Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

Contents

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

National Summary....................... 3

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.............. 10

Reported Shipments by Selected 

Commodities................................. 11

Regional Markets......................... 12

California....................................... 12

U.S.-Mexico border....................... 15

Pacific Northwest.......................... 19

Southeast...................................... 22

Great Lakes ................................... 25

Terms and References ................. 28

Contact Information .................... 29

Quarter 3, July-September, 2019

Published March 04, 2020

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

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

Quarter 3, 2019

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Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

During the third quarter of 2019, reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce were 8.29 million tons, 19 

percent lower than the previous quarter and 6 percent lower than the same quarter last year. 

Also, in the third quarter, shipments from California were higher than those from any other origin, 

totaling 3.01 million tons and accounting for 36 percent of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and 

vegetables. Movements from Mexico totaled 1.74 million tons, representing 21 percent of the reported total. 

Shipments from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.55 million tons, representing 19 percent of the reported 

shipments. 

These top five commodities accounted for 43 percent of the reported truck movements during the third 

quarter of 2019: 

► Potatoes (13 percent)

► Watermelon, seedless (11 percent)

► Apples (7 percent) 

► Onions, dry (7 percent) 

► Grapes (5 percent) 

Truck Rates 

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

categories—0-500; 501-1,500; 1,501-2,500; and 2,500+ miles. Please note the U.S. average truck rates 

provided below were calculated using weighted regional rates and volumes.

Diesel Fuel 

During the third quarter 2019, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $3.02 per gallon—3 percent lower than the 

previous quarter and 7 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Quarterly Overview

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

Q3 2018 5.14 2.74 2.72 1.62

Q4 2018 3.35 2.84 2.67 1.54

Q1 2019 2.90 2.59 2.46 1.30

Q2 2019 2.87 2.60 2.13 1.24

Q3 2019 4.95 2.45 2.30 1.30

Q3 Change from 

Previous Quarter 72% -6% 8% 5%

Q3 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year -4% -11% -15% -20%

Average U.S. Truck Rates for Selected Routes between 501 and 1500 miles ($/Mile)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data.
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4.95

2.45

2.3

1.3

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Mile 

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

National Summary

Truck Rates

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

Table 1: Average U.S. Truck Rates for Selected Routes between 501 and 1500 miles ($/Mile)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program 

Market News data.

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

2019 2.59 2.60 2.45 2.54

2018 2.82 2.99 2.74 2.84 2.85

2017 1.86 2.41 2.33 2.56 2.29

2016 2.22 2.37 2.49 2.06 2.28

2015 2.47 2.63 2.59 2.36 2.51

2014 2.32 2.67 2.64 2.49 2.53

2013 2.24 2.60 2.62 2.31 2.44

2012 2.10 2.54 2.45 2.29 2.35

2011 2.02 2.60 2.77 2.26 2.41

2010 1.82 2.21 2.33 1.94 2.08

2009 1.85 1.99 2.02 1.86 1.93

2008 2.02 2.56 2.77 2.24 2.40

2007 1.89 2.23 2.25 2.03 2.10

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

Quarter 3, 2019

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Truck Rates for Selected Routes

Table 2: Quarterly Rates for Key Origins by Month; 501-1500 miles ($/Mile)

Origin 3rd Quarter, 2019 2nd Quarter, 2019

July August September April May June

Arizona 3.05 n/a n/a 3.33 n/a 3.12

Arizona-Mexico 2.52 n/a n/a 2.60 2.68 2.83

California 2.97 2.95 2.81 2.59 2.62 2.83

Florida 2.79 n/a n/a 2.33 2.66 2.77

Great Lakes 3.40 3.48 3.60 3.48 3.51 3.44

New York 2.76 n/a 2.05 2.76 2.76 2.76

Other 2.44 2.37 2.28 2.85 2.40 2.38

PNW 1.90 1.87 1.98 2.01 1.94 1.88

Southeast 4.02 4.83 5.55 3.99 3.94 3.83

Texas 2.18 2.20 2.18 2.48 2.37 2.37

Texas-Mexico 2.05 2.07 2.00 2.34 2.26 2.22

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

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

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

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 3rd Quarter 2019 ($/Mile)

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

U.S. Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 2.62 2.62 2.58 2.42 3.05 n/a 2.70 2.62 2.58 n/a

ArizonaMexico 2.59 n/a n/a 2.28 2.79 2.25 2.44 2.55 2.52 n/a

California 2.44 2.38 2.37 2.25 2.61 4.75 2.39 2.39 2.39 3.02

Florida 2.50 3.15 2.81 1.98 n/a n/a n/a 2.99 3.03 n/a

Great 

Lakes 3.21 4.02 3.29 4.36 2.56 n/a 2.88 3.97 3.76 n/a

New York 2.31 4.81 9.87 3.27 n/a n/a 2.30 10.76 6.71 n/a

Other 2.93 2.45 2.19 2.47 4.15 2.01 2.19 2.50 2.40 n/a

PNW 2.31 2.29 2.26 2.44 2.15 1.92 2.21 2.38 2.30 7.86

Southeast 6.22 7.53 4.79 3.31 3.18 1.51 5.25 6.03 6.38 n/a

Texas 2.27 2.23 2.24 2.11 3.19 1.57 2.18 2.40 2.27 2.08

TexasMexico 2.08 2.15 2.17 2.00 2.69 1.49 2.07 2.27 2.15 2.00
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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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, 3rd Quarter 2019 ($/Truck)

U.S. Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 5,510 6,810 7,470 4,910 3,960 n/a 7,020 7,070 6,840 n/a

ArizonaMexico 4,663 n/a n/a 4,113 2,738 1,263 5,550 6,363 6,050 n/a

California 5,483 6,542 7,263 4,779 3,929 1,054 6,817 6,823 6,706 3,296

Florida 1,100 2,800 3,600 2,300 n/a n/a n/a 3,200 3,000 n/a

Great 

Lakes 2,774 3,042 3,616 1,026 2,892 n/a 4,669 3,385 3,055 n/a

New York 2,307 1,586 1,679 2,750 n/a n/a 3,336 1,614 1,543 n/a

Other 2,636 4,388 4,720 2,234 2,078 1,869 4,498 4,511 4,432 n/a

PNW 5,359 5,630 6,193 4,349 3,941 1,948 6,189 6,037 5,754 1,100

Southeast 2,157 2,859 3,846 2,811 3,508 3,550 3,789 3,507 3,080 n/a

Texas 2,405 3,835 4,755 2,870 1,370 2,390 3,190 4,565 4,140 4,830

TexasMexico 2,392 3,850 4,781 2,854 1,346 2,388 3,162 4,546 4,077 4,808

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.55

2.63 2.87

3.02

3.20 3.24

3.26

3.02

3.12

3.02

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are down 3% 

from last quarter and are down 

7% from the same quarter last 

year.

Figure 2: U.S. Average On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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0

1

2

3

4

5

6

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Mile

$/Gallon

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

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

Region 3rd Quarter 2019 Price 

$/Gallon

Change From Last 

Quarter

Change From Same 

Quarter Last Year

East Coast 3.04 -3% -6%

California 3.93 -3% -1%

New England 3.08 -4% -6%

Central Atlantic 3.22 -4% -5%

Lower Atlantic 2.91 -3% -6%

Gulf Coast 2.78 -3% -8%

Midwest 2.93 -3% -8%

Rocky Mountain 2.97 -5% -12%

West Coast Except California 3.18 -3% -8%

U.S. 3.02 -3% -7%

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.

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

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

Quarter 3, 2019

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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.

Year Quarter Diesel Fuel 

($/gallon)

Truck Rates 

($/mile) 

501-1500 

miles

% Change From

Last Quarter Last Year

Diesel Truck Diesel Truck

2016 Q3 2.38 2.49 4% 5% -9% -4%

Q4 2.47 2.06 4% -17% 1% -13%

2017 Q1 2.57 1.86 4% -9% 24% -16%

Q2 2.55 2.41 -1% 29% 11% 2%

Q3 2.63 2.33 3% -4% 10% -7%

Q4 2.87 2.56 9% 10% 16% 25%

2018 Q1 3.02 2.82 5% 10% 18% 51%

Q2 3.20 2.99 6% 6% 25% 24%

Q3 3.24 2.74 1% -8% 23% 18%

Q4 3.26 2.84 1% 4% 14% 11%

2019 Q1 3.02 2.59 -8% -9% 0% -8%

Q2 3.12 2.60 4% 0% -2% -13%

Q3 3.02 2.45 -3% -6% -7% -11%
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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

California, Central, And Western 

Arizona Commodity 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella 

Valleys, California And Central And 

Western Arizona

Watermelons, Cantaloups, Honeydews, Bell Peppers, Corn, 

Miscellaneous, Melons 3 3 3 3 3

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

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, 

Arizona Mangos, Grapes, Melons 3 3 3 3

Northern California Including San 

Joaquin Valley Pears 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Oxnard District California Celery, Strawberries, Cilantro, Kale, Parsley 3

Salinas-Watsonville California Broccoli, Strawberries, Cauliflower, Iceberg Lettuce, 

Romaine, Leaf Lettuce 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

San Joaquin Valley California Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Grapes, Watermelons, 

Honeydews, Cantaloups, Bell Peppers, Corn, Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Santa Maria California Broccoli, Strawberries, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Romaine, Leaf 

Lettuce, Celery 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

South District California Citrus, Avocados 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

Florida Commodity 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24

North, Central & South Florida Tomatoes, Melons 3

Great Lakes (MI & WI) Commodity 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24

Central Wisconsin Potatoes, Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Michigan Cucumbers, Apples, Cux 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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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

Pacific Northwest (ID, OR, &, WA) Commodity 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24

Columbia Basin Washington Potatoes, Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon Onions 3 3 3

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley 

District Idaho Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington Apples, Pears, Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Southeast (GA, SC, & NC) Commodity 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24

Eastern North Carolina Sweet Potatoes 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

North Carolina Melons 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3

South Carolina Melons, Tomatoes 4 3 3 3 3

South Georgia Melons, Peaches, Eggplant, Squash 3 3 3

Vidalia District Georgia Onions 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Texas and Oklahoma Commodity 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24

Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas Onions, Cabbage, Oranges, Grapefruit 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

U.S.-Mexico border Commodity 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24

 Nogales, Arizona Mangos, Grapes, Melons 3 3 3 3

 Texas Limes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Mixed Fruit and Vegetables 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3

Southern New Mexico Onions 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

(1,000 Tons)

3rd quarter 2019 U.S. shipments decreased 19% 

compared to the previous quarter, and decreased 

6% compared to the same quarter last year.

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)

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

2019 9,370 10,240 8,291 27,900

2018 9,419 10,795 8,789 8,474 37,478

2017 8,072 9,642 8,479 8,241 34,433

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 6,546 30,731

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

2006 6,335 8,400 7,854 6,960 29,550

2005 6,877 8,324 7,737 7,387 30,325

2004 6,867 8,331 6,876 6,732 28,807

2003 6,824 8,013 7,043 6,684 28,564

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

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

Quarter 3, 2019

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Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2019

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Potatoes 1,062 1,078 1,105 -1% -4%

Watermelons, 

Seedless 907 1,272 1,026 -29% -12%

Apples 621 685 608 -9% 2%

Onions Dry 564 654 574 -14% -2%

Grapes 386 223 371 73% 4%

Lettuce, Iceberg 324 351 321 -8% 1%

Cantaloups 296 180 358 65% -17%

Strawberries 288 381 311 -24% -7%

Tomatoes 273 329 292 -17% -7%

Avocados 265 190 235 40% 13%

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

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

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

Origin 3rd Quarter 2019 Volume % Change from Last Quarter % Change From Same Quarter 

Last Year

California 3012 -1% -16%

Mexico 1743 -35% 18%

PNW 1551 3% -3%

Other 433 63% -13%

Southeast 379 -50% -10%

Great Lakes 336 213% -5%

Texas 210 -42% 10%

Indiana 187 n/a -24%

Colorado 159 -15% 24%

Midatlantic 106 773% 2%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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Regional Markets

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the third quarter of 2019 were 3.01 

million tons, a 16-percent decrease from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

decreased 6 percent from the same quarter last year. Except for a slight increase in reported grape 

shipments, each of the remaining top five commodities decreased from last year. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.92 per mile, 9 

percent higher than the previous quarter, but 8 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.93 per gallon, 3 percent lower than the previous quarter and 1 percent lower 

than the same period last year. On average, shippers reported adequate truck availability in all California 

districts throughout the quarter. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

California

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Grapes 369 12% 24 368 1,418% 0%

Lettuce, Iceberg 307 10% 302 318 2% -3%

Strawberries 288 10% 362 311 -20% -7%

Cantaloups 263 9% 38 316 594% -17%

Lettuce, Romaine 239 8% 233 241 2% -1%

Top 5 Total 1,467 49% 959 1,554 53% -6%

California Total 3,012 100% 3,028 3,589 -1% -16%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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

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

Figure 5: California Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

$4.75

$2.92

$2.38

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Table 12: California Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Region/Reporting District Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage

July August September 3rd Quarter

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona 3 - - 3

Kern District California 3 3 3 3

Oxnard District California 3 - - 3

Salinas-Watsonville California 3 3 3 3

San Joaquin Valley California 3 3 3 3

Santa Maria California 3 3 3 3

South District California 3 3 3 3

Regional Average Availability 3 3 3 3

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.95 3.91 3.92 3.93
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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

Figure 6: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for California

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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Volume

During the third quarter of 2019, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico were 

1.74 million tons, 18 percent more than the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

increased 15 percent from last year. Each of the top five commodities increased, with notable increases of 

avocados (20 percent), mangoes (23 percent), and plum type tomatoes (32 percent). 

Rates

Truck rates for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border crossings averaged 

$2.52 per mile, down 6 percent from last quarter and 8 percent lower than the same quarter last year. Rates 

for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.04 per mile, 

down 11 percent from the previous quarter and down 10 percent from the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.18 per gallon, 3 percent lower than the 

previous quarter and 8 percent lower than the same period last year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings 

from Texas averaged $2.78 per gallon, 3 percent lower than the previous quarter and 8 percent lower than 

the same quarter last year. Shippers reported truck availability through the Arizona border-crossing adequate 

in July; data was not available for August and September. At Texas border-crossing locations, truck availability 

ranged from “surplus” conditions in July and August to “adequate” in September. 

Table 13: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Mexico (1,000 tons)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

U.S.-Mexico border

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Avocados 211 12% 128 176 64% 20%

Limes 166 10% 116 161 43% 3%

Mangoes 147 8% 129 119 13% 23%

Peppers, Other 141 8% 126 136 12% 4%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 139 8% 207 106 -33% 32%

Top 5 Total 803 46% 706 698 14% 15%

Mexico Total 1,743 100% 2,675 1,483 -35% 18%
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Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity

3rd 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

3rd 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

3rd 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

3rd 

Quarter 

2019

Avocados 206 Cucumbers 39 Mangoes 64 Peppers, Other 71

Limes 147 Misc Tropical 37 Tomatoes 21 Onions Dry 15

Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 91 Tomatoes, Plum Type 34 Grapes 16 Misc Tropical 1

Mangoes 82 Onions Green 32 Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 14

Tomatoes 80 Peppers, Other 27 Cucumbers 12

Mexico through 

TX Total 1150 Mexico through CA Total 316 Mexico through AR Total 190 Mexico through NM Total 87

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

Table 14: Top 5 Commodities Shipped to U.S. from Mexico by State of Entry (1,000 tons)

$2.69

$2.28

$2.26

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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.

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

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

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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

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

$2.69

$2.04

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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.

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

$2.52

$2.48

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Figure 8: Texas Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

Figure 9: Arizona Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

Table 15: Truck Overview from the U.S.-Mexico Border

Region/Reporting District Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage

July August September 3rd Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3 - - 3

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 1.4 1 3 1.8

Regional Average Availability 2.2 1 3 2.07

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Texas 2.80 2.76 2.79 2.78

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Arizona 3.20 3.16 3.18 3.18

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate

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

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

Figure 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings from the U.S-Mexico Border
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

Volume 

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) during the third 

quarter of 2019 were 1.55 million tons, a decrease of 3 percent from the same quarter last year. Changes in 

volume varied among the top five commodities. Shipments of apples and pears increased, while dry onions, 

potatoes, and cherries decreased.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $1.92 per mile, 2 

percent lower than the previous quarter and 6 percent lower than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.18 per gallon, 3 percent lower than the previous quarter and 8 percent lower 

than the same period last year. Shippers reported adequate truck availability throughout the majority of the 

quarter. The Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District in Idaho reported a slight shortage in September. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Pacific Northwest

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 558 36% 617 545 -10% 2%

Potatoes 547 35% 517 572 6% -4%

Onions Dry 242 16% 203 259 19% -7%

Cherries 107 7% 81 128 31% -17%

Pears 52 3% 84 48 -39% 7%

Top 5 Total 1,505 97% 1,503 1,552 0% -3%

PNW Total 1,551 100% 1,513 1,592 3% -3%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

$7.86

$1.92

$2.29

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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.

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 Traveled)

Region/Reporting District Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage

July August September 3rd Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 3 3 3 3

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon - - 3 3

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 3 3 3.75 3.25

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3 3 3 3

Regional Average Availability 3 3 3.19 3.06

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.20 3.16 3.18 3.18

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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

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 the PNW

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

Volume 

During the third quarter of 2019, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Southeast 

were 379,000 tons, down 10 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

decreased 8 percent from the same quarter last year. Apart from a slight increase in reported seedless 

watermelon shipments, each of the remaining top five commodities decreased from last year. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $4.59 per mile, 18 

percent higher than the previous quarter, but 14 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.91 per gallon, 3 percent lower than the previous quarter and 6 percent 

lower than the same period last year. Shippers in North and South Carolina reported slight shortage truck 

availability in July, but conditions improved to adequate through the end of the quarter. Shippers in the 

Vidalia District of Georgia reported slight surplus conditions in July and August; data was not available for 

September. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Southeast

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Southeast 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 218 57% 233 215 -6% 1%

Sweet Potatoes 42 11% 66 59 -37% -30%

Onions Dry 38 10% 77 44 -50% -13%

Peaches 20 5% 22 25 -5% -19%

Peppers, Bell Type 8 2% 35 10 -76% -15%

Top 5 Total 326 86% 431 353 -24% -8%

Southeast Total 379 100% 752 421 -50% -10%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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

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

Figure 13: Southeast Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

$7.33

$4.59

$1.51

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Region/Reporting District Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage

July August September 3rd Quarter

Eastern North Carolina 3.6 3 3 3.2

North Carolina 3.35 3 3.33 3.23

South Carolina 3.2 - - 3.2

South Georgia 3 - - 3

Vidalia District Georgia 2 2 - 2

Regional Average Availability 3.03 2.67 3.17 2.95

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.94 2.90 2.91 2.91
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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

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 the Southeast

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

Volume 

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Great Lakes region during the third quarter 

of 2019 were 336,000 tons, down 5 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five 

commodities decreased 4 percent from the same quarter last year. Three of the top five commodities 

including cucumbers (up 1 percent), bell peppers (up 22 percent), and cabbage (up 42 percent) increased 

compared with the previous year. However, shipments of potatoes (down 14 percent) and seedless 

watermelons (down 2 percent) decreased. 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $3.51 per mile, 1 

percent higher than the previous quarter, but 5 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.93 per gallon, 3 percent lower than the previous quarter and 8 percent lower 

than the same period last year. Shippers in the Great Lakes region reported adequate truck availability 

throughout the quarter. 

Table 20: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from the Great Lakes (1,000 tons)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Great Lakes

Commodity

3rd 

Quarter 

2019

Share 

of Great 

Lakes Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last 

Year

Potatoes 124 37% 79 143 57% -14%

Watermelons, 

Seedless 45 13% 0 46 - -2%

Cucumbers 40 12% 0 39 - 1%

Peppers, Bell Type 23 7% 0 19 - 22%

Cabbage 17 5% 1 12 1,344% 42%

Top 5 Total 248 74% 80 259 209% -4%

Great Lakes Total 336 100% 108 356 213% -5%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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

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

Figure 15: Great Lakes Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Region/Reporting District July August September 3rd Quarter

Central Wisconsin 3 3 3 3

Michigan 3 3 3 3

Regional Average Availability 3 3 3 3

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3 3 3 3

$4.36

$3.51

$2.88

$0.00

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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

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 the Great Lakes 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

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.

Terms and References
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 3, 2019

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

Authors

April Taylor, Coordinator; Quarterly Overview and U.S. Diesel Prices

April.Taylor@usda.gov, 202.295.7374 

Brian McGregor, Regulatory News/Updates 

Brian.McGregor@usda.gov, 202.720.0035 

Jesse Gastelle, Data Analysis 

Jesse.Gastelle@usda.gov, 202.690.1144 

Patty Willkie, Specialty Crops Program and Market News Division Data 

Patty.Willkie@usda.gov, 202.720.2175 

To subscribe, please send an e-mail to April.Taylor@usda.gov. Printed copies are available upon request. 

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

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

Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report

http://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/fruits-vegetables 

Economic Research Service Vegetable and Pulses 

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

Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts 

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

National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crops

http://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-quarterlydatasets

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. March 2020 Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.03-2020>

Photo Credit

Burt Barnes

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