 -5% -7%

Onions Dry 634 674 716 -6% -12%

Oranges 583 739 443 -21% 32%

Strawberries 477 443 570 8% -16%

Tomatoes 399 605 558 -34% -28%

Lemons 394 355 333 11% 18%

Avocados 379 760 471 -50% -20%

Cucumbers 376 677 602 -45% -38%

Origin 2nd Quarter 2023 Volume % Change from Last Quarter % Change From Same Quarter 

Last Year

Mexico 3842 4% 14%

California 3015 59% 5%

PNW 1255 -16% -5%

Florida 992 52% 6%

Southeast 510 577% -21%

Canada 385 12% -4%

Arizona 276 -61% 8%

Texas 263 123% 20%

Colorado 216 -4% 17%

Great Lakes 164 -16% 42%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 13

Regional Markets

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruit and vegetables from Mexico in second quarter 2023 were 3.84 million 

tons—14 percent higher than second quarter 2022 (year to year). The summed volume of the top five 

commodities shipped from the U.S.-Mexico border increased 16 percent year to year. All of the top five 

commodities saw year-to-year volume increases in the second quarter, including avocados (up 63 percent); 

tomatoes (up 12 percent); cucumbers (up 10 percent); seedless watermelons (up 5 percent); and plum 

tomatoes (up 2 percent). 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from Arizona-Mexico 

border crossings was $2.92 per mile—up 2 percent from first quarter 2023 to second quarter 2023 (quarter 

to quarter), and down 15 percent year to year. Rates for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from 

Texas-Mexico border crossings averaged $2.90 per mile—down 6 percent quarter to quarter and down 17 

percent year to year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $4.33 per gallon—down 7 percent quarter to 

quarter and down 23 percent year to year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged $3.66 

per gallon—down 11 percent quarter to quarter and down 29 percent year to year. Mexico crossings through 

Calexico and San Luis reported adequate truck availability in April and June, and a slight shortage of trucks 

in May. Mexico crossings through Nogales, AZ, reported adequate truck availability in April and May, and a 

slight shortage in June. Mexico crossings through South Texas reported a surplus of trucks in April and a slight 

surplus in May and June. 

Table 11: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Mexico (1,000 tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

U.S.-Mexico Border

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Share of 

MexicoTotal Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 365 10% 163 346 124% 5%

Avocados 324 8% 379 199 -14% 63%

Cucumbers 266 7% 313 242 -15% 10%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 264 7% 256 260 3% 2%

Tomatoes 197 5% 235 175 -16% 12%

Top 5 Total 1,417 37% 1,346 1,223 5% 16%

Mexico Total 3,842 100% 3,677 3,366 4% 14%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

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Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Avocados 315 Strawberries 93 Watermelons, 

Seedless 304 Peppers, Other 8 

Limes 161 Onions Green 56 Grapes 164 Misc Tropical 2 

Mangoes 139 Misc Tropical 48 Cucumbers 137 Onions Dry < 1

Tomatoes 117 Tomatoes, Plum 

Type 34 Tomatoes, Plum Type 129 Onions Green < 1

Cucumbers 102 Asparagus 32 Squash 93 

Mexico through 

TX Total 1,886 Mexico through CA Total 575 Mexico through AZ Total 1,372 Mexico through NM Total 10 

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Table 12: Top 5 Commodities Shipped to U.S. from Mexico by State of Entry (1,000 tons)

$3.68

$2.91

$2.65

$2.52

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

$4.50

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2020 2021 2022 2023

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 5: Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 15

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

$2.90

$3.68

$2.78

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2020 2021 2022 2023

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

$2.92

$2.52

$2.52

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2020 2021 2022 2023

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles

Figure 6: Texas Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

Figure 7: Arizona Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 16

Table 13: Truck Overview from the U.S.-Mexico Border 

(Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

Region/Reporting District April May June 2nd Quarter

Imperial, Coachella Valleys Ca, Central And 

Western Az, Mexico Crossings Through Calexico 

And San Luis

3 3.6 3 3.2

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.25 3.36 3.5 3.37

Mexico Crossings Through South Texas 1 1.8 1.81 1.54

Regional Average Availability 2.42 2.92 2.77 2.70

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Texas 3.87 3.62 3.5 3.66

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Arizona 4.45 4.40 4.15 4.33

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

1

2

3

4

5

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Prior 3-Year Average 2022 2023

Shortage

Slight Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 8: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings from the U.S-Mexico Border
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 17

California

Table 14: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from California (1,000 tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Oranges 534 18% 651 379 -18% 41%

Lemons 389 13% 339 329 15% 18%

Strawberries 367 12% 33 396 1,024% -8%

Tangerines 292 10% 346 71 -16% 314%

Lettuce, Romaine 236 8% 52 273 354% -14%

Top 5 Total 1,818 60% 1,420 1,448 28% 26%

California Total 3,015 100% 1,891 2,871 59% 5%

Volume

In second quarter 2023, USDA reported total shipments of fruit and vegetables from California were 3.02 

million tons—up 5 percent from second quarter 2022. The summed volume of the top five commodities 

shipped from California increased 26 percent year to year. Three of the top five commodities saw year-toyear volume increases, including tangerines (up 314 percent); oranges (up 41 percent); and lemons (up 18 

percent). Shipments of romaine lettuce decreased 14 percent and shipments of strawberries decreased 8 

percent. 

Rates 

In second quarter 2023, truck rates for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles averaged $3.33 per 

mile. This was up 8 percent quarter to quarter and down 30 percent year to year. 

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $4.86 per gallon—down 10 percent quarter to quarter and down 26 percent year 

to year. The South District reported adequate truck availability throughout the quarter. All other districts 

reported adequate truck availability in April and June, and a slight shortage of trucks in May. 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 18

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 9: California Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

Table 15: California Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$14.47

$3.33

$2.69

$2.60 $2.00

$7.00

$12.00

$17.00

$22.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2020 2021 2022 2023

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles

Region/Reporting District April May June 2nd Quarter

Kern District California 3 3.6 3 3.2

Oxnard District California 3 3.6 3 3.2

Salinas-Watsonville California 3 3.6 3.25 3.28

Santa Maria California 3 3.6 3 3.2

South District California 3 3 3 3

Regional Average Availability 3 3.48 3.05 3.18

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 4.99 4.84 4.76 4.86
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 19

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for California

1

2

3

4

5

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Prior 3-Year Average 2022 2023

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 20

PNW

Table 16: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from PNW (1,000 tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Apples 571 46% 575 664 -1% -14%

Potatoes 413 33% 429 440 -4% -6%

Onions Dry 150 12% 363 107 -59% 40%

Pears 69 5% 126 78 -46% -12%

Cherries 49 4% - 31 - 57%

Top 5 Total 1,252 100% 1,493 1,320 -16% -5%

PNW Total 1,255 100% 1,493 1,323 -16% -5%

Volume 

In second quarter 2023, total reported shipments of fruit and vegetables from PNW were 1.26 million tons, 

down 5 percent year to year. The summed volume of the top five commodities shipped from PNW also 

decreased 5 percent year to year. Three of the top five commodities saw year-to-year volume decreases, 

including apples (down 14 percent); pears (down 12 percent); and potatoes (down 6 percent). Shipments of 

cherries increased 57 percent, and shipments of dry onions increased 40 percent. 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.49 per mile – 

down 22 percent quarter to quarter and down 13 percent year to year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $4.33 per gallon—down 7 percent quarter to quarter and down 23 percent year 

to year. The Columbia Basin district reported a slight surplus of trucks in April and May, and adequate truck 

availability in June. The Idaho and Malheur County district reported adequate truck availability in April, and 

did not report in May or June. The Twin Falls-Burley district reported adequate truck availability in April and 

June, and a slight surplus of trucks in May. The Yakima Valley and Wenatchee district reported a surplus of 

trucks in April, a slight surplus in May, and adequate availability in June. 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 21

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 11: PNW Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

Table 17: PNW Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$8.08

$2.49

$2.47

$2.57

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

$11.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2020 2021 2022 2023

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles

Region/Reporting District April May June 2nd Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 2.25 2 3 2.42

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 2.5 - - 2.5

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 2.5 2.33 3 2.61

Yakima Valley And Wenatchee District, 

Washington 1 1.8 2.5 1.77

Regional Average Availability 2.06 2.04 2.83 2.31

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 4.45 4.40 4.15 4.33
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 22

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 12: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for PNW

1

2

3

4

5

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Prior 3-Year Average 2022 2023

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 23

Florida

Table 18: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Florida (1,000 tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Share of 

Florida 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 462 47% 4 413 12,388% 12%

Tomatoes 102 10% 101 100 1% 2%

Corn-Sweet 97 10% 62 82 57% 17%

Potatoes 82 8% 49 75 69% 10%

Watermelons, Seeded 52 5% < 1 36 - 44%

Top 5 Total 795 80% 215 707 270% 12%

Florida Total 992 100% 651 940 52% 6%

Volume

During second quarter 2023, total reported shipments of fruit and vegetables from Florida were 992,000 

tons—up 6 percent from second quarter 2022. The summed volume of the top five commodities shipped 

from Florida increased 12 percent year to year. All of the top five commodities saw year-to-year volume 

increases in the second quarter, including seeded watermelons (up 44 percent); sweet corn (up 17 percent); 

seedless watermelons (up 12 percent); potatoes (up 10 percent); and tomatoes (up 2 percent). 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.67 per mile—up 

13 percent quarter to quarter and down 23 percent year to year. 

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.86 per gallon—down 13 percent quarter to quarter and down 29 percent 

year to year. The Central and South Florida district reported adequate truck availability in April, and a slight 

shortage of trucks in May and June. The Florida district reported adequate availability for April and May, 

and did not report in June. The Florida West and South Carolina district did not report in April and May, and 

reported a slight shortage of trucks in June.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 24

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 13: Florida Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

Table 19: Florida Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$3.27

$2.67

$2.09

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2020 2021 2022 2023

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles

Region/Reporting District April May June 2nd Quarter

Central And South Florida 3.29 3.73 3.67 3.56

Florida 3 3 - 3

Florida West And South Carolina District - - 3.67 3.67

Regional Average Availability 3.15 3.37 3.67 3.39

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 4.05 3.82 3.73 3.86
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 25

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 14: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Florida

1

2

3

4

5

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Prior 3-Year Average 2022 2023

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 26

Table 20: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Southeast (1,000 tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2023

Share of 

Southeast 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 203 40% - 253 - -20%

Onions Dry 70 14% - 79 - -11%

Blueberries 30 6% - 23 - 30%

Corn-Sweet 28 6% - 34 - -16%

Sweet Potatoes 28 6% 53 66 -47% -58%

Top 5 Total 360 71% 53 455 578% -21%

Southeast Total 510 100% 75 648 577% -21%

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruit and vegetables from Southeast in second quarter 2023 were 510,000 tons, 

down 21 percent year to year. The summed volume of the top five commodities shipped from Southeast 

also decreased 21 percent year to year. Volumes for four of the top five commodities decreased year to year, 

including sweet potatoes (down 58 percent); seedless watermelons (down 20 percent); sweet corn (down 16 

percent); and dry onions (down 11 percent). Shipments of blueberries increased 30 percent.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $3.80 per mile—

down 30 percent quarter to quarter and down 23 percent year to year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.86 per gallon—down 13 percent quarter to quarter and down 29 percent year 

to year. The Eastern North Carolina district reported a slight shortage of trucks in April, and did not report 

in May or June. The Florida West and South Carolina district did not report in April and May, and reported 

a slight shortage of trucks in June. The South Georgia district did not report in April and May, and reported 

adequate truck availability in June. The Vidalia district reported adequate truck availability throughout the 

quarter. 

Southeast
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 27

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 15: Southeast Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

Table 21: Southeast Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$3.80

$5.55

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

$10.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2020 2021 2022 2023

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles

Region/Reporting District April May June 2nd Quarter

Eastern North Carolina 3.67 - - 3.67

Florida West And South Carolina District - - 3.67 3.67

South Georgia - - 3 3

Vidalia District Georgia 3 3 3 3

Regional Average Availability 3.33 3 3.22 3.19

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 4.05 3.82 3.73 3.86
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 28

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.

Any gaps in the chart lines are the result of quarters with no reported data for the region.

Figure 16: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Southeast

1

2

3

4

5

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Prior 3-Year Average 2022 2023

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 29

Data Reporting and Publication Window

The publication date of each Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly (AgRTQ) depends on the timing of data 

reporting. Reporting of truck shipments in some regions can be delayed 2-3 months past their respective 

quarter. We publish the AgRTQ one month after that lag in order to capture a more complete picture of truck 

shipments during the quarter. 

Data Sources

This information is compiled from the weekly Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report by USDA, Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division. The website is: 

https://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/fv-home.

Regional Markets

For the regional markets, some States are grouped into producing regions. The Pacific Northwest region 

includes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Great Lakes region includes Michigan, Minnesota, and 

Wisconsin. The Southeast region includes North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Shipment Volumes

Truck shipments for all commodities and origins are not available. Those obtainable are reported, but should 

not be interpreted as representing complete movements of a commodity. Truck shipments from all States are 

collected at shipping points and include both interstate and intrastate movements. They are obtained from 

various sources, including Federal marketing orders, administrative committees, Federal State Inspection 

Service, and shippers. Volume amounts are represented in 10,000 pound units, or 1,000 10-lb packages 

but are converted to 1,000 tons for this report. Mexican border crossings through Arizona and Texas data is 

obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border and Protection (CBP) 

through USDA, AMS, Market News.

Rates

This information is compiled from the weekly Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report. Rates quoted represent 

open (spot) market rates that shippers or receivers pay depending on basis of sale, per load, including truck 

brokers fees for shipments in truck load volume to a single destination. Extra charges for delivery to terminal 

markets, multipickup and multidrop shipments are not included unless otherwise stated. Rates are based on 

the most usual loads in 48-53 foot trailers from the origin shipping area to the destination receiving city. In 

areas where rates are based on package rates, per load rates were derived by multiplying the package rate by 

the number of packages in the most usual load in a 48-53 foot trailer. Slightly cheaper rates will be reported 

during Quarters 2 and 3 as about 50 percent of onion shipments from California are hauled on open flatbed 

trailers. During Quarter 3, less than 20 percent of onions hauled from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon are on 

open flatbeds.

Regional Rates

Rate data for 10 destination markets are used to calculate average origin regional rates.

National Rates

The national rates reflect the average of the regional rates, separated by mileage category and weighted by 

volume between origin and destination.

Additional Information

Terms and References
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2023

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 30

Authors

Alexis Heyman, Coordinator; Analyst

Alexis.Heyman@usda.gov, 847.699.2414

Jesse Gastelle, Analyst 

Jesse.Gastelle@usda.gov, 202.690.1144

Kranti Mulik, Analyst

Kranti.Mulik@usda.gov, 202.756.2577

Patty Willkie, Specialty Crops Program and Market News Division Data 

Patty.Willkie@usda.gov, 202.720.2175 

Please sign up by entering your email address at the following link and 

selecting your preference to receive Transportation Research and Analysis: 

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAMS/subscriber/new?topic_id=USDAAMS_177

For assistance with accessibility issues related to this document, please e-mail SharonC.Williams@usda.gov. 

Related Websites

USDA's Agricultural Transportation Open Data Platform

https://agtransport.usda.gov/

Specialty Crops Program

https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/specialty-crops-program

Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report

https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/filerepo/reports?field_slug_id_value=2375

Specialty Crops Movement Reporting

https://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/fv-report-config-step1?type=movement

Economic Research Service Vegetable and Pulses 

https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/vegetables-pulses/

Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts 

https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/fruit-tree-nuts.aspx

National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crops

https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_Subject/index.php?sector=CROPS

Refrigerated Truck Quarterly Datasets

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agricultural-refrigerated-truck-quarterly-datasets

Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/HS132800.pdf

Preferred Citation

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 

Report. February 2024 Web. <https://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.02-2024> 

Photo Credit

Burt Barnes

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