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

2nd Quarter, 2018

April—June

• Florida

• Pacific Northwest

Feature Article

High Rates and Tight Capacity Dominate Refrigerated Truck Market in 2018

The trend of higher truck rates and capacity shortages, which started in 2017, continued through the first half of 2018. Driven by continued economic growth, and the 

ongoing truck driver shortage, both truck rates and shipment volumes set new records during this period. Indicators point to sustained high rates and tight capacity for 

the trucking industry, including the refrigerated truck market, through the end of 

2018 and possibly beyond.

Economic Indicators

Trucking activity is very closely correlated with overall economic activity. As a result, a 

strong and growing economy impacts both sides of the trucking equation, resulting in 

less truck availability. On one hand, economic growth increases demand for trucking 

services since trucks are the dominant carriers of freight; carrying 70.2 percent of 

domestic freight in 2017, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). On 

the other hand, economic growth strains trucking supply by increasing the difficulty 

of attracting and retaining drivers.

Overall economic growth, during the first half of 2018, was consistent with increased 

truck shipment volumes and rates. Real gross domestic product increased 4.2 percent, in the second quarter of 2018, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. 

This is the highest quarterly increase since the third quarter of 2014. Meanwhile, the 

unemployment rate fell through the first half of 2018, to 4 percent in June, while 

reaching a 10-year low of 3.8 percent in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A strong economy creates many competitive jobs as alternatives to long-distance 

truck driving, such as construction, manufacturing, or local driving positions through 

ride-sharing services. Attracting qualified drivers is an even greater challenge for the 

industry when the labor market is strong, which puts further strain on the ongoing 

driver shortage. In response, some trucking companies are increasing driver wages to 

retain and attract qualified drivers. A supplement to the National Transportation Institute’s Quarterly National Survey of Driver Wages, released in March, reports the 

trucking industry is experiencing unusually aggressive and volatile increases in driver 

pay, which is evidence of a significant driver shortage affecting all segments of the 

trucking industry.
Page 2 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

The continued increase in freight volumes, shipped by truck, put upward pressure on truck rates. Through the first 

half of 2018, ATA reported the freight tonnage hauled by trucks increased 7.9 percent, far more than the annual increase of 3.8 percent in 2017. DAT Solutions (DAT) reported strong demand for trucking services caused truckload 

spot rates to reach a record high in June. This followed an unprecedented 15-month run of spot market rate increases. This was the longest sustained period of price increases, since deregulation in 1980, according to DAT. In the refrigerated truck market, DAT reported the national average spot market rate hit the highest point ever recorded, at 

$2.69 per mile, up $0.58 from June 2017, and $0.11 higher than the contract rate. While increases in contract rates 

typically lag four to six months, after a sustained increase in spot market rates, this year the lag has been only a few 

weeks.

Refrigerated Truck Market

Strong demand for truck services and large volumes has mostly impacted truck rates for shipments traveling between 500 and 2,500 miles. The U.S. average refrigerated truck rate reached a record high in the second quarter, for 

shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles ($2.96 per mile), up 12 percent from the previous quarter ($2.64 per mile). 

The U.S. average truck rate for shipments between 1,501 and 2,500 miles was still higher than usual at $2.45 per 

mile, but was 3 percent lower than the record high of $2.54 per mile, set in the first quarter of 2018. In contrast, 

average truck rates for shipments less than 500 miles, and over 2,500 miles, have remained within normal ranges.

Similar to trends for the overall economy, the reported volumes of fruit and vegetables shipped by refrigerated truck 

during the second quarter of 2018 set a record high at 9.65 million tons, 21 percent more than last quarter (7.99 

million tons) and 1 percent higher than the same quarter last year (9.52 million tons). 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 3

This quarterly record was partly due to increased shipment volumes from the Pacific Northwest and Mexico, 

through both Texas and Arizona, which offset declining shipment volumes from California and Florida. Until ten 

years ago, California and Florida were the two biggest suppliers of fresh fruit and vegetables, during the second 

quarter. However, in recent years, both States have lost market share to the Pacific Northwest and Mexico. In 

fact, the volume of shipments from Mexico through Texas reached a new high of 1.30 million tons during the 

second quarter of 2018, an increase of 8 percent over the same period last year (1.21 million tons).
Page 4 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Looking Ahead

The demand for trucking services should remain strong as the economy keeps growing, creating challenges to increasing capacity in the trucking industry. ATA’s Freight Transportation Forecast: 2018 to 2029 projects freight 

volumes will increase 4.2 percent to nearly 16 billion tons, in 2018, and increase 35.6 percent to 21.7 billion tons 

by 2029. The report’s findings indicate trucking will remain the single largest mover of freight, with truck volumes 

expected to grow 2.3 percent on an annual basis between 2019 and 2024, and 2.2 percent per year for the next 

five years.

In addition, Hurricane Florence may have effects on the truck market beyond the period of the actual storm, as 

was true after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma last year. Largescale events, such as hurricanes, can cause supply chain 

disruptions and increased regional trucking activity. This is largely due to reconstruction efforts, adding pressure to 

an already tight market for weeks or months after an event. With demand for truck services projected to remain 

high, these combined factors could keep truck capacity scarce and rates high for the foreseeable future.

Adam.sparger@ams.usda.gov
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 5

Quarterly Overview

Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

Reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce during the second quarter of 2018 were 9.65 million tons, 21 percent 

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

Shipments from Mexico were the highest in the second quarter, totaling 2.85 million tons and accounting for 30 percent 

of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables. Shipments from California totaled2.24 million tons,

representing 23 percent of the reported shipments. Movements from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.55 million tons,

representing 16 percent of the reported total.

The following top five commodities accounted for 42 percent of the reported truck movements during the second 

quarter of 2018: 

► Watermelons, seedless (11 percent)

► Potatoes (11 percent)

►Apples (8 percent) 

► Onions, dry (7 percent) 

► Strawberries (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 +

Q2 2017 4.10 2.40 2.12 1.04

Q3 2017 5.06 2.52 2.25 1.26

Q4 2017 3.16 2.55 2.52 1.22

Q1 2018 3.05 2.64 2.54 1.04

Q2 2018 4.32 2.96 2.45 1.06

Q2 Change from 

Previous Quarter

41% 12% -3% 2%

Q2 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year

5% 23% 16% 2%

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

Diesel Fuel 

During the second quarter 2018, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $3.198 per gallon—6 percent higher than the previous

quarter and 25 percent higher than the same quarter last year.
Page 6 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Regulatory News and Updates

Final Rule Allows States to Waive Commercial Learner’s Permit Requirements for Military Drivers

On September 28, 2018, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced States will have the option to waive the requirements for the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) knowledge test for certain individuals who 

currently are, or were, regularly employed, within the last year, in a military position requiring the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The final rule includes the option for a State to waive the tests required for a tank vehicle 

endorsement, or hazardous material endorsement, with proof of training and experience.

In combination with the Military Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) rule published on October 13, 2016 (81 FR 70634), 

this new rule gives States the option to waive both the CDL knowledge and driving skills tests for certain current and 

former military service members. Those service members must have received training to operate CMVs during activeduty, National Guard, or reserve service, in military vehicles comparable to CMVs. Certain current or former military 

drivers, domiciled in participating States, will be allowed to transition to a civilian CDL more quickly due to their armed 

forces training and experience. Documents and comments are available in Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0047.

American Trucking Association’s California Meal Rest Break Preemption Petition Announced

On September 28, 2018, FMCSA announced the American Trucking Associations (ATA) petition requesting FMCSA’s determination that the State of California’s meal and rest break rules are preempted by Federal law. According to the announcement, California generally requires employers in the transportation industry to provide employees with an offduty 30-minute break for every five hours worked, before the end of each five-hour period; and a ten-minute off-duty 

break for every four-hour period (or "major fraction thereof," i.e., period greater than two hours), in the middle of each 

such period if possible. Commercial drivers covered by collective bargaining agreements that meet certain statutorily 

enumerated criteria, however, are not subject to the meal period requirement. Among other things, FMCSA requests 

comments, by October 29, on what effect, if any, California’s meal and rest break requirements may have on interstate 

commerce. Documents and comments are available in Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0304.

Rulemaking on Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility Announced

On September 27, 2018, FMCSA announced it is considering adopting a rule to immediately suspend any broker’s/freight 

forwarder’s operating authority when there is an actual drawdown on the bond/trust fund below the $75,000 minimum 

as required by Congress, or when the broker/freight forwarder does not respond after the surety/trust fund provider 

provides notice of a valid claim, such as from a trucking company. The advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) 

is part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). MAP-21 raised the financial security amount 

for brokers to $75,000 and, for the first time, established financial security requirements for freight forwarders. 

Eight separate areas are covered under the rulemaking: (1) Group surety bonds/trust funds; (2) assets readily available; 

(3) immediate suspension of broker/freight forwarder operating authority; (4) surety or trust responsibilities in cases of 

broker/freight forwarder financial failure or insolvency; (5) enforcement authority; (6) entities eligible to provide trust 

funds from form BMC-85 trust fund filings; (7) Form BMC-84 and BMC-85 trust fund revisions; and (8) household goods. 

Documents, as well as comments and data are requested by November 26, 2018, may be viewed in Docket No. FMCSA2016-0102.

Customers Using Port Drayage Trucking in California to Share Legal Responsibility and Liability

On September 22, 2018, California Senate Bill No. 1402 became law, providing joint legal responsibility and liability for 

unsatisfied judgments against port drayage motor carriers for unpaid wages, damages, unreimbursed expenses, and 

penalties with customers that use port drayage motor carriers. The law applies in cases where the customer received 

advance notice of a port drayage trucking company’s record of unsatisfied judgments for labor law violations, including 

misclassification of drivers as independent contractors. Customers and port drayage motor carriers are prohibited from 

taking any adverse action against drivers, who provide notification of violations or file a claim or civil action. The Labor 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 7

Commissioner and the Employment Development Department will adopt necessary regulations and rules to administer and enforce the law, effective January 1, 2019.

Comments Available Concerning Revising the Hours-of-Service Regulations for Drivers

On September 20, 2018, FMCSA extended the comment period on revising the current hours-of-service (HOS) 

regulations for interstate truck drivers, to October 10, 2018. FMCSA initiated the ANPRM on August 23, 2018, in 

response to widespread Congressional, industry, and citizen concerns about HOS regulations, and is seeking answers to determine if HOS revisions may alleviate unnecessary burdens placed on drivers, while maintaining safety on our nation’s highways and roads. According to FMCSA, the congressionally mandated electronic logging device (ELD) rule, which required most FMCSA-regulated motor carriers to convert their records from paper to an 

electronic format, brought focus to HOS regulations. Those regulations having a significant impact on agriculture 

and other sectors of trucking are of particular interest for review. 

In support of the rulemaking, FMCSA scheduled five public listening sessions in 2018: Dallas, Texas on Friday, 

August 24; Reno, Nevada on Saturday, September 22; Joplin, Missouri on Friday, September 28; Orlando, Florida 

on Tuesday, October 2; and Washington, DC on Wednesday, October 10. Recorded live streams and transcripts of 

the listening sessions; answers to FMCSA questions; documents and comments are available, in Docket No. 

FMCSA-2018-0248.

The four specific areas under consideration for revision by FMCSA are:

• Expanding the current 100 air-mile “short-haul” exemption, from 12 hours on-duty to 14 hours on-duty, to be 

consistent with the rules for long-haul truck drivers;

• Extending the current 14-hour on-duty limitation, by up to two hours, when a truck driver encounters adverse driving conditions;

• Revising the current mandatory 30-minute break for truck drivers after 8-hours of continuous driving; and

• Reinstating the option for splitting up the required 10-hour off-duty rest break for drivers operating trucks 

that are equipped with a sleeper-berth compartment.

FMCSA also asked for data and answers to questions on two petitions requesting regulatory relief. The first petition pertaining to the 14-hour on-duty limitation, was filed by the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). OOIDA would like all drivers to be able to pause the consecutive 14-hour on-duty time, by up to 3 

consecutive off-duty hours. According to OOIDA’s petition, drivers would still take at least 10 hours off-duty before starting a new 14-hour on-duty period. 

The second petition, pertaining to the 10-hour off-duty requirement, was filed by TruckerNation.org. TruckerNation.org would like all drivers to be able to split the consecutive 10-hour off-duty requirement, with a minimum of 

3 consecutive off-duty hours, to equal 10 hours off-duty. 

With the off-duty flexibility requested in each petition, OOIDA and TruckerNation.org want FMCSA to eliminate 

the 30-minute off-duty rest break requirement, which currently applies if more than 8 hours have passed since 

the end of the driver’s last off-duty or sleeper-berth period of at least 30 minutes. 

With regard to what is under consideration in the HOS rulemaking and advocated in the two petitions, on August 

28, 2018, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released an analysis on the potential benefits of 

allowing flexibility for drivers to take off-duty breaks. “ATRI utilized empirical truck GPS data to model the application of split rest beyond the current 8- and 2-hour increments allowed under the existing HOS rules. Through this 

analysis it was found that drivers could spend less time and money, driving the same distances behind the 

wheel,” by going off-duty for short periods of time instead of continuing to drive during periods of highway congestion.
Page 8 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Comments Available on “Improving Motor Carrier Safety Measurement”

On August 21, 2018, FMCSA requested comments, by October 22, on 3 of the 6 recommendations presented in the 

summary of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, ‘‘Improving Motor Carrier Safety Measurement.’’ Documents and comments are available in Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0226.

The NAS report was commissioned by FMCSA, under Section 5221, Correlation Study, of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. FMCSA developed a corrective action plan for Congress and the U.S. Department of 

Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG) on June 25; withdrew proposed enhancements to the 

Safety Measurement System (SMS) on July 16; and held a public meeting on August 29. SMS is FMCSA's algorithm 

for identifying patterns of non-compliance and prioritizing motor carriers for interventions. FMCSA is prohibited 

from publishing SMS percentiles and alerts on the SMS website, for motor carriers transporting property, until the 

NAS study is complete and all reporting and certification requirements under the FAST Act are satisfied. FMCSA’s 

corrective action plan includes solicitation of input from the public for NAS recommendations number 2, 3, and 4 

that are the subject of this rulemaking:

• NAS Recommendation 2: FMCSA should continue to collaborate with States, and other agencies, to improve 

the quality of the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) data in SMS, with immediate 

attention to carrier exposure and crash data; 

• NAS Recommendation 3: FMCSA should investigate ways of collecting data that will likely benefit the recommended methodology for safety assessment. This includes data on carrier characteristics—such as information on driver turnover rate, type of cargo, method and level of compensation, and better information on 

exposure; and 

• NAS Recommendation 4: FMCSA should structure a user-friendly version of the MCMIS data file used as input 

to SMS, without any personally identifiable information, to facilitate its use by external parties, such as researchers and carriers.

NAS recommendations number 1, 5, and 6, while not a part of this rulemaking, are included in FMCSA’s corrective 

action plan:

• NAS Recommendation 1: FMCSA should develop the suggested item response theory (IRT) model over the 

next 2 years. If it is then demonstrated to perform well in identifying motor carriers for alerts, FMCSA should 

use it to replace SMS in a manner akin to the way SMS replaced SafeStat;

• NAS Recommendation 5: FMCSA should undertake a study to better understand the statistical operating characteristics of the percentile ranks to support decisions regarding the usability of public scores; and

• NAS Recommendation 6: Given that there are good reasons for both an absolute and a relative metric on 

safety performance, FMCSA should decide on the carriers that receive SMS alerts using both the SMS percentile ranks and the SMS measures, and the percentile ranks should be computed both conditionally within safety event groups and over all motor carriers.

Fees for the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement to be Reduced

On August 21, 2018, FMCSA requested comments on reductions in the annual registration fees States collect from 

motor carriers, motor private carriers of property, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies, for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan and Agreement for the 2019, 2020, and subsequent registration years. The 

proposed fees for the 2019 registration year would be reduced below the 2017 registration fee level, which was in 

effect, by approximately 17.59 percent to ensure that fee revenues do not exceed the statutory maximum, and to 

account for the excess funds held in the depository. The proposed fees for the 2020 registration year would be 

reduced below the 2017 level by approximately 9.5 percent. The reduction of the current 2019 registration year 

fees (finalized on January 5, 2018) would range from approximately $10 to $9,530 per entity, depending on the 

number of vehicles owned or operated by the affected entities. The reduction in fees, for subsequent registration 

years, would range from approximately $4 to $3,565 per entity. Documents and comments are available in Docket 

No. FMCSA-2018-0068.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 9

2018 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics Available

On August 18, 2018, FMCSA published the 2018 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics. This guide highlights FMCSA’s role in enforcement and in collecting and analyzing crash data and statistics to support its mission 

to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. Sections include: Motor Carrier Management 

Information System; large trucks and buses overview; roadside inspections and violations; investigations; crashes; 

data quality; grant programs; and agency resources. 

American Transportation Research Institute Crash Predictor Model Updated

On July 31, 2018, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released an updated Crash Predictor 

Model, “which statistically quantifies the likelihood of future crash involvement based on specific truck driving 

behaviors (e.g. prior crashes, violations and convictions).” ATRI highlighted several key findings in their press release:

• The top two behaviors for predicting future crash involvement, each with more than 100 percent increased 

likelihood of a future crash, are a reckless driving violation and a failure to yield right of way violation.

• Prior crash involvement continues to have a statistically significant relationship to future crash involvement 

with a 74 percent increase of the likelihood of being in a future crash.

• Women truck drivers were safer than male counterparts, in every statistically significant safety behavior, and 

men were 20 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than women. Several stable behaviors have 

emerged, across all three ATRI Crash Predictor Models (2005, 2011 and 2018), as statistically significant predictors of future crash involvement; including convictions for improper lane/location, reckless/careless/

inattentive/negligent driving, and improper or erratic lane change.

Small Business in Transportation Coalition Request for Exemption from ELD Requirements

On July 9, 2018, FMCSA extended the comment period to July 16, 2018 on the Small Business in Transportation 

Coalition (SBTC) request for an exemption from the ELD requirements, for all motor carriers with fewer than 50 

employees. This includes, but is not limited to, one-person private and for-hire owner-operators of commercial 

motor vehicles used in interstate commerce. Documents and comments are available in Docket No. FMCSA-2018

-0180.

Update on Pilot for 18-21-Year-Old Ex-Military Drivers to Operate Vehicles in Interstate Commerce

On July 6, 2018, FMCSA published the details and FMCSA’ responses to comments on the 3-year pilot program to 

allow a limited number of individuals, ages 18 to 20, to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate 

commerce, if they received specified heavy-vehicle driver training while in military service and were hired by a 

participating motor carrier. In a separate July 6, 2018, notice, FMCSA asked for comments on the information to 

be collected during the pilot program. “This program will allow our Veterans and Reservists, to translate their 

extensive training into good-paying jobs, operating commercial vehicles safely across the country, while also addressing the nationwide driver shortage,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. Documents and 

comments are available in Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0196 for the information collection, and Docket No. FMCSA2016-0069 for the pilot program.

Highway Freight Conditions and Performance Report Provided to Congress 

On July 6, 2018, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued the first ever Highway Freight Conditions and 

Performance Report on the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN). The report uses data from FHWA’s Freight 

Performance Measurement program to analyze the impacts of congestion and determine the operational capacity and efficiency of key freight routes throughout the United States. The latest data show the National Highway 

System is handling a record amount of freight, with trucks moving nearly 60 percent of the nation’s total freight 

volume (representing 30 million tons), and close to 70 percent of total freight value (representing about $34 billion), each year. The highway system remains the most used mode of transport for freight by tonnage and value 

of goods moved.
Page 10 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

United States Transportation Alliance Files Petition with FMCSA

On July 3, 2018, FMCSA received a petition from the United States Transportation Alliance (USTA), which proposes revisions to hours of service and other rules. USTA proposes a 14/8/2 plan for a driver’s work week of 80 

hours in 7 days, with 14 flexible daily hours each day for work or driving; 8 flexible hours for sleeper berth; and 2 

hours for personal use. Time spent loading and unloading would be subtracted from the 14 hours and all remaining hours could be used for driving. The 8-hour sleeper berth time could be split in combinations of 2 hours and 6 

hours, 3 hours and 5 hours, and a full 8 hours sleeper time for single drivers and split sleeper berth every 6 hours, 

with a 4-hour minimum, for team drivers. The work week could be reset after 24 hours off-duty. Empty trucks 

could be used as personal conveyance to the driver’s residence or company terminal. Loaded trucks could be 

used as a personal conveyance to safe parking within a 75 air-mile radius from the last shipper or receiver. The 

agricultural exemption would apply to a 250-mile radius of the source and to a 200-mile radius of the destination, with total time in one day not to exceed 18 hours.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 11

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)

4.32

2.96

2.45

1.06

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

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

2016 2017 2018

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

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

2018 2.64 2.96

2017 1.86 2.40 2.52 2.55 2.33

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 April May June January February March

Arizona 2.90 n/a n/a 3.62 2.88 2.69

California 2.97 2.99 3.71 3.35 2.81 2.70

Florida 2.63 3.16 2.89 2.49 2.74 2.56

Great Lakes 3.62 3.56 3.39 3.62 3.62 3.59

New York 2.97 3.23 3.44 2.99 3.02 2.87

Other 2.92 3.04 3.46 3.02 2.86 2.82

Mexico - Arizona 2.83 2.83 2.83 3.28 2.71 2.67

Mexico - Texas 2.77 2.66 2.69 3.29 2.71 2.77

PNW 2.17 2.12 2.02 2.65 2.24 2.18

Southeast 3.81 3.76 4.32 3.76 3.87 3.87

Texas n/a 3.12 3.75 n/a n/a n/a

2nd Qtr 2018 1st Qtr 2018

Source: Agricultural M arketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, M arket 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 12 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 2nd Quarter 2018 ($/Mile)

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

Arizona 2.62 2.60 2.59 2.56 2.90 n/a 2.69 2.63 2.60 n/a

California 2.89 2.90 2.86 2.83 3.00 4.73 2.88 2.90 2.91 3.31

Florida 2.70 2.88 2.89 2.38 n/a n/a 2.79 3.29 2.92 n/a

Great Lake 3.30 3.57 3.70 4.03 3.12 n/a 3.09 3.69 3.79 n/a

Mexico-Arizona n/a n/a n/a 2.49 3.19 3.24 2.73 2.94 2.97 n/a

Mexico-Texas 3.36 3.20 3.09 2.90 3.45 2.28 3.02 3.18 3.14 2.79

New York 3.15 5.15 11.18 n/a n/a n/a 2.50 12.09 7.71 n/a

Other 2.77 2.70 2.76 2.76 3.71 1.92 2.44 3.18 2.72 n/a

PNW 2.26 2.41 2.43 2.35 2.20 2.11 2.25 2.48 2.44 7.72

Southeast 5.88 4.73 3.91 3.42 n/a n/a 3.57 4.86 4.82 n/a

Texas 3.76 3.40 3.28 3.15 4.12 2.34 3.29 3.41 3.35 2.88

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

Note: "n/a" indicates rates not available

Destination Origin

Table 4: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 2nd Quarter 2018 ($/Truck)

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

Arizona 5,500 6,750 7,500 5,200 3,775 n/a 7,000 7,100 6,900 n/a

California 6,480 7,898 8,760 5,983 4,444 1,050 8,125 8,266 8,098 3,490

Florida 1,368 2,765 3,994 3,055 n/a n/a 669 3,791 3,179 n/a

Great Lake 3,474 4,038 4,347 1,440 3,457 n/a 5,279 4,497 3,847 n/a

Mexico-Arizona n/a n/a n/a 4,473 3,123 1,815 6,204 7,350 7,135 n/a

Mexico-Texas 3,869 5,719 6,800 4,150 1,727 3,642 4,623 6,362 5,962 6,685

New York 3,150 1,700 1,900 n/a n/a n/a 3,625 1,813 1,773 n/a

Other 2,734 4,250 4,132 2,395 2,038 2,118 4,810 4,626 3,966 n/a

PNW 5,015 5,826 6,670 4,197 4,021 2,158 6,485 6,339 6,142 1,081

Southeast 1,555 2,410 3,679 2,912 n/a n/a 2,264 3,186 2,695 n/a

Texas 3,989 5,856 6,961 4,278 1,772 3,550 4,806 6,478 6,089 6,683

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

Note: "n/a" indicates rates not available

Origin Destination
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 13

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: 2nd Quarter 2018 Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types - $/Gallon)

Last Quarter Same Qtr Last Year

East Coast 3.20 0.14 0.61

 New England 3.24 0.12 0.62

 Central Atlantic 3.36 0.11 0.62

 Lower Atlantic 3.08 0.17 0.60

Midwest 3.13 0.17 0.65

Gulf Coast 2.98 0.17 0.58

Rocky Mountain 3.26 0.31 0.62

West Coast 3.69 0.28 0.86

 California 3.90 0.24 1.17

U.S. 3.20 0.18 0.65

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

2.07

2.30

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.55

2.63

2.87

3.02

3.20

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

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

2016 2017 2018

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are up 6% 

from last quarter and up

25% from the same quarter 

last year
Page 14 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

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

vegetable movements.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and Truck Rates

Table 6: Average Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

Diesel Diesel Truck 

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 2.87 2.55 9 % 16% 25%

2018 Q1 3.02 2.64 5 % 18% 42%

Q2 3.20 2.96 6 % 25% 23%

Q3

Q4

Sources:

4 %

-17%

Truck 

% Change From:

Last Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

-6%

1 %

-9%

29%

5 %

Diesel 

Fuel 

($/gallon)

Truck Rates 

($/mile) 

501-1500 

miles

6 %

5 %

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

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

12%

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

3.5

$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

2016 2017 2018

$/Mile

$/Gallon

Diesel Fuel 0-500 miles 501-1500 miles

1501-2500 miles 2500+ miles
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 15

2nd Quarter 2018 Comparison Analysis

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.20 per gallon this quarter, 6 percent higher than last quarter and 25 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Average truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 

miles were $2.96 per mile, 12 percent higher than the previous quarter and 23 percent higher than the 

same quarter last year.
Page 16 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Table 7: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability, 2nd Quarter 2018

Quarterly Truck Availability

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL, AND WESTERN ARIZONA 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24 5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

Central San Joaquin Valley, 

California

Broccoli, Iceberg Lettuce, Leaf Lettuce, 

Lettuce Romaine

4 4 3 3

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella 

Valleys, California And Central And 

Western Arizona

Broccoli, Iceberg Lettuce, Leaf Lettuce, 

Lettuce Romaine, Cauliflower, Leaf 

Lettuce, Bell Peppers

4 4

Kern District, California Carrots, Potatoes 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4

Oxnard District, California

Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce Romaine, 

Cabbage, Celery, Cilantro, Kale, 

Strawberries, Parsley

4 4 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4

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

Lettuce Romaine, Cauliflower 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4

Santa Maria, California Broccoli, Iceberg Lettuce, Leaf Lettuce, 

Cauliflower, Celery, Strawberries 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4

South District California Avocados, Citrus 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 4 3

Imperial, Coachella & Palo Verde 

Valleys California

Bell Peppers, Corn, Cantaloupes, 

Watermelons, Honeydews, Grapes 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4

Central And Southern San Joaquin 

Valley California Peaches, Nectarines, Plums 4 3

San Joaquin Valley, California Onions 4

FLORIDA 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24 5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

Central & South Florida Berries, Mixed Vegetables, Tomatoes, 

Melons 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4

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

South Florida Melons 3 3 3 3 3 4

GREAT LAKE (MI & WI) 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24 5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

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

MEXICO BORDER CROSSINGS 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24 5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, 

Arizona

Mixed Vegetables, Cucumber, 

Honeydew, Squash, Tomato, 

Watermelon, Vegetables, Tomato 

Squash Cucumber Mango Honeydew 

Watermelon Mixed Fruits

3 5 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 4 3

Mexico Crossings Through Texas

Broccoli, Carrots, Tomatoes, Limes, 

Mangoes, Mixed Fruits, Vegetables, 

Limes Mangoes Watermelons Onions 

Tomatoes Broccoli Mixed Fruits, Limes 

Mangoes Onions Tomatoes Broccoli 

Mixed Fruits

4 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 4 5 5 3 2

PACIFIC NORTHWEST (ID, OR, & WA) 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24 5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

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

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon Onions 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 4 4

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington Apples, Pears, Cherries. 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4

SOUTHEAST (GA, SC, & NC) 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24 5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

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

Vidalia District Georgia Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4

South Georgia

Cabbage, Melons, Cucumber, Squash, 

Corn, Beans, Bell Pepper, Greens, 

Peaches, Eggplant, Peppers

3 3 4 4 4 4

South Carolina Tomatoes, Melons 4 5 5

TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA 4/3 4/10 4/17 4/24 5/1 5/8 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26

Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas Onions, Watermelons 4 4 4 5 4 5 5 3 2

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 Fruit and Vegetable Truck Rate Report, Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Market News Division

Week Ending1

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

Truck Availability

Surplus - 1 Slight Surplus - 2
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 17

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

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

2015 2016 2017 2018

(1,000 Tons)

2nd quarter 2018 U.S. shipments increased 21% 

compared to the previous quarter, and increased 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

2018 7,988 9,648 17,636

2017 8,017 9,518 8,334 7,722 33,592

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

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division
Page 18 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

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

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities

Table 9: Reported Top 10 Commodity Shipments for 2nd Quarter 2018 (1,000 Tons)

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Watermelons, Seedless 1,103 70 1,134 1466% -3%

Potatoes 1,070 1,118 1,174 -4% -9%

Apples 767 914 740 -16% 4%

Onions Dry 669 540 691 24% -3%

Strawberries 420 260 372 61% 13%

Tomatoes 373 432 407 -14% -8%

Lettuce, Iceberg 356 294 326 21% 9%

Avocados 344 296 252 16% 36%

Corn-Sweet 335 120 350 180% -4%

Lettuce, Romaine 274 291 263 -6% 4%

Current Quarter as % change from: Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2018

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 19

Regional Markets

California

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Strawberries 404 18% 55 361 640% 12%

Lettuce, Iceberg 327 15% 43 292 658% 12%

Lettuce, Romaine 250 11% 49 238 413% 5%

Celery 162 7% 109 144 49% 13%

Onions Dry 106 5% 5 113 2143% -6%

Top 5 Total 1,249 56% 260 1,148 381% 9%

California Total 2,235 100% 589 2,128 280% 5%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2018

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

$4.73

$3.19

$2.87

$2.89

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2

2016 2017 2018

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

distance traveled
Page 20 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Figure 7: 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 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the second quarter of 2018 were 2.24 

million tons, a 5 percent increase from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 9 percent 

from the previous year, with strawberries shipments rising to the top followed by iceberg and romaine lettuces, celery, and 

dry onions. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $3.19 per mile, 7 percent higher 

than the previous quarter, and 12 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.90 per gallon, 7 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 34 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Average truck availability in California districts progressed from adequate to shortage throughout the quarter. Shippers reported a slight shortage during the first 2 weeks of April, then adequate availability 

through the end of the month. Beginning in May most shippers report either a slight shortage or shortage through the end 

of June. 

Figure 6: California Truck Overview

April May June 2nd Quarter

Central And Southern San Joaquin Valley California n/a n/a 3.50 3.50

Central San Joaquin Valley California 3.50 n/a n/a 3.50

Imperial, Palo Verde, And Coachella Valleys 4.00 n/a n/a 4.00

Kern District California 3.50 4.00 4.50 4.00

Oxnard District California 3.50 4.00 4.50 4.00

Salinas-Watsonville California 3.50 4.00 4.50 4.00

San Joaquin Valley California n/a n/a 4.00 4.00

Santa Maria California 3.50 4.00 4.50 4.00

South District California 3.25 3.40 4.39 3.68

Imperial, Coachella & Palo Verde Valleys California 3.00 4.00 4.50 3.83

Regional Average Availability 3.47 3.90 4.30 3.89

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.77 3.94 3.98 3.90

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 Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 21

Pacific Northwest (PNW)

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 707 46% 806 680 -12% 4%

Potatoes 539 35% 554 558 -3% -3%

Onions Dry 137 9% 335 181 -59% -25%

Cherries 86 6% 0 55 - 55%

Pears 69 4% 119 70 -42% -1%

Top 5 Total 1,538 99% 1,814 1,544 -15% 0%

PNW Total 1,551 100% 1,814 1,554 -14% 0%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2018

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

$7.72

$2.11

$2.29

$2.44

$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

2016 2017 2018

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

distance traveled
Page 22 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

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

quarter of 2018 were 1.55 million tons, a decrease of 0.2 percent from the same quarter last year. Increases in apples, 

the top commodity, as well as cherries were offset by decreases in potatoes, dry onions, and pears. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.11 per mile, 11 percent 

lower than the previous quarter but 19 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.42 per gallon, 11 percent higher than last quarter, and 25 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Shippers across the PNW reported adequate conditions for truck availability 

each week from April through May, however, availability slipped to a slight shortage in June. 

Figure 9: PNW Truck Overview

April May June 2nd Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 3.00 3.00 3.50 3.17

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 3.00 3.00 n/a 3.00

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 3.00 3.00 3.50 3.17

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3.00 3.00 4.00 3.33

Regional Average Availability 3.00 3.00 3.67 3.22

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.30 3.48 3.48 3.42

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

Figure 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for PNW 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 23

Mexico Border Crossings 

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Watermelons, Seedless 317 11% 69 295 358% 7%

Avocados 250 9% 272 185 -8% 35%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 193 7% 209 188 -8% 3%

Cucumbers 182 6% 259 164 -30% 11%

Tomatoes 181 6% 276 199 -35% -9%

Top 5 Total 1,122 39% 1,085 1,031 3% 9%

Mexico Total 2,852 100% 3,040 2,756 -6% 3%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2018

Share of 

Mexico-Tot 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Figure 11: Mexico Truck Overview

April May June 2nd Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.50 4.60 4.00 4.03

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3.25 4.20 3.75 3.73

Regional Average Availability 3.38 4.40 3.88 3.88

Diesel Fuel Price, through Arizona($/gallon) 3.30 3.48 3.48 3.42

Diesel Fuel Price, through Texas ($/gallon) 2.90 3.02 3.02 2.98

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

Avocados 244 Onions Green 46 Watermelons, Seedless 317

Limes 141 Misc Tropical 44 Grapes 142

Mangoes 114 Peppers, Other 30 Cucumbers 104

Tomatoes 102 Tomatoes, Plum Type 28 Squash 92

Tomatoes, Plum Type 80 Cucumbers 20 Tomatoes, Plum Type 86

Top 5 Total 621 Top 5 Total 202 Top 5 Total 405

Mexico-TX Total 1,302 Mexico-CA 371 Mexico-AZ 1,144

Texas California Arizona

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

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division 
Page 24 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Figure 12: Mexico Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$3.45

$3.17

$2.87

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2

2016 2017 2018

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

distance traveled

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

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

$3.45

$3.13

$2.96

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2

2016 2017 2018

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

distance traveled
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 25

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico during the second quarter of 2018 were 2.85 million 

tons, 3 percent more than the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 9 percent from last year 

with increases in watermelons, avocados, plum tomatoes, and cucumbers, offsetting decreases in tomatoes. 

Rates: Truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $3.13 per mile, up 6 

percent from the previous quarter, and 42 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Rates for shipments between 501 

and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border crossings averaged $3.21 per mile, up 10 percent from last quarter, and 39 percent 

higher than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged $2.98 per gallon, 6 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 24 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.42 per gallon, 11 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 25 percent higher than the same period last year. 

Reported truck availability during April was generally adequate except for a slight shortage reported during the first week in 

April through Texas border crossings and a shortage reported during the second week of April through Arizona crossings. In 

May shippers reported persistent slight shortages and shortages until the end of June when reported availability eased to 

adequate and even a slight surplus through Texas crossings. 

Figure 15: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Mexico 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

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

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

$3.21

$2.78

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2

2016 2017 2018

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

distance traveled

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division 
Page 26 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Southeast

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Southeast during the second quarter of 2018 were 697 

thousand tons, a 20 percent decrease from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities also decreased 27 

percent from the same quarter last year, led by decreases for seedless watermelon, dry onions, cucumbers. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $4.03 per mile, 24 percent higher than 

last quarter.

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.08 per gallon, 6 percent higher than the previous quarter and 24 percent higher than the same period last year. Sweet potato shippers in Eastern North Carolina reported slight shortage or shortage truck

availability conditions in Eastern North Carolina throughout the quarter. Onion shippers in the Vidalia District of Georgia reported adequate conditions from late April through early June but ended June with slight shortage conditions. Shippers in 

South Carolina and South Georgia reported slight shortage and shortage conditions in June. 

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Watermelons, Seedless 158 23% 0 289 - -45%

Corn-Sweet 110 16% 0 119 - -8%

Onions Dry 84 12% 0 104 - -19%

Sweet Potatoes 83 12% 100 87 -17% -5%

Cucumbers 32 5% 0 38 - -16%

Top 5 Total 466 67% 100 637 368% -27%

Southeast Total 697 100% 131 875 433% -20%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2018

Share of 

Southeast 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Figure 16: Southeast Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$5.32

$4.03

$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

2016 2017 2018

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

distance traveled
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 27

Figure 17: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Southeast 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Figure 18: Southeast Truck Overview

April May June 2nd Quarter

Eastern North Carolina 4.25 4.80 5.00 4.68

South Carolina n/a n/a 4.67 4.67

South Georgia n/a 3.50 4.00 3.75

Vidalia District Georgia 3.00 3.00 3.50 3.17

Regional Average Availability 4.25 4.80 4.83 4.63

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.99 3.13 3.13 3.08

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

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division 
Page 28 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

Florida

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida during the second quarter of 2018 were 

1.03 million tons, up 4 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 6 

percent with increases in seedless watermelons and sweet corn outweighing small decreases in tomatoes, potatoes, and seeded watermelons. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.91 per mile, 12 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 21 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.08 per gallon, 6 percent higher than last quarter, and 24 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Potato shippers in Florida reported adequate truck availability throughout 

the quarter, melon shippers in South Florida reported adequate conditions until the first week in May brought a 

slight shortage. Shippers in Central and South Florida reported adequate conditions for 2 weeks in April, then 

slight shortage and shortage conditions persisted into June. Table 15: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Florida (1,000 tons)

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Watermelons, Seedless 357 35% 1 319 - 12%

Corn-Sweet 145 14% 75 139 93% 5%

Tomatoes 144 14% 140 144 2% 0%

Potatoes 83 8% - 83 - 0%

Watermelons, Seeded 42 4% 0 42 - -2%

Top 5 Total 771 75% 217 728 255% 6%

Florida Total 1,027 100% 718 984 43% 4%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 2nd Quarter 

2018

Share of 

Florida Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Figure 19: Florida Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$2.80

$2.91

$2.39

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

1 2 4 1 2 4 1 2

2016 2017 2018

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

distance traveled
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 29

Figure 21: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Florida

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Figure 20: Florida Truck Overview

April May June 2nd Quarter

Central & South Florida 3.75 4.80 4.00 4.18

Florida 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

South Florida 3.00 3.27 n/a 3.13

North & West Florida n/a n/a 4.67 4.67

Regional Average Availability 3.25 3.69 3.89 3.61

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.99 3.13 3.13 3.08

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 Florida.

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

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division 
Page 30 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 2nd Quarter, 2018

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 2nd Quarter, 2018 Page 31

Adam Sparger, Coordinator

Adam.Sparger@ams.usda.gov, 202.205.8701

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

April.Taylor@ams.usda.gov, 202.295.7374 

Brian McGregor, Regulatory News/Updates Brian.

McGregor@ams.usda.gov, 202.720.0035 

Pierre Bahizi, U.S. Truck Rates and Shipments 

Pierre.Bahizi@ams.usda.gov, 202.690.0992 

Jesse Gastelle, Truck Availability 

Jesse.Gastelle@ams.usda.gov, 202.690.1144 

Patty Willkie, Specialty Crops Program and Market News Division Data 

Patty.Willkie@ams.usda.gov, 202.720.2175 

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

Refrigerated Truck Quarterly Datasets

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

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

For assistance with accessibility issues related to this document, please e-mail Jessica.Ladd@ams.usda.gov. 

Preferred Citation 

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

October 2018. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.10-2018>

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