Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

Contents: 

Regulatory News 

and Updates

Feature Article

National Summary

• Truck Rates

• Truck Availability

Regional Markets

• Shipments

• U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices

• California

Quarterly Overview

Contact Information

Terms and References

• Mexico

• Southeast

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

www.ams.usda.gov/RTQ

3rd Quarter, 2017

July—September

• Great Lakes

• Pacific Northwest

Feature Article

Reported Peach Shipments Reach New Low

Reported refrigerated truck shipments of U.S. peaches, during the 3rd quarter of 2017, fell to their lowest levels in 18 years.1

Poor growing conditions 

led to lower than expected production, and a 25 percent reduction in shipment volume below the 3rd quarters of 2015 and 2016.

Several factors led to one of the lowest shipment volumes of peaches, 

on record, during the 3rd quarter of 2017. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) October 2017 Crop Production report 

shows U.S. peach production down for the eighth consecutive year, at 

735.2 tons, making it the smallest on record since 1980. Low chill 

hours,2 an early bloom, and a late-spring freeze in South Carolina and 

Georgia, the top two peach producing States after California, contrib1

The dataset for USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s truck movements of fruits and 

vegetables begins in 2000. Truck movements for all commodities and origins are not 

available. Those obtainable are reported, but should not be interpreted as representing complete movements of a commodity. https://www.ams.usda.gov/marketnews/fruits-vegetables

2Most deciduous fruit trees require a certain number of “chill hours”–the number of 

hours spent between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit–during the winter to produce an 

optimal harvest. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 

the 2016-2017 winter was the sixth warmest on record for the U.S., resulting in a 

lower than average number of chill hours.
Page 2 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

uted to a 75 to 80 percent reduction in total annual production from the previous year. As a result, refrigerated truck shipments of peaches from these two States also dropped 73 to 75 percent during the 3rd quarter from the previous year.

Nationwide, annual truck shipments of peaches peak during the 3rd quarter, as the fruit reaches 

maturity. However, depending on the growing region, peaches can be harvested and transported 

as early as May. Roughly 30 percent of California shipments and over 50 percent of Georgia and 

South Carolina shipments occur during the 2nd quarter. Typically, shipments during the 2nd quarter 

represent about 29 percent of movements. Shipments during the 3rd quarter represent about 67 

percent of all peach movements during the year, with the remainder shipped during the 4th quarter.

While commercial peach production occurs in 28 States, roughly 84 percent of U.S. production is 

concentrated in California, South Carolina, and Georgia. Over the past five years, California was 

responsible for 72 percent of U.S. peach production, followed by South Carolina at 8 percent and 

Georgia at 4 percent. 

The 2017 weather-related drop was amplified by the overall long-term trend in declining peach 

production acreage. Despite remaining the third largest producer of peaches in the world since 

2001, behind China and the European Union, the U.S. share of total world production fell from 11 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 3

percent in 2001 to 4 percent in 2017.3 NASS data show U.S. peach production fell from 1.2 million 

tons in 2001 to 0.8 million tons in 2016, due to declining acreage. During this period, world peach 

and nectarine production increased 78 percent to 23.3 million tons, driven primarily by increased 

Chinese production.4Partially offsetting declining domestic production, the U.S. imported 63.8 thousand tons of processed peaches from China in 2016, up from 0 tons in 2001.5

Conclusion

If production continues to decline, peaches will represent a declining share of refrigerated truck cargo, with impacts varying by state. Shipments of peaches represented only 2 percent of all reported 

refrigerated truck movements for both Georgia and California in 2016; an indicator that truck operators in these States have more diversified cargo opportunities and a smaller reliance on peaches. In

contrast, the impacts of declining peach production will be in South Carolina where peach shipments represented 29 percent of reported refrigerated truck movements for 2016. Yet, the impacts 

of unforeseen weather events can amplify this trend as they did during 2017, impacting the industry 

to an even greater extent. 

Adam.sparger@ams.usda.gov

3USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Production, Supply, and Distribution – Fruits and Vegetables Online

4

Ibid.

5USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Agricultural Trade System Online
Page 4 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Quarterly Overview

Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

Reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce during the third quarter of 2017 were 8.33 million tons, 12 percent lower 

than the previous quarter, and 1 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Shipments from California were the highest in the third quarter, totaling 2.94 million tons and accounting for 35 percent 

of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables. Shipments from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.6 million

tons, representing 19 percent of the reported shipments. Movements from Mexico totaled 1.51 million tons,

representing 18 percent of the reported total.

The following top five commodities accounted for 44 percent of the reported truck movements during the third quarter

of 2017: 

► Potatoes (14 percent)

► Watermelons, seedless (11 percent)

► Apples (7 percent) 

► Onions, dry (7 percent) 

► Grapes (4 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 are calculated 

using weighted regional rates and volumes.

U.S. Average Fruit and Vegetable Truck Rates per Mile

0-500 miles 501-1,500 

miles

1,501-2,500

miles

2,500 miles +

Q3 2016 4.71 2.47 2.05 1.21

Q4 2016 3.36 2.04 2.03 1.08

Q1 2017 2.81 1.86 2.05 1.05

Q2 2017 4.10 2.40 2.12 1.04

Q3 2017 5.06 2.52 2.25 1.26

Q3 Change from 

Previous Quarter

23% 5% 6% 22%

Q3 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year

8% 1% 10% 4%

Diesel Fuel 

During the third quarter 2017, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $2.63 per gallon—3 percent higher than the previous

quarter and 10.4 percent higher than the same quarter last year.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 5

Regulatory News and Updates

FMCSA Requests Comments on Independent Driver Petition for ELD Exemption

On January 2, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc. (OOIDA’s) petition for an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) 

requirements for motor carriers considered to be small transportation trucking businesses. This exemption 

would allow small trucking businesses, that do not have a carrier safety rating of ``unsatisfactory'' and can document a proven history of safety performance with no attributable at-fault crashes, to complete paper records 

of duty status (RODS) instead of using an ELD device. OOIDA believes the exemption would not have any adverse impacts on operational safety, as motor carriers and drivers would remain subject to the hours of service 

regulations, as well as the requirements to maintain paper RODS. FMCSA requested public comment on OOIDA's application for exemption on or before February 1, 2018.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Agricultural Retailers Petition for ELD Exemption

On December 28, 2017, FMCSA announced the Agricultural Retailers Association’s (ARA) petition for an exemption from the requirement that ARA members use an ELD to record their drivers’ hours of service. ARA said the 

ELD requirement imposes undue economic, and other burdens, on its member retailers and distributors of 

farm-related products and services. It asserts ELDs fail to properly record the complex hours of service data, 

are not properly certified by the FMCSA, and do not provide appropriate cyber-security safeguards. ARA also 

asserts ELDs will not function properly in many locations in rural America because of poor internet and cellular 

connectivity. ARA said the operations of its members, under exemption from the ELD requirements, will 

achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent the proposed 

exemption. FMCSA requested public comment on ARA’s application for exemption on or before January 29, 

2018. 

FMCSA Clarifies Agricultural Commodity Exception to Drivers’ Hours of Service Regulations

On December 20, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published proposed regulatory guidance to clarify that the 150 air-mile radius agricultural commodity exception to the drivers’ hours of 

service regulations applies to: (1) drivers while driving unloaded to a source where an agricultural commodity 

will be loaded; (2) an unloaded return trip after delivering an agricultural commodity; and (3) the initial 150 airmiles from the source of the agricultural commodity, on the outbound and return trips to the source of the 

agricultural commodity, when operating beyond the initial 150 air-mile radius. FMCSA requested public comments on the proposed regulatory guidance on or before February 20, 2018. The statutory definition of agricultural commodity (49 U.S.C. § 31136 note) is as follows: 

‘‘(7) AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY.—The term ‘agricultural commodity means any agricultural commodity, non

-processed food, feed, fiber, or livestock (including livestock as defined in section 602 of the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 (7 U.S.C. 1471) and insects).” 

FMCSA Provides 90-day Temporary Waiver from ELD Requirement for Agricultural Commodities

On December 20, 2017, FMCSA published a limited 90-day waiver from the drivers’ hours of service regulations 

pertaining to ELDs for the transportation of agricultural commodities. FMCSA “has determined that the waiver 

is in the public interest and would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level 

that would be achieved absent such exemption, based on the terms and conditions imposed. The waiver will 
Page 6 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

also, through notice and comment, provide FMCSA with time to consider certain exemption applications 

from segments of the agricultural industry concerning the use of ELDs to document drivers' hours of service 

and clarify applicability of the requirements and the need for certain carriers to begin using ELDs by the 

December 18, 2017 deadline.” This waiver expires on March 18, 2018. 

FMCSA Proposes to Revise Regulatory Guidance Concerning ‘‘Personal Conveyance’’

On December 19, 2017, FMCSA published a proposal to revise the regulatory guidance concerning driving a 

commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal use while off-duty, referred to as ‘‘personal conveyance.’’ 

This provision is available to all CMV drivers required to record their hours of service who are permitted by 

their employer to use the vehicle for personal use. The revision would allow CMVs with loads to be used for 

personal conveyance. Comments on the guidance and its economic impact are due by February 20, 2018. 

FMCSA Plans Congressionally Mandated Driver Commuting Practices Survey

On November 27, 2017, FMCSA announced it is seeking approval from the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB), and public comments by January 26, 2018, on the proposal to survey driver commuting 

practices. The survey will fulfill Section 5515 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, 2015 (FAST 

Act), which requires FMCSA to conduct a study on the safety effects of motor carrier operator commutes 

exceeding 150 minutes. FMCSA is required to submit a report to Congress containing the findings of the 

study. The survey will gather information on the prevalence of excessive (greater than 150 minutes) driver 

commuting in the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry, including: (1) the number and percentage of 

drivers who commute; (2) the distances traveled, time zones crossed, time spent commuting, and methods 

of transportation used; (3) research on the impact of excessive commuting on safety and CMV driver fatigue; and (4) the commuting practices of CMV drivers and policies of motor carriers. 

 

FMCSA Announces Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program Details

On October 27, 2017, FMCSA announced it submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR) on the flexible sleeper berth pilot program to OMB for review and approval, and for public comment by November 27, 

2017. FMCSA first proposed the pilot program on June 6, 2017, and proposed the information collection on 

June 27, 2017. The goal of the pilot program is to allow temporary regulatory relief from the FMCSA’s 

sleeper berth regulation for a limited number of commercial drivers who have a valid commercial driver's 

license (CDL), and who regularly use a sleeper berth to accumulate their required 10 hours of non-duty 

work status. During the pilot program, participating drivers would have the option to split their sleeper 

berth time within parameters specified by FMCSA. Driver metrics would be collected for the duration of the 

study, and participants' safety performance and fatigue levels would be analyzed. The pilot program seeks 

to produce statistically reliable evidence on the question as to whether split sleeper berth time affects driver safety performance and fatigue levels. 

U.S. Department of Transportation Continues Regulatory Review

On October 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced it is reviewing its existing 

regulations and other agency actions to evaluate their continued necessity, determine whether they are 

crafted effectively to solve current problems, and evaluate whether they potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources. As part of these reviews, USDOT invited the public 

to provide input through December 1, 2017, on existing rules and other agency actions that are good candidates for repeal, replacement, suspension, or modification. USDOT may also hold a public meeting to discuss and consider comments from members of the public.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 7

U.S. Truck Rates

National Summary

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

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

5.06

2.52

2.25

1.26

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

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

2015 2016 2017

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

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr *Annual

2017 1.86 2.40 2.52

2016 2.22 2.34 2.47 2.04 2.26

2015 2.47 2.62 2.43 2.36 2.47

2014 2.31 2.66 2.65 2.50 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

2006 1.92 2.10 2.21 2.02 2.06

*Annual: Weighted average rate for all 4 quarters.

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

Table 1: Average U.S. Truck Rates for Selected Routes between 

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

Origin July August September April May June

California 3.02 2.78 2.71 2.59 2.83 3.17

Florida - - - 2.32 2.47 2.45

Great Lakes 3.75 3.64 3.55 3.02 3.41 3.41

Mexico-Arizona 2.44 2.37 2.57 2.16 2.32 2.48

Mexico-Texas 2.10 1.94 1.99 2.21 2.23 2.18

Texas 2.71 2.46 2.53 - - -

PNW 1.66 1.71 1.89 1.93 1.75 1.63

Southeast 3.97 4.86 6.26 3.62 3.19 3.23

3rd Qtr 2017 2nd Qtr 2017

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division 

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. 
Page 8 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 3rd Quarter 2017 ($/Mile)

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

California 2.45 2.42 2.30 2.39 2.69 3.94 2.44 2.40 2.38 2.95

Great Lake 3.32 3.24 4.01 4.40 2.93 . 2.84 4.60 3.63 .

Mexico-Arizona . . . 2.39 2.93 1.98 2.59 2.58 2.50 .

Mexico-Texas 2.16 2.12 2.14 1.85 2.33 1.65 2.30 2.18 2.12 2.04

New York 2.15 4.02 7.65 1.79 . . 2.07 7.56 4.02 .

Other 2.66 4.30 2.39 2.09 3.30 1.77 2.37 3.84 5.90 .

PNW 2.08 2.12 2.16 2.09 2.10 1.76 2.04 2.27 2.22 7.02

Southeast 7.71 8.08 5.25 3.85 3.03 1.58 5.05 6.71 7.05 .

Texas 2.92 2.70 2.62 2.63 3.88 1.88 2.55 2.75 2.69 2.33

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

Destination Origin

Table 4: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 3rd Quarter 2017 ($/Truck)

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

California 5,502 6,660 7,031 5,031 4,030 875 6,876 6,839 6,630 3,128

Great Lake 2,963 3,327 3,876 1,185 3,282 . 4,858 4,117 3,146 .

Mexico-Arizona . . . 4,296 2,869 1,108 5,892 6,454 5,992 .

Mexico-Texas 2,481 3,788 4,712 2,638 1,163 2,635 3,515 4,365 4,019 4,885

New York 2,150 1,325 1,300 1,500 . . 3,000 1,133 925 .

Other 2,334 3,319 3,981 2,145 1,630 1,660 4,764 3,824 3,519 .

PNW 4,616 4,879 5,955 3,756 3,881 1,812 6,111 5,796 5,576 983

Southeast 2,681 3,085 4,249 3,293 3,360 3,706 3,662 3,929 3,403 .

Texas 2,481 3,773 4,712 2,635 1,163 2,631 3,519 4,369 4,031 4,885

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

Origin Destination
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 9

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.

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices

Table 5: 3rd Quarter 2017 Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types - $/Gallon)

Last Quarter Same Qtr Last Year

East Coast 2.66 0.06 0.27

 New England 2.65 0.03 0.23

 Central Atlantic 2.78 0.04 0.30

 Lower Atlantic 2.57 0.08 0.25

Midwest 2.58 0.10 0.23

Gulf Coast 2.46 0.06 0.22

Rocky Mountain 2.70 0.06 0.26

West Coast 2.92 0.20 0.26

 California 3.00 0.08 0.09

U.S. 2.63 0.08 0.25

Source: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy

Location Price Change From

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

Source: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy

2.92

2.85

2.63

2.43

2.07

2.30

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.55

2.63

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

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

2015 2016 2017

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are up 3% 

from last quarter and up

11% from the same quarter 

last year
Page 10 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

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 & Truck Rates

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

Sources:

Diesel Fuel: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy 

Truck Rate: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

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

2015 2016 2017

$/Mile

$/Gallon

Diesel Fuel 0-500 miles 501-1500 miles

1501-2500 miles 2500+ miles

Table 6: Average Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

Diesel Diesel Truck 

2015 Q1 2.92 2.47 -25% -28% 10%

Q2 2.85 2.62 -2% -26% 1 %

Q3 2.63 2.43 -8% -33% -7%

Q4 2.43 2.36 -8% -37% 4 %

2016 Q1 2.07 2.22 -15% -29% -10%

Q2 2.30 2.34 11% -19% -11%

Q3 2.38 2.47 3 % -10% 2 %

Q4 2.47 2.04 4 % 2 % -14%

2017 Q1 2.57 1.86 4 % 24% -16%

Q2 2.55 2.40 -1% 11% 3 %

Q3 2.63 2.52 3 % 11% 2 %

Q4

Sources:

Diesel Fuel: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy 

Truck Rates: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

29%

5 %

Diesel Fuel 

($/gallon)

Truck Rates 

($/mile) 

501-1500 miles

-7%

6 %

-9%

-3%

Truck 

% Change From:

Last Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

9 %

-17%

-6%

5 %

6 %
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 11

3rd Quarter 2017 Comparison Analysis

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.63 per gallon this quarter, 3 percent higher than last quarter and 10.4 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Average truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 

miles were $2.52 per mile, 5 percent higher than the previous quarter and 1 percent higher than the 

same quarter last year.
Page 12 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Table 7: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability, 3rd Quarter 2017

Quarterly Truck Availability

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL, AND WESTERN ARIZONA 7/4 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/1 8/8 8/15 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26

Central District California Artichokes, Corn, Roma Tomatoes, Tomatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Imperial & Coachella Valley California Bell Peppers, Melons 3 3

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

Oxnard District California Cabbage, Celery, Cilantro, Strawberries, Kale, 

Parsley

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Salinas-Watsonville California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce, 

Lettuce Romaine

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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

Apples

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Santa Maria California Strawberries, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leaf 

Lettuce, Lettuce, Lettuce Romaine

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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

GREAT LAKE (MI & WI) 7/4 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/1 8/8 8/15 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26

Central Wisconsin Potatoes, Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 4

Blueberries, Bluby, Cux 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Cucumbers 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 4

Apples 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

MEXICO BORDER CROSSINGS 7/4 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/1 8/8 8/15 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, 

Arizona

Tomatoes, Grapes, Mangoes, Mixed 

Vegetables, Watermelons

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Mexico Crossings Through Texas Tomatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Mangoes, 

Limes, Mixed Fruits, Vegetables

5 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

PACIFIC NORTHWEST (ID, OR, & WA) 7/4 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/1 8/8 8/15 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26

Columbia Basin Washington Potatoes, Onions 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 5

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley 

District Idaho Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington

Apples, Pears 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon Onions 3 5 5 5

SOUTHEAST (GA, SC, & NC) 7/4 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/1 8/8 8/15 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26

Charleston-Beaufort District South 

Carolina

Tomatoes, Melons 5 4

Eastern North Carolina Sweet Potatoes 5 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 5 4 4 4

South Georgia Corn, Melons, Beans, Cucumber, Eggplant, 

Peppers, Squash

3 3 3

Vidalia District Georgia Onions 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2

TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA 7/4 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/1 8/8 8/15 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26

Texas Watermelons 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

1

 Regions reported and commodities shipped vary by week, month, season, and year. Within a region, truck availability may vary by commodity and destination.

Source: weekly Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report, Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

Michigan

Week Ending1

Adequate - 3 Slight Shortage - 4 Shortage - 5 Region1 Commodity1

Truck Availability

Surplus - 1 Slight Surplus - 2
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 13

Reported U.S. Shipments

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

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

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

2014 2015 2016 2017

(1,000 Tons)

3rd quarter 2017 U.S. shipments decreased 12% 

compared to the previous quarter, and decreased 1% 

compare to the same quarter last year.

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

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

2017 8,017 9,518 8,334 25,870

2016 7,562 9,417 8,406 8,053 33,438

2015 8,166 9,433 7,659 7,699 32,957

2014 7,779 8,965 8,081 7,643 32,468

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

2002 6,787 8,094 6,414 6,460 27,755

2001 6,822 8,144 6,314 6,471 27,751

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division
Page 14 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities

Table 9: Reported Top 10 Commodity Shipments for 3rd Quarter 2017 (1,000 Tons)

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Potatoes 1,205 1,174 1,162 3% 4%

Watermelons, Seedless 950 1,134 990 -16% -4%

Apples 605 740 573 -18% 6%

Onions Dry 569 691 541 -18% 5%

Grapes 355 229 392 55% -9%

Tomatoes 312 407 302 -23% 3%

Lettuce, Iceberg 306 326 327 -6% -6%

Cantaloups 303 217 380 40% -20%

Strawberries 292 372 282 -21% 4%

Lettuce, Romaine 237 263 236 -10% 1%

Current Quarter as % change from: Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2017

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 15

Regional Markets

California

Table 10: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from California (1,000 tons)

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Grapes 353 12% 40 390 786% -9%

Lettuce, Iceberg 298 10% 292 321 2% -7%

Strawberries 292 10% 361 282 -19% 4%

Cantaloups 271 9% 60 334 350% -19%

Lettuce, Romaine 236 8% 238 235 -1% 0%

Top 5 Total 1,451 49% 991 1,562 46% -7%

California Total 2,944 100% 2,128 3,146 38% -6%

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2017

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Figure 5: California Truck Rates ($/Mile)

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

$3.94

$2.83

$2.45

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

$9.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 
Page 16 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the third quarter of 2017 were 2.9 million 

tons, a 6 percent decrease from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities decreased 7 percent from 

the previous year, with only strawberries showing an increase. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.83 per mile, 1 percent lower 

than the previous quarter, and 3 percent lower than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.00 per gallon, 3 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 9 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Truck availability for California was reported as adequate in all reporting districts 

during the quarter. 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 7: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for California 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage

Figure 6: California Truck Overview

July August September 3rd Quarter

Central District California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Imperial, Palo Verde, And Coachella Valleys 3.00 n/a n/a 3.00

Kern District California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Oxnard District California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Salinas-Watsonville California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

San Joaquin Valley California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Santa Maria California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

South District California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Regional Average Availability 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.88 2.96 3.17 3.00

Diesel Fuel Source: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy

For the purpose of this report the California sub-group of the West Coast PAD District 5 was used to represent the diesel fuel price.

Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage Region/Reporting District
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 17

Pacific Northwest (PNW)

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Potatoes 609 38% 558 593 9% 3%

Apples 517 32% 680 504 -24% 3%

Onions Dry 230 14% 181 241 27% -4%

Cherries 151 9% 55 66 174% 128%

Pears 54 3% 70 57 -23% -5%

Top 5 Total 1,562 98% 1,544 1,462 1% 7%

PNW Total 1,601 100% 1,554 1,523 3% 5%

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2017

Share of PNW 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Figure 8: PNW Truck Rates ($/Mile)

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

$7.02

$1.76

$2.09

$2.19

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

$9.00

$10.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 
Page 18 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) during the third quarter of 2017 were 1.6 million tons, an increase of 5 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five 

commodities increased 7 percent. This was largely driven by shipments of cherries that more than doubled, increasing 128 percent. Small increases in potatoes and apples were less notable, offsetting small decreases in dry onions 

and pears. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $1.76 per mile, 1 percent 

lower than the previous quarter but 2 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.81 per gallon, 3 percent higher than last quarter, and 11 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Regional truck availability was adequate on average throughout the quarter 

except for a slight shortage in September.

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for PNW 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage

Figure 9: PNW Truck Overview

July August September 3rd Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 2.75 2.40 4.75 3.30

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon n/a n/a 4.50 4.50

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 3.00 3.00 4.75 3.58

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Regional Average Availability 2.92 2.80 4.25 3.32

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.66 2.78 2.99 2.81

Diesel Fuel Source: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy

For the purpose of this report the West Coast less California District was used to represent the diesel fuel price for PNW.

Region/Reporting District Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 19

Mexico Border Crossings 

Table 12: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Mexico (1,000 tons)

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Limes 173 11% 162 149 7% 16%

Avocados 158 10% 185 175 -14% -9%

Mangoes 150 10% 153 128 -2% 17%

Tomatoes 122 8% 199 124 -39% -2%

Peppers, Other 118 8% 107 133 10% -11%

Top 5 Total 721 48% 806 709 -10% 2%

Mexico Total 1,514 100% 2,756 1,501 -45% 1%

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Mexico-Tot 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Figure 11: Mexico Truck Overview

July August September 3rd Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 2.67 2.00 3.00 2.56

Regional Average Availability 2.83 2.50 3.00 2.78

Diesel Fuel Price, through Arizona($/gallon) 2.66 2.78 2.99 2.81

Diesel Fuel Price, through Texas ($/gallon) 2.33 2.41 2.63 2.46

Diesel Fuel Source: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy

For the purpose of this report the Gulf Coast PAD District 3 was used to represent the diesel fuel price through Texas.

For the purpose of this report the West Coast less California District was used to represent the diesel fuel price through Arizona.

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

Table 13: Top 5 Commodities Shipped to U.S from Mexico by State of Entry (1,000 tons)

Avocados 156 Cucumbers 4 1 Mangoes 6 9 Peppers, Other 5 3

Limes 152 Tomatoes, Plum Type 3 8 Tomatoes 2 2 Onions Dry 1 1

Tomatoes 8 4 Misc Tropical 3 6 Watermelons, Seedless 1 2 Misc Tropical 3

Mangoes 8 0 Onions Green 3 2 Cucumbers 9 Misc Herbs 0.02

Tomatoes, Plum Type 5 8 Peppers, Other 2 9 Tomatoes, Plum Type 7 - -

Top 5 Total 530 Top 5 Total 176 Top 5 Total 119 Top 5 Total 6 7

Mexico-TX Total 983 Mexico-CA Total 305 Mexico-AZ Total 159 Mexico-NM Total 67.3

Texas California Arizona New Mexico
Page 20 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Figure 13: Mexico-Texas Truck Rates ($/Mile)

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

$2.33

$2.08

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 

Figure 12: Mexico Truck Rates ($/Mile)

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

$2.33

$2.23

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 21

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico during the third quarter of 2017 were 1.5 million 

tons, 1 percent more than the same quarter in 2016. The sum of the top five commodities increased 2 percent from last year. 

Decreases in avocados and peppers were offset by significant increases in limes and mangoes. 

Rates: Truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.00 per mile, 

down 9 percent from the previous quarter, but 10 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border crossings averaged $2.45 per mile, up 6 percent from last quarter, and 94 

percent higher than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged $2.46 per gallon, 2 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 10 percent higher than the same quarter in 2016. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $2.81 per gallon, 3 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 11 percent higher than the same period in 2016. On 

average, truck availability was adequate through both border crossings throughout the quarter but showed a slight surplus 

through Texas in August. 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 15: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Mexico 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage

Figure 14: Mexico-Arizona Truck Rates ($/Mile)

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

$2.45

$2.51

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 
Page 22 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Southeast

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Southeast during the third quarter of 2017 were 420 

thousand tons, a 12 percent decrease from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities decreased 5 percent from the same quarter last year, led by a 13 decrease for watermelons but partially offset by a 14 percent increase in sweet 

potatoes.

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $4.79 per mile, 47 percent higher than 

the previous quarter, and 6 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.57 per gallon, 3 percent higher than the previous quarter and 11 percent higher 

than the same period last year. There was a slight shortage of truck availability on average reported during the quarter, with 

shortages concentrated in South Carolina and North Carolina during July.

Figure 16: Southeast Truck Rates ($/Mile)

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

$8.52

$4.79

$1.58

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

$9.00

$10.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles Rates per mile by 

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Watermelons, Seedless 213 51% 289 244 -26% -13%

Sweet Potatoes 77 18% 87 68 -12% 14%

Onions Dry 38 9% 104 39 -63% -2%

Corn-Sweet 15 4% 119 12 -87% 29%

Peppers, Bell Type 10 2% 32 11 -68% -11%

Top 5 Total 354 84% 631 374 -44% -5%

Southeast Total 420 100% 875 475 -52% -12%

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Southeast 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 23

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 17: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Southeast 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage

Figure 18: Southeast Truck Overview

July August September 3rd Quarter

Charleston-Beaufort District South Carolina 4.50 n/a n/a 4.50

Eastern North Carolina 4.00 3.20 4.25 3.82

South Georgia 3.00 n/a n/a 3.00

Vidalia District Georgia 3.00 2.20 n/a 2.60

Regional Average Availability 4.25 3.20 4.25 3.90

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.43 2.52 2.75 2.57

Diesel Fuel Source: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy

For the purpose of this report the Lower Atlantic District was used to represent the diesel fuel price for the Southeast

Region/Reporting District Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage
Page 24 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Great Lakes

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Great Lakes during the third quarter of 2017 were 418 

thousand tons, up 4 percent from the same quarter in 2016. The sum of the top five commodities increased slightly by 1 

percent with increases in apples and peppers offsetting slight decreases in potatoes, watermelons, and cucumbers. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $3.63 per mile, 12 percent higher 

than the previous quarter, and 10 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.58 per gallon, 4 percent higher than last quarter, and 10 percent higher 

than the same period last year. Shippers in the Great Lakes reported adequate truck availability on average but with slight 

to full shortages across the region during September. 

Figure 19: Great Lake Truck Rates ($/Mile)

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

$4.46

$3.63

$2.70

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

$4.50

$5.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 

Table 15: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Great Lakes (1,000 tons)

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Potatoes 171 41% 105 179 64% -4%

Watermelons, Seedless 44 11% 0 46 - -4%

Cucumbers 42 10% 2 44 2150% -5%

Apples 26 6% 29 16 -9% 68%

Peppers, Bell Type 24 6% 0 20 - 18%

Top 5 Total 308 74% 135 306 128% 1%

Great Lakes Total 418 100% 146 402 186% 4%

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 3rd Quarter 

2017

Share of Great 

Lake Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 25

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 21: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Great Lakes 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage

Figure 20: Great Lakes Truck Overview

July August September 3rd Quarter

Big Lake And Central Minnesota 3.00 4.43 5.00 4.14

Central Wisconsin 3.00 3.40 4.73 3.71

Michigan 3.00 3.30 4.00 3.43

Minnesota-North Dakota (Red River Valley) n/a n/a 5.00 5.00

Regional Average Availability 3.00 3.71 4.68 3.80

Diesel Fuel ($/gallon) 2.44 2.56 2.74 2.58

Diesel Fuel Source: Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy

For the purpose of this report the Midwest District was used to represent the diesel fuel price for the Great Lakes.

Region/Reporting District Availability Rating, 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage
Page 26 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Data Sources: This information is compiled from the weekly Fruit and Vegetable 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 Fruit and Vegetable 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 3rd Quarter, 2017 Page 27

Related Websites:

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 

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

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

Contact Us

Coordinator

Adam Sparger Adam.Sparger@ams.usda.gov 202.295.7374

Quarterly Overview, U.S. Diesel Prices

April Taylor

April.Taylor@ams.usda.gov 202.295.7374

Regulatory News/Updates

Brian McGregor

Brian.McGregor@ams.usda.gov 202.720.0035

U.S. Truck Rates and Shipments

Pierre Bahizi

Pierre.Bahizi@ams.usda.gov 202.690.0992

Truck Availability

Jesse Gastelle 

Jesse.Gastelle@ams.usda.gov 202.690.1144 

Specialty Crops Program, 

Market News Division Data

Patty Willkie

Patty.Willkie@ams.usda.gov 202-720-2175

To subscribe, please send e-mail to:

(Printed copies are available upon request.)

Adam.Sparger@ams.usda.gov
Page 28 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 3rd Quarter, 2017

Preferred Citation

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

December2017. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.12-2017>

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 

Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating 

based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 

status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 

rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 

deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, 

American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 

contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 

other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://

www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of 

the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter 

to USDA by: 

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture 

 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 

 1400 Independence Avenue, SW 

 Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.