Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

Contents

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

Regulatory News and Updates.... 3

Protecting Perishable Foods 

During Transport by Truck and Rail 

(Summary)................................... 5

National Summary....................... 6

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

Truck Rates for Selected Routes.... 7

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices .................. 8

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and 

Truck Rates.................................... 9

Quarterly Truck Availability........... 11

Reported U.S. Shipments.............. 13

Reported Shipments by Selected 

Commodities................................. 14

Regional Markets......................... 15

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

California....................................... 19

Pacific Northwest.......................... 22

Florida........................................... 25

Southeast...................................... 28

Terms and References ................. 31

Contact Information .................... 32

Quarter 2, April-June, 2019

Published February 26, 2020

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

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

Quarter 2, 2019

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Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

During the second quarter of 2019, reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce were 10.6 million tons, 

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

Also, in the second quarter, shipments from Mexico were higher than those from any other origin, 

totaling 3.05 million tons and accounting for 29 percent of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and 

vegetables. Movements from California totaled 3.02 million tons, representing 28 percent of the reported 

total. Shipments from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.5 million tons, representing 14 percent of the reported 

shipments. 

These top five commodities accounted for 41 percent of the reported truck movements during the second 

quarter of 2019: 

► Watermelon, seedless (12 percent)

► Potatoes (10 percent)

► Apples (6 percent) 

► Oranges (6 percent) 

► Onions, dry (6 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 second quarter 2019, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $3.12 per gallon—4 percent higher than 

the previous quarter, but 2 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

Q2 2018 4.36 2.99 2.50 1.26

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 1.28

Q2 2019 2.88 2.59 2.13 1.19

Q2 Change from 

Previous Quarter -1% -0% -13% -6%

Q2 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year -34% -13% -15% -5%

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.

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available. 
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Regulatory News and Updates

Extension of Compliance Date for Entry 

Level Driver Training

On January 29, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA) announced its interim final 

rule on extending the compliance date of the Entry 

Level Driver Training Final Rule from February 7, 

2020, to February 7, 2022. FMCSA proposed the 

extension on July 18, 2019. Comments can be viewed 

at docket number FMCSA-2007-27748.

Preliminary Injunction on Enforcement 

of California Assembly Bill 5 on Truck 

Drivers

On January 16, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Roger 

T. Benitez granted a preliminary injunction, which 

prevents the enforcement of Assembly Bill 5 (AB-5). 

AB-5 prohibits companies from using independent 

contractors unless their work is “outside the usual 

course of the hiring entity’s business.” Trucking is 

an important mode in the movement of agricultural 

products, especially in California. According to 

U.S. Department of Transportation data, California 

truckers hauled nearly 49 million tons of agricultural 

products (SCTG03, which includes soybeans, fruits, 

vegetables, nuts, and other agricultural products) 

and over 4 million tons of cereal grain (SCTG02, 

which includes corn, wheat, and other small grains) 

within the State in 2018. California also distributed 

almost 8 million tons of agricultural products and 

cereal grains to other States by truck in the same 

year.

EPA Administrator Wheeler Requests 

Comments on the Cleaner Trucks 

Initiative

On January 6, 2020, Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler 

requested input on the Cleaner Trucks Initiative 

(CTI), first announced November 13, 2018, to further 

decrease nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from onhighway heavy-duty trucks and engines. EPA seeks 

to improve engine certification procedures as well. 

Comments on the Advanced Notice of Proposed 

Rulemaking can be viewed at docket number EPAHQ-OAR-2019-0055. 

FMCSA Raises Random-Testing Rate 

for Controlled Substances to 50 Percent 

of Drivers in 2020

On December 27, 2019 FMCSA announced the 

increase of the minimum annual percentage rate for 

random testing of controlled substances for drivers 

of commercial motor vehicles. Effective for calendar 

year 2020, the rate increased from 25 percent of the 

average number of driver positions to 50 percent. 

The FMCSA Administrator must increase the randomtesting rate whenever the data for the previous 

calendar year show that 1.0 percent or more of 

drivers tested had positive test results.

DOT Requests Information for the 

National Freight Strategic Plan

On December 27, 2019, the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) requested answers to 10

questions to aid in the development of the National 

Freight Strategic Plan (NFSP). The plan includes 

11 components to address multimodal freight 

transportation. Answers to the questions can be 

viewed at docket number DOT-OST-2019-0184. The 

draft NFSP and comments can be viewed at docket 

number DOT-OST-2015-0248.

DOT Requests Feedback on 

Rural Transportation Needs and 

Opportunities

On December 19, 2019, DOT announced a 

request for information (RFI) from the public and 

stakeholders regarding the safety, condition, and 

use of rural infrastructure, as well as stakeholders’ 

experiences using DOT discretionary grant and 

finance programs. The RFI is part of the Rural 

Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic 

Success Initiative (ROUTES), and the public feedback 

will be reviewed and used by the ROUTES Council to 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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aid evaluation of rural projects and improve funding 

options. Comments can be viewed at docket number 

DOT-OST-2019-0167.

DOT Extends the Date for States To 

Check a Driver’s Record in the Drug 

and Alcohol Clearinghouse

On December 13, 2019, FMCSA announced a delay 

in States’ requirements to check a driver’s record 

for violations in the Commercial Driver’s License 

(CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, moving 

the deadline from January 6, 2020, to January 

6, 2023. FMCSA will use the additional time to 

issue a rulemaking to the address the concerns 

of the American Association of Motor Vehicle 

Administrators. States may voluntarily use the 

Clearinghouse prior to issuing, renewing, upgrading, 

or transferring a CDL. Comments can be viewed at 

docket number FMCSA-2019-0120.

DOT Requests Input for the 

Non-Traditional and Emerging 

Transportation Technology Council

On November 26, 2019, DOT requested comments 

on “projects, issues, or topics” that the agency 

should consider through its Non-Traditional and 

Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) 

Council, including “regulatory models and other 

alternative approaches for non-traditional and 

emerging transportation technologies.” The 

NETT Council, established in April 2019, is tasked 

with identifying and resolving “jurisdictional and 

regulatory gaps associated with non-traditional and 

emerging transportation projects pending before 

DOT, including with respect to safety oversight, 

environmental review, and funding issues.” 

Comments can be viewed at docket number DOTOST-2019-0165.

Definition of “Agricultural Commodity” 

Is Under Long-Term Development by 

FMCSA

On November 20, 2019, Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA) announced that it did not 

expect to be able redefine within 12 months the 

term “agricultural commodity.” Currently listed as a 

“long-term action,” the redefinition process would 

clarify an exemption to hours of service (HOS) of 

drivers who transport agricultural commodities. 

Currently, during harvesting and planting seasons 

as determined by each State, drivers transporting 

agricultural commodities, including livestock, are 

exempt from the HOS requirements from the 

origin of the commodities to a destination within a 

150-air-mile radius from the origin. However, FMCSA 

has received indications that these terms may be 

misunderstood or inconsistently enforced when 

determining whether the HOS exemption applies. 

Comments on the proposed rulemaking ended on 

September 27 and can be viewed at docket number 

FMCSA-2018-0348.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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This is a summary of “Protecting Perishable Foods 

During Transport by Truck and Rail” by Jeffrey 

K. Brecht and Steven A. Sargent, Professors, 

Horticultural Sciences Department, University of 

Florida, Gainesville, FL; Patrick E. Brecht, President, 

PEB Commodities, Inc., Petaluma, CA; Jorge Saenz, 

President, Wireless Data Solutions, Weston, FL; 

and Leonard Rodowick, Strategic Relations – Food 

Safety & OEM, Thermo King Corporation, Nixa, 

MO. The University of Florida, Institute of Food 

and Agricultural Sciences Extension (UF/IFAS 

Extension) report received funding from USDA’s 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) through 

cooperative agreement number 17-TMTSD-FL-0007. 

The views and opinions expressed in the UF/IFAS 

Extension report are those of the authors and do 

not necessarily reflect the policies and opinions of 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The full report 

is available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/

HS132800.pdf.

The issuance of the Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final 

Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and 

Animal Food led to a request by the authors to 

revise USDA AMS Agriculture Handbook No. 669, 

“Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by 

Truck,” last revised in 1995. The initial 1987 edition 

of Handbook 669 superseded Handbook No. 105, 

“Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport 

by Motortruck,” revised in 1970, after its initial 

publication in 1956.

“These handbooks have been extremely popular, and 

tens of thousands of copies have been distributed 

worldwide. The importance of protecting perishable 

foods from loss of quality during transport has long 

been recognized... Thus, an updated version of this 

handbook has been long overdue, addressing both 

the advances in technology and the importance 

of food safety considerations in the transport of 

perishable foods."1

1, 2, 3 Brecht, Jeffrey K., Steven A. Sargent, Patrick E. Brecht, Jorge Saenz, and Leonard Rodowick. Protecting Perishable Foods During 

Transport by Truck or Rail, Preface, p. ix, HS1328, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural 

Sciences Extension, April 2019. Web. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/HS132800.pdf.

“Many individuals and organizations provided 

information or other assistance in revising this 

handbook. Special recognition goes to the University 

of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural 

Science, Communications Office, for formatting 

the handbook and for preparing the illustrations. 

We appreciate the suggestions offered by those 

with whom we discussed this publication. A great 

deal of the information on recommended handling 

requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables is from 

the recently updated USDA Handbook No. 66, “The 

Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist 

and Nursery Stocks.”2

The report discusses the following topics, with 

additional information in the appendices: 

Important Factors in Protection of Perishable Foods; 

Preparation for Loading; Loading and Unloading 

Considerations; Loading (Stowage) Patterns; 

Individual Commodity Requirements; Regulatory 

Considerations for Truck Construction Materials, 

Cleaning Compounds, and Sanitation; and Food 

Safety Considerations for Transporting Perishable 

Foods by Truck.

“This updated edition reflects the dynamic changes 

and innovations in the handling and transportation 

of perishable foods. Some of these include improved 

insulation and air movement, microprocessors 

for more efficient refrigeration, expert systems to 

control the transport environment and conserve 

fuel energy, and the use of telematics to monitor 

and control the performance of refrigerated vehicles 

during transit. This edition includes descriptions and 

recommendations for food transported over the 

road and by rail in marine containers, as well as in 

railcars.”3

Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail (Summary)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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1.19

2.59

2.88

2.13

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

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.

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

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

2019 2.59 2.59 2.59

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 2, 2019

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Truck Rates for Selected Routes

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

Origin 2nd Quarter, 2019 1st Quarter, 2019

April May June January February March

Arizona 3.33 n/a 3.12 3.80 3.21 3.18

Arizona-Mexico 2.60 2.68 2.83 2.59 2.46 2.49

California 2.59 2.62 2.83 2.77 2.47 2.43

Florida 2.33 2.66 2.77 2.21 2.40 2.22

Great Lakes 3.48 3.51 3.44 3.62 3.62 3.57

New York 2.76 2.76 2.76 2.92 2.92 2.73

Other 2.85 2.40 2.38 2.90 2.92 2.89

PNW 2.01 1.94 1.88 2.41 2.23 2.07

Southeast 3.99 3.94 3.83 3.99 3.99 3.99

Texas 2.48 2.37 2.37 2.67 2.42 2.61

Texas-Mexico 2.34 2.26 2.22 2.54 2.30 2.48

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, 2nd 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 2.69 2.72 2.54 2.49 3.28 n/a 2.68 2.71 2.72 n/a

ArizonaMexico 2.46 n/a n/a 2.17 2.69 2.71 2.41 2.43 2.43 n/a

California 2.42 2.48 2.39 2.26 2.65 n/a 2.48 2.49 2.49 2.62

Florida 2.58 2.81 2.65 1.81 n/a 1.67 3.02 2.77 2.49 n/a

Great 

Lakes 3.36 3.60 3.47 4.05 2.69 n/a 2.96 3.86 3.69 n/a

New York 2.65 5.00 9.56 3.27 n/a n/a 2.34 10.33 7.17 n/a

Other 2.86 2.81 2.89 2.34 4.03 2.08 2.22 2.80 2.80 n/a

PNW 2.34 2.31 2.28 2.46 2.15 1.96 2.23 2.41 2.33 7.86

Southeast 5.27 5.38 4.02 3.32 n/a n/a 3.25 4.44 4.80 n/a

Texas 2.57 2.37 2.31 2.28 3.45 1.83 2.38 2.57 2.40 2.20

TexasMexico 2.37 2.28 2.27 2.19 2.97 1.74 2.28 2.44 2.30 2.13
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 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, 2nd Quarter 2019 ($/Truck)

U.S. Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 5,050 6,425 6,900 4,538 3,663 n/a 6,688 6,738 6,575 n/a

ArizonaMexico 4,435 n/a n/a 3,908 2,635 1,515 5,488 6,077 5,842 n/a

California 5,436 6,773 7,328 4,758 3,971 n/a 7,014 7,100 6,948 3,237

Florida 1,282 2,665 3,564 2,280 n/a 4,200 725 3,148 2,630 n/a

Great 

Lakes 3,283 3,887 3,723 1,272 3,006 n/a 4,837 3,755 3,458 n/a

New York 2,650 1,650 1,625 2,750 n/a n/a 3,400 1,550 1,650 n/a

Other 2,391 4,024 3,949 2,145 2,070 1,931 4,553 3,918 3,915 n/a

PNW 5,262 5,668 6,235 4,380 3,926 1,965 6,417 6,125 5,837 1,100

Southeast 1,757 2,239 3,341 2,803 n/a n/a 2,500 2,736 2,500 n/a

Texas 2,727 4,069 4,900 3,100 1,485 2,788 3,481 4,877 4,369 5,104

TexasMexico 2,727 4,073 4,992 3,127 1,485 2,788 3,481 4,877 4,365 5,104

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

2.30

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.55

2.63

2.87

3.02

3.20

3.24

3.26

3.02

3.12

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are up 4% from 

last quarter and are down 2% 

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

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

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 2nd Quarter 2019 Price 

$/Gallon Change From Last Quarter Change From Same Quarter Last Year

East Coast 3.15 2% -2%

California 4.04 7% 4%

New England 3.21 1% -1%

Central Atlantic 3.34 2% -1%

Lower Atlantic 3.01 3% -2%

Gulf Coast 2.88 2% -3%

Midwest 3.01 4% -4%

Rocky Mountain 3.12 6% -4%

West Coast 3.71 6% 1%

U.S. 3.12 4% -2%

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 2, 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 Q2 2.30 2.37 11% 7% -19% -10%

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 2.59 4% -0% -2% -13%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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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 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 6/11 6/13 6/18 6/25

Central San Joaquin Valley 

California Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce 3 3 3 3

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella 

Valleys, California And Central And 

Western Arizona

Watermelons, Cantaloups, Honeydews, Bell 

Peppers, Corn, Miscellaneous, Melons 3

Kern District California Carrots 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 3 3 3

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, 

Arizona

Beans, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Melons, Mixed 

Vegetables, Peppers, Squash, Grapes, Mangos 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 4 5 3 2

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

Lettuce 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 3 3 3

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

Strawberries, Iceberg Lettuce 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 3 3 3

San Joaquin Valley California Peaches, Nectarines, Watermelons, Bell Peppers, 

Corn, Nectarines,Plums 3 3

Santa Maria California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Iceberg Lettuce, Strawberries, 

Romaine, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce, Celery 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 3 3 3

South District California Citrus, Avocados 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 4 3 3 3

Western Arizona Iceberg Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Romaine, 

Leaf Lettuce, Celery 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 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 6/11 6/13 6/18 6/25

Central & South Florida Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Berries, Melons 2 2 5 4 5 5 5 5

Florida Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

North, Central & South Florida Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Melons 4 5 4 5 3

South Florida Melons 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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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 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 6/11 6/13 6/18 6/25

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 3 3 3 3

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley 

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

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington Apples, Pears, Cherries 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Southeast (GA, SC, & NC) Commodity 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 6/11 6/13 6/18 6/25

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

South Carolina Melons, Tomatoes 4 4 4

South Georgia Beans, Cucumber, Peaches, Peppers, Squash, 

Eggplant, Greens, Melons 3 3 3 3 3

Texas and Oklahoma Commodity 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 6/11 6/13 6/18 6/25

Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas Onions, Cabbage, Oranges, Grapefruit 2 2 2 3 3 3 1 1 1 4 3 3 3

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

Great Lakes (MI & WI) Commodity 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 6/11 6/13 6/18 6/25

Central Wisconsin Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Michigan Apples 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

U.S.-Mexico border Commodity 4/2 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 6/4 6/11 6/13 6/18 6/25

 Nogales, Arizona Beans, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Melons, Mixed 

Vegetables, Peppers, Squash, Grapes, Mangos 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 4 5 3 2

 Texas Limes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Mixed Fruit and 

Vegetables 2 2 2 3 3 3 1 1 1 4 3 3 3
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

(1,000 Tons)

2nd quarter 2019 U.S. shipments increased 11% 

compared to the previous quarter, but decreased 

2% 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 9,573 10,606 20,179

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 2, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 14

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2019

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 1,272 54 1,103 2268% 15%

Potatoes 1,070 1,053 1,070 2% 0%

Apples 685 848 767 -19% -11%

Oranges 680 857 614 -21% 11%

Onions Dry 659 584 672 13% -2%

Strawberries 381 230 420 66% -9%

Lettuce, Iceberg 354 328 356 8% -1%

Tomatoes 334 383 372 -13% -10%

Lemons 313 333 267 -6% 17%

Corn-Sweet 275 105 335 163% -18%

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 2nd Quarter 2019 Volume % Change from Last Quarter % Change From Same Quarter 

Last Year

Mexico 3,055 1% 7%

California 3,020 39% -11%

PNW 1,513 -18% -3%

Florida 1,039 47% 1%

Southeast 752 585% 7%

Texas 360 152% 8%

Other 268 -1% -19%

Arizona 245 -71% -16%

Colorado 187 0% 24%

Great Lakes 108 -35% -9%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

Regional Markets

Volume

During the second quarter of 2019, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico were 3.05 

million tons, 7 percent more than the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 

9 percent from last year. Increases in seedless watermelons, tomatoes, grapes, and cucumbers offset a 

17-percent decrease in avocado shipments. 

Rates

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

$2.70 per mile, up 7 percent from last quarter, but 16 percent lower than the same quarter last year. Rates 

for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.28 per mile, 

down 7 percent from the previous quarter, and 27 percent lower than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.28 per gallon, 5 percent higher than the 

previous quarter, but 4 percent lower than the same period last year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings 

from Texas averaged $2.88 per gallon, 2 percent higher than the previous quarter, but 3 percent lower than 

the same quarter last year. Shippers reported truck availability ranging from “slight surplus” to “adequate” in 

April through both border crossing locations. In May, conditions through the Texas border crossings improved 

to a surplus status throughout most of the month, while conditions through the Arizona crossings fluctuated 

between adequate and slight surplus. In early June, conditions fell into the shortage range for both border 

crossings but improved to adequate conditions by the end of the month. 

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

U.S.-Mexico border

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 366 12% 53 317 590% 16%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 214 7% 211 193 2% 11%

Avocados 206 7% 334 250 -38% -17%

Grapes 199 7% 0 142 - 40%

Cucumbers 195 6% 255 182 -23% 7%

Top 5 Total 1,181 39% 852 1,083 39% 9%

Mexico Total 3,055 100% 3,029 2,848 1% 7%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

2nd 

Quarter 

2019

Avocados 327 Onions Green 41 Cucumbers 168 Peppers, Other 9

Tomatoes 133 Misc Tropical 36 Squash 166 Misc Tropical 3

Limes 125 Tomatoes, Plum 

Type 30 Peppers, Bell Type 151 Corn-Sweet 0.5

Cucumbers 80 Peppers, Other 25 Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 128 Onions Dry 0

Strawberries 79 Asparagus 20 Tomatoes 103

Mexico through 

TX Total 1522 Mexico through CA Total 359 Mexico through AR Total 1103 Mexico through NM Total 12

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

$2.97

$2.49

$2.29

$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

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

$2.97

$2.28

$2.20

$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

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

$2.70

$2.38

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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, 2019

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

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

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

April May June 2nd Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 2.6 2.5 3.5 2.87

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 2.4 1.5 3.25 2.38

Regional Average Availability 2.5 2 3.38 2.63

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Texas 2.90 2.91 2.83 2.88

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Arizona 3.25 3.35 3.26 3.29

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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, 2019

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the second quarter of 2019 

were 3.02 million tons, an 11-percent decrease from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five 

commodities increased 3 percent from the same quarter last year. Increased shipments of oranges and 

lemons offset decreases in strawberries as well as iceberg and romaine lettuces. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.68 per mile, 4 

percent higher than the previous quarter, but 16 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $4.03 per gallon, 7 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 4 percent higher 

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

districts throughout the quarter. In February, all reporting districts reported slight surplus availability 

conditions. 

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

California

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Oranges 631 21% 790 546 -20% 16%

Strawberries 362 12% 39 404 826% -10%

Lemons 309 10% 330 265 -6% 17%

Lettuce, Iceberg 302 10% 33 327 804% -8%

Lettuce, Romaine 233 8% 40 250 485% -7%

Top 5 Total 1,837 61% 1,233 1,792 49% 3%

California Total 3,020 100% 2,171 3,379 39% -11%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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)

$2.68

$2.38$2.47

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

April May June 2nd Quarter

Central San Joaquin Valley California 3 - - 3

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona - - 3 3

Kern District California 3 2.25 3.25 2.83

Oxnard District California 3 2.25 3.25 2.83

Salinas-Watsonville California 3 2.25 3.25 2.83

San Joaquin Valley California - - 3 3

Santa Maria California 3 2.25 3.25 2.83

South District California 3.2 2.5 3.25 2.98

Regional Average Availability 3.03 2.3 3.18 2.84

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.95 4.13 4.04 4.04
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

Volume

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

quarter of 2019 were 1.51 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, potatoes, and cherries fell while dry 

onion and pear shipments increased.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $1.96 per mile, 13 

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

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.28 per gallon, 5 percent higher than the previous quarter, but 4 percent lower 

than the same period last year. Through the quarter, shippers reported adequate truck availability in each 

reporting region in the PNW. The Yakima Valley and Wenatchee District in Washington even reported slight 

surplus conditions in May. 

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 2nd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 617 41% 722 707 -15% -13%

Potatoes 517 34% 509 539 2% -4%

Onions Dry 203 13% 464 140 -56% 45%

Pears 84 6% 155 69 -45% 22%

Cherries 81 5% 0 86 - -5%

Top 5 Total 1,503 99% 1,850 1,541 -19% -2%

PNW Total 1,513 100% 1,850 1,554 -18% -3%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

$7.86

$1.96

$2.32

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

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

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

April May June 2nd Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 3 3 3 3

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 3 3 - 3

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

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3 2 3 2.67

Regional Average Availability 3 2.75 3 2.92

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.25 3.35 3.26 3.29

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 2, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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 2, 2019

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida during the second quarter of 2019 were 1.039 

million tons, up 1 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 

2 percent from the same quarter last year. Three of the top five commodities including tomatoes (down 9 

percent), sweet corn (down 26 percent), and seeded watermelon (down 12 percent) decreased compared 

with the previous year. However, shipments of seedless watermelons (up 19 percent) and potatoes (up 4 

percent) increased. 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.53 per mile, 11 

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

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.01 per gallon, 3 percent higher than the previous quarter, but 2 percent lower 

than the same period last year. Florida melon and potatoes producers reported adequate truck availability 

throughout the quarter. Tomato and mixed vegetable producers reported slight surplus conditions in early 

April, but conditions shifted by mid-April to “slight shortage” and “shortage” throughout the remainder of 

the quarter. 

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Florida

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Florida Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Watermelons, 

Seedless 427 41% 1 357 - 19%

Tomatoes 131 13% 129 144 1% -9%

Corn-Sweet 107 10% 68 145 58% -26%

Potatoes 86 8% - 83 - 4%

Watermelons, Seeded 37 4% 0 42 - -12%

Top 5 Total 787 76% 197 771 299% 2%

Florida Total 1,039 100% 707 1,027 47% 1%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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 Traveled)

$2.93

$2.53

$1.91

$1.67

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

April May June 2nd Quarter

Central & South Florida 3.6 5 - 4.3

Florida 3 3 3 3

North, Central & South Florida - 4 4.25 4.13

South Florida 3 3 - 3

Regional Average Availability 3.2 3.75 3.63 3.53

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.02 3.03 2.98 3.01
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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 Oct Sep Nov Dec

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

Volume 

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

were 752,000 tons, up 7 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

increased 11 percent from the same quarter last year. Decreases in sweet corn, dry onions, and sweet 

potatoes could not cancel out the net-positive effect of strong increases in seedless watermelons and 

blueberries. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $3.89 per mile, 3 

percent lower than the previous quarter, and 4 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.34 per gallon, 2 percent higher than the previous quarter, but 0.4 percent 

lower than the same period last year. Shippers in Eastern North Carolina reported mostly adequate truck 

availability in April, but conditions fell to slight shortage through the end of the quarter. Shippers in South 

Carolina reported slight shortage conditions in June, while southern Georgia shippers reported adequate 

conditions from the last week of May through the end of June. 

Table 20: 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 2nd 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 233 31% 0 158 - 47%

Corn-Sweet 103 14% 0 110 - -6%

Onions Dry 77 10% 0 84 - -8%

Sweet Potatoes 66 9% 80 86 -18% -23%

Blueberries 35 5% 0 23 - 49%

Top 5 Total 513 68% 80 460 537% 11%

Southeast Total 752 100% 110 701 585% 7%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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 Traveled)

$5.48

$3.89

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

April May June 2nd Quarter

Eastern North Carolina 3.2 4 3.8 3.67

South Carolina - - 4 4

South Georgia - 3 3 3

Regional Average Availability 3.2 3.5 3.6 3.43

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.02 3.03 2.98 3.01
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 2, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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 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 2, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 31

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 2, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 32

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. February 2020 Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.02-2020>

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Burt Barnes

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