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

 Arizona

A quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

www.ams.usda.gov/RTQ

4th Quarter, 2017

October—December

 Great Lakes

 Pacific Northwest

Feature Article

Refrigerated Truck Rates Reach Historic Highs

Over the last several years, the combination of overall economic growth and 

ongoing driver shortages has contributed to diminishing capacity in the 

trucking industry. This situation peaked at the end of 2017 and beginning of 

2018, as additional factors contributed to record high truck rates and widespread shortages across the trucking industry. Spot rates for some refrigerated trucks reached 40-year highs, as reported by USDA’s Specialty Crops 

Market News division. This article provides background and context to shed 

light on the various factors contributing to these record high rates. 

Background: Supply and Demand

Economic growth increases the demand for truck services in one of two 

ways: either as a primary mode of transportation, or as the critical link in the 

first-mile/last-mile segment of the supply chain. American Trucking Associations (ATA) data shows that since 2013, as the economy has continued to 

improve, quarterly truck tonnage has been steadily increasing.1Furthermore, ATA indicates trucking activity is a barometer of the U.S. economy, 

representing 70.6 percent of domestic freight tonnage carried.2Thus, as the 

economy grows, so does demand for truck service. The ATA’s Monthly Truck 

Tonnage Report in February shows that fourth quarter tonnage in 2017 was 

up 3.7 percent from the previous quarter and 8.1 percent from the previous 

year. As a whole, 2017 tonnage was up 3.8 percent from 2016 – the largest 

annual increase since 2013. The growth in trucking activity corresponds with 

overall U.S. economic growth, which has increased annually by about 2.2 

percent since 2010.3

1

The ATA’s truck tonnage is based on a survey of all intercity freight moved by large, 

small, and less-than-truckload motor carriers. This would include flatbed, dry van, and 

reefer tonnage.

2 American Trucking Associations. Advance Truck Tonnage News Release. January 23, 

2018.

3 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis: Annual percent change 

in real gross domestic product
Page 2 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

According to USDA Market News data, a similar trend shows reported shipments of refrigerated 

fruit and vegetables have been increasing steadily since 2000. At 7.72 million tons, reported shipments of refrigerated fruit and vegetables, in the fourth quarter of 2017, were the third highest 

on record for any fourth quarter; behind 2016 at 8.05 million tons and 2011 at 7.99 million tons. 

As a whole, the reported annual tonnage for 2017 was the highest on record at 33.6 million tons, 

a 0.5 percent increase from 33.4 million tons reported in 2016.

The ongoing driver shortage issue continues to strain truck availability, even as demand for trucking services continues to grow. The results of the American Transportation Research Institute’s 

(ATRI) annual survey, Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry – 2017, ranked the perennial driver 

shortage issue as the top issue facing the industry for the first time since 2006. Low driver wages, 

regulatory concerns, long periods away from home, attractive wages in competing industries such 

as construction or oil production, and other issues have kept potential candidates from applying 

to open positions. The ATA estimated the driver shortfall of 48,000 in 2015 could grow to 175,000 

by 2025, if the trend continues.4

The amount of U.S. economic growth has outpaced the gains in the number of truck driver jobs 

added over the last seven years, despite the number of truck drivers fully recovering to its prerecessional level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the trucking industry has recovered the 

roughly 400,000 jobs lost following the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009, an increase of 11 

percent.5In contrast, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports U.S. gross domestic product has 

grown 19 percent, in real terms, from the bottom of the economic downturn in 2009.6The difference in growth rates underscores the current driver shortage situation. Some economic growth 

can provide additional revenue opportunities for existing drivers so long as there is excess capacity. However, in theory, additional drivers are needed to prevent economic growth from slowing 

once demand for trucking services exceeds the capacity of drivers to supply additional service. In 

such circumstances without additional drivers, truck rates will escalate, and truck shortages will 

occur in many areas.

4 Costello, Bob and Rod Suarez. “Truck Driver Shortage Analysis 2015”. American Trucking Associations. October 

2015.

5 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey; 

6 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis: National Data, Gross Domestic Product.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 3

Contributing Factors

High diesel fuel prices, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and the December compliance deadline on 

electronic logging devices (ELD) contributed to the underlying supply and demand issues, resulting 

in record high rates and widespread capacity shortages at the end of 2017. The refrigerated truck 

market was heavily impacted as well. While some situations only impact certain market segments, 

others impact the industry as a whole. The interrelationship between truck markets spans different 

geographic regions and covers specialized equipment, such as flatbed, dry van, reefer, or tank

er. As drivers attempt to avoid empty backhauls, this can mean, for example, dry freight being 

moved in reefers on backhaul segments. Similarly, some drivers may operate in different regions or 

on different equipment if demand is high. Thus, large enough situational changes can impact the 

truck industry across regions and equipment types.

Higher diesel prices contribute to higher truck rates, and diesel prices have been gradually increasing since early 2016. At the end of November 2017, the national average diesel price hit a two year 

high–$2.93–and has remained in that range. ATRI estimated fuel costs were 21 percent of the total 

average marginal cost for operating a truck in 2016–the second largest component after driver wages, at 33 percent.7 However, fuel costs will likely have an even greater impact on truck costs in 2018. 

Based on 2014 data, when diesel prices were last above $3.00, ATRI estimated fuel costs were 34 

percent of truck costs—the largest component of truck operational costs, followed by driver wages 

at 27 percent.

Transportation disruptions in Houston can widely impact transportation patterns across the country 

because of the city’s strategic importance as a freight hub for trucking activity (due to the oil and 

gas industries), and also as one of the top markets for refrigerated freight. According to DAT Trendlines, spot market volumes hit an all-time high on the top 100 truck lanes for dry-van loads, due to 

supply chain disruptions caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.8This was compounded by an increase in fuel costs due to disruptions in Houston’s oil and gas industries, which temporarily took 

many area refineries offline. Truckload capacity remained tight, and prices stayed elevated, even 

after the initial spikes in rates caused by the storms.

The implementation of ELDs has further constrained capacity through a combination of uncertainty 

in their implementation and strict compliance with the Department of Transportation’s Federal Mo7 Sullivan, Matt. “Spot Market Van Volume Hits Record-Breaking High”. DAT Blog. September 26, 2017.

8 With the exception of a 90-day compliance waiver for drivers of livestock and agricultural commodities as well as 

other temporary case-by-case waivers granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Page 4 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

tor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers regulation. As of December 

18, 2017, nearly all commercial motor vehicle operators, who are required to keep a Record of 

Duty to meet HOS regulation, are also required to use an ELD.9The mandate includes drayage 

movements, which typically are relatively short distance movements with long amounts of time 

spent waiting at terminals. Time spent waiting in terminals, traffic, or customers’ facilities 

counts against drivers’ hours of service. Some movements now require an additional driver, or 

an additional truck haul segment, if a delay exceeds the driver’s HOS; this violation will be recorded by the ELD.

DAT Trendlines reported the ELD mandate has been disruptive for many carriers. Shippers and 

brokers have had a harder time finding trucks and are paying more in most major markets.10

Rates peaked in almost every market, except Chicago and a couple of California locations. Demand for reefer trucks was especially high, with volumes up in big produce markets in California, 

Texas, and Florida.

Impacts on Refrigerated Shipments of Fruit and Vegetables

USDA’s Specialty Crops Market News Truck Rate Report reflected a steady increase in truck rates 

and a decrease in truck availability for fresh fruit and vegetables during the 4th quarter of 2017. 

After the December 18th ELD deadline, the majority of districts reported a switch from having 

adequate truck capacity to a slight shortage, and reported truck rates increased from many districts across California, Florida, and at U.S.-Mexico border crossings. In addition, the average 

rates during the 4th quarter of 2017, on many origin-destination routes, set either all-time quarterly records or 4th-quarter only records. 

Market News reported in the January 10, 2018, Truck Rate Report that truck rates in many reporting districts crossed the $10,000 range, requiring a change to the Market News data entry 

system to accommodate a fifth digit. When the system was implemented 40 years ago, it only 

allowed rates as high as $9,999. January rates to Miami from Idaho and Oregon were $10,200 

per truck, up from $6,800 the previous year. Rates to New York from Mexico, crossing through 

Texas, were $10,000 per truck, up from $5,000 a year ago. Rates to New York and Philadelphia 

from Yakima Valley, WA, were $10,400 and $10,200 per truck, up from $7,200 and $7,100 a year 

ago, respectively. In addition, 17 out of 26 crop reporting districts reported full shortages in 

truck availability. Five districts reported slight shortages and 4 reported adequate availability. In 

contrast, only 5 out of 29 districts reported full shortages during the same week last year; with 5 

reporting slight shortages, 18 reporting adequate availability, and 1 reporting a slight surplus in 

availability. 

9 With the exception of a 90-day compliance waiver for drivers of livestock and agricultural commodities as well as 

other temporary case-by-case waivers granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

10 Sullivan, Matt. “Load-to-Truck Ratio Sets New Record for Vans”. DAT Blog. December 27, 2017. 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 5

Conclusion

Increased annual volume, from strong economic growth, was felt in the trucking industry and 

across all other modes such as ports, railroads, and intermodal. However, trucking is experiencing 

the greatest impact, both as the primary mode of transportation and as the critical link in the first

-mile/last-mile segment of the intermodal supply chain. Sustained economic growth in 2018 

could continue to put pressure on truck rates and capacity. However, with diminished excess capacity in the system, any disruptions to the supply chain could be widespread. 

Adam.Sparger@ams.usda.gov
Page 6 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Quarterly Overview

Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

Reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce during the fourth quarter of 2017 were 7.72 million tons, 7 percent lower 

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

Shipments from Mexico were the highest in the fourth quarter, totaling 2.32 million tons and accounting for 30 percent 

of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables. Shipments from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.87 million

tons, representing 24 percent of the reported shipments. Movements from California totaled 1.43 million tons,

representing 19 percent of the reported total.

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

of 2017: 

► Potatoes (15 percent)

► Apples (12 percent)

► Onion, dry (7 percent) 

► Tomatoes (4 percent) 

► Lettuce, iceberg (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 +

Q4 2016 3.36 2.04 2.03 1.08

Q1 2017 2.81 1.86 2.05 1.05

Q2 2017 4.10 2.40 2.12 1.04

Q3 2017 5.06 2.52 2.25 1.26

Q4 2017 3.16 2.55 2.52 1.22

Q4 Change from 

Previous Quarter -38% 1% 12% -4%

Q4 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year -6% 25% 24% 13%

Diesel Fuel 

During the fourth quarter 2017, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $2.87 per gallon—9 percent higher than the previous

quarter and 16 percent higher than the same quarter last year.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 7

Regulatory News and Updates

FMCSA Announces New ELD Waiver for Transporters of Agricultural Commodities 

On March 13, 2018, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted an additional 90-day 

temporary waiver from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule for agriculture related transportation. The 

ELD rule went into effect in December 2017, with DOT granting the agriculture industry an initial exemption 

that was set to expire on March 18, 2018. With the granting of another extension, the agriculture industry 

will now have additional time to comply. During this time period, FMCSA will publish final guidance on both 

the agricultural 150 air-mile hours-of-service exemption and personal conveyance. FMCSA will continue its 

outreach to provide assistance to the agricultural industry and community regarding the ELD rule.

Agricultural Exceptions and Exemptions to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules

FMCSA updated their “Agricultural Exceptions and Exemptions to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service (HOS) and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Rules” webpage. The updated site provides clarification on when farm, ranch, and agriculture haulers are subject to FMCSA’s rules and regulations, 

including electronic logging devices (ELD). Interested parties can “Sign up for Agricultural email updates.” For 

more information regarding the ELD rule, visit FMCSA’s ELD webpage. Questions may be submitted to agricultural@dot.gov.

Application for ELD Exemption for Short-Term Rental Vehicles

FMCSA announced receiving an application from the Truck Renting and Leasing Association Inc. (TRALA), requesting an exemption from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements until December 31, 2018, for 

all drivers of property-carrying commercial motor vehicles rented for 30 days or fewer. In the exemption request, TRALA says the 90-day waiver, granted in January 19, 2018, and expiring on April 19, 2018, is not sufficient to address the ELD problems they and their short-term lessors are encountering and need additional 

time to develop compliance strategies for the unique issues impacting short-term rental vehicles. TRALA believes the exemption would not have any adverse impacts on operational safety, as drivers would continue to 

remain subject to the hours-of-service regulations as well as the requirements to maintain a paper record of 

duty status.

FMCSA Facilitates the Issuance of Licensing Documents to Former Residents of Puerto Rico

On February 20, 2018, FMCSA granted a limited 90-day waiver of certain requirements concerning proof of 

U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence and domicile. This will enable State driver licensing agencies 

(SDLAs) to accept commercial learner's permit (CLP) and commercial driver's license (CDL) applications from 

individuals relocating from Puerto Rico, as a result of hurricanes Irma and Maria. FMCSA also announced it 

has received an exemption application from the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), on behalf of 

the States, to assist drivers from Puerto Rico who must rely on alternate documents to establish identity, as a 

result of loss from the hurricanes. Comments and documents may be viewed in Docket Number FMCSA-2017-

0374. 
Page 8 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Crash Preventability Demonstration Program Update

On February 7, 2018, FMCSA provided additional information to help submitters, and other interested parties, understand the Crash Preventability Demonstration Program, initiated in July of 2017, to accept requests for data review (RDRs). The additional information includes how to correctly submit requests, types of 

crashes that will be reviewed, documentation required, re-opening a request, public input, FMCSA use of 

data, and the national data correction system known as DataQs. The crash preventability demonstration program began accepting RDRs on August 1, 2017, for crashes that occurred on or after June 1, 2017. FMCSA 

used the data to evaluate the preventability of certain categories of crashes through DataQs. Additional information is available in Docket Number FMCSA-2014-0177.

FMCSA Assists Carriers Experiencing Problems Integrating PeopleNet ELD System Updates

On January 31, 2018, FMCSA announced an application for exemption for Old Dominion and other motor 

carriers experiencing problems integrating PeopleNet ELD system updates into their fleet management systems. This announcement followed the limited 90-day waiver granted to the carriers, which expires March 

18, 2018. An exemption would allow the carriers to install ELD devices, running on automatic on-board recording device (AOBRD) software, in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). ELD Devices can be added to a company's fleet for up to one year from the December 18, 2017, ELD compliance date. If granted, this modified 

ELD phase-in period will allow PeopleNet to complete the development of the software necessary to integrate ELD data with a company's fleet management and safety systems, to fully meet the ELD mandate. Comments can be viewed in Docket Number FMCSA-2018-0002. 

Application for ELD Exemption for SikhsPAC and the North American Punjabiz Trucker Association

On January 26, 2018, FMCSA announced the application by SikhsPAC and the North American Punjabiz Trucker Association for an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirements. The exemption 

would allow members involved in segments of America's agricultural transportation industry to delay using 

ELDs. The applicants expressed their concerns about how the ELD mandate would negatively impact their 

industry, if the exemption is not granted. According to the applicants, granting the exemption would achieve 

a level of safety equivalent to the level achieved by the ELD mandate. Comments can be viewed in Docket 

Number FMCSA-2017-0342. 

Comments Available Concerning the Transportation of Agricultural Commodities

On February 20, 2018, the additional 30-day comment period ended for FMCSA’s proposed regulatory guidance concerning the transportation of agricultural commodities. Comments can be viewed in Docket Number 

FMCSA-2017-0360. 

Comments Available Concerning Personal Use of a Truck While Laden and Unladen

On February 20, 2018, the additional 30-day comment period ended for FMCSA’s proposed regulatory guidance concerning the use of a commercial motor vehicle for personal conveyance, while laden and unladen. 

Comments can be viewed in Docket Number FMCSA-2017-0108. 

FMCSA Granted a Limited 90-day ELD Waiver for Trucks Rented for a Period not exceeding 30 Days

On January 19, 2018, FMCSA granted a limited 90-day waiver of the requirements for ELDs to motor carriers 

and drivers operating property-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), rented for a period not exceeding 30 days. FMCSA took this action in response to a waiver request from the Truck Renting and Leasing Association, Inc. (TRALA). FMCSA determined that granting this waiver was in the public interest and would 

likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to the level that would be achieved absent the waiver, based 

on the terms and conditions imposed. The waiver is effective through April 19, 2018.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 9

Application for ELD Exemption for Transportation of Propane Fuel and Anhydrous Ammonia

On January 10, 2018, FMCSA announced that STC, Inc. requested an exemption from the requirement 

that motor carriers and their drivers use an ELD. STC uses up to 75 trucks to transport propane fuel and 

anhydrous ammonia for agricultural use. In the requested exemption, STC states that because their agricultural operations are seasonal and dependent on the weather, the ELD requirement creates an undue 

financial burden on its business. STC states that its operations under the exemption would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent the proposed exemption. Comments may be viewed in Docket Number FMCSA-2017-0373.

Application to Allow Alternate Methods for Securing Agricultural Commodities

On January 5, 2018, FMCSA requested public comment on an application for exemption, from the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), to allow 

certain alternate methods for securing agricultural commodities transported in wood and plastic boxes 

and bins and large fiberglass tubs; along with hay, straw, and cotton bales that are grouped together into 

large singular units. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations generally require loads to be secured by a 

minimum number of tiedowns, based on article length. The aggregate working load limit of those 

tiedowns must be at least one-half times the weight of the article or group of articles being transported. 

Based on the results of a comprehensive test program conducted by FMCSA, in collaboration with the 

California Highway Patrol (CHP), the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the California Trucking Association, and others, AFTC believes that use of certain alternate cargo securement methods will 

maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the 

exemption. This is verified by test results confirming that the performance requirements of the regulations are met when using the alternate securement methods. Comments may be viewed in Docket Number FMCSA-2017-0319.
Page 10 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

U.S. Truck Rates

National Summary

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

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)

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

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

3.16

2.52

2.55

1.22

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

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

2015 2016 2017

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

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

Origin October November December July August September

Arizona 2.50 3.27 2.69

California 2.70 2.78 2.86 3.02 2.78 2.71

Florida - 1.90 2.60 - - -

Great Lakes 3.54 3.52 3.47 3.75 3.64 3.55

New York 3.14 2.95 2.40 - - -

Other 2.39 2.67 2.85 - - -

Mexico-Arizona 2.27 2.33 2.56 2.44 2.37 2.57

Mexico-Texas 2.25 2.31 2.53 2.10 1.94 1.99

Texas - - - 2.71 2.46 2.53

PNW 2.05 2.37 2.82 1.66 1.71 1.89

Southeast 4.56 2.75 2.59 3.97 4.86 6.26

4th Qtr 2017 3rd Qtr 2017

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. 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 11

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

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

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

Arizona 2.73 2.82 2.67 2.53 2.88 . 2.66 2.75 2.75 .

California 2.51 2.57 2.55 2.41 2.58 . 2.52 2.59 2.56 2.89

Florida 2.38 2.31 2.43 1.83 . . . 2.60 2.46 .

Great Lake 3.45 3.40 3.73 4.23 3.01 . 3.03 3.42 3.75 .

Mexico-Arizona . . . 2.32 2.65 2.11 2.63 2.64 2.70 .

Mexico-Texas 2.47 2.43 2.60 2.24 2.86 1.87 2.52 2.43 2.44 2.21

New York 2.65 4.55 10.75 . 2.40 . 3.06 11.38 6.43 .

Other 2.68 2.81 2.98 2.46 3.10 2.42 2.73 2.80 2.83 .

PNW 2.39 2.40 2.43 2.42 2.48 2.38 2.31 2.58 2.48 7.14

Southeast 6.36 5.73 3.94 4.14 2.37 . 4.84 4.78 5.06 .

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

Destination Origin

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

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

Arizona 5,215 6,785 7,350 4,695 3,315 . 6,695 6,935 6,780 .

California 5,621 7,062 7,747 5,089 3,849 . 7,147 7,358 7,114 3,243

Florida 1,319 2,286 3,467 2,250 . . . 3,133 2,767 .

Great Lake 3,441 3,846 4,124 1,412 3,330 . 5,045 4,204 3,571 .

Mexico-Arizona . . . 4,177 2,592 1,181 5,973 6,596 6,481 .

Mexico-Texas 2,846 4,350 5,727 3,200 1,431 2,985 3,854 4,858 4,627 5,308

New York 2,650 1,500 1,827 . 4,000 . 4,438 1,708 1,478 .

Other 2,777 4,386 4,260 2,129 1,820 2,248 5,391 3,979 3,989 .

PNW 5,289 5,608 6,661 4,303 4,534 2,422 6,678 6,540 6,208 1,000

Southeast 2,074 2,274 3,261 3,521 2,465 . 3,729 2,870 2,556 .

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

Origin Destination
Page 12 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

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

vegetable movements.

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices

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

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

2.92

2.85

2.63

2.43

2.07

2.30

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.55

2.63

2.87

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

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

2015 2016 2017

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are up 9% 

from last quarter and up

16% from the same quarter 

last year

Table 5: 4th Quarter 2017 Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types - $/Gallon)

Last Quarter Same Qtr Last Year

East Coast 2.86 0.20 0.38

 New England 2.84 0.19 0.34

 Central Atlantic 3.01 0.23 0.43

 Lower Atlantic 2.77 0.20 0.38

Midwest 2.83 0.25 0.41

Gulf Coast 2.67 0.21 0.33

Rocky Mountain 2.96 0.26 0.46

West Coast 3.27 0.35 0.52

 California 3.44 0.44 0.61

U.S. 2.87 0.24 0.40

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

Location Price Change From
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 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.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and Truck Rates

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

Sources:

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

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

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

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

2015 2016 2017

$/Mile

$/Gallon

Diesel Fuel 0-500 miles 501-1500 miles

1501-2500 miles 2500+ miles

Table 6: Average Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

Diesel Diesel Truck 

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

Q2 2.85 2.62 -2% -26% 1 %

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

Q4 2.43 2.36 -8% -37% 4 %

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

Q2 2.30 2.34 11% -19% -11%

Q3 2.38 2.47 3 % -10% 2 %

Q4 2.47 2.04 4 % 2 % -14%

2017 Q1 2.57 1.86 4 % 24% -16%

Q2 2.55 2.40 -1% 11% 3 %

Q3 2.63 2.52 3 % 11% 2 %

Q4 2.87 2.55 9 % 16% 25%

Sources:

-9%

-3%

Truck 

% Change From:

Last Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

9 %

-17%

-6%

5 %

6 %

Diesel 

Fuel 

($/gallon)

Truck Rates 

($/mile) 

501-1500 

miles

-7%

6 %

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

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

1 %

29%

5 %
Page 14 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

4th Quarter 2017 Comparison Analysis

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.87 per gallon this quarter, 9 percent higher than last quarter and 16 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Average truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 

miles were $2.55 per mile, 1 percent higher than the previous quarter and 25 percent higher than the 

same quarter last year.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 15

Table 7: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability, 4th Quarter 2017

Quarterly Truck Availability

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL, AND WESTERN ARIZONA 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/14 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 12/19 12/26

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

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

Oxnard District California Cabbage, Cilantro, Kale, Parsley, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce Romaine, 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 4 4

Salinas-Watsonville California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce, Lettuce Romaine, 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 4 4

San Joaquin Valley California Grapes, Apples, Peaches, Plums, Pomegranates, Kiwi, Persimons 4 4 4 3 3 3 5 5 3 3 3 3 3

Santa Maria California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce, Lettuce Romaine, 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 4 4

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

Central And Western Arizona Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce, Lettuce Romaine, 

Honeydews, Cantaloups, Iceberg Lettuce 3 3 4 4 5 4

Central San Joaquin Valley California Iceberg Lettuce 3 3 3 4 5

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce Romaine, Iceberg 

Lettuce

4 4 5 5

GREAT LAKE (MI & WI) 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/14 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 12/19 12/26

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

Michigan Apples, Cucumbers 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3

MEXICO BORDER CROSSINGS 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/14 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 12/19 12/26

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona Cucumbers, Mixed Vegetables, Watermelons, Cucumber, Squash, 

Honeydews, Cantaloup, Honeydew, Watermelon 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 4 5 5

Mexico Crossings Through Texas Tomatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Limes, Mangoes, Mixed Fruits, 

Vegetables 3 3 4 4 5 3 5 5 5 5 4 4 4

PACIFIC NORTHWEST (ID, OR, & WA) 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/14 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 12/19 12/26

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

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon Onions 5 5 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho Potatoes 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington Apples, Pears 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 4 5

SOUTHEAST (GA, SC, & NC) 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/14 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 12/19 12/26

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

South Georgia Corn, Cabbage, Cucumber, Eggplant, Peppers, Squash, Beans, 

Greens, Brocolli 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

FLORIDA 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/14 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 12/19 12/26

Central & South Florida Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Berries 1 3 2 1 2 5 5

South Florida Melons 5

1

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

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

Week Ending1

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

Truck Availability

Surplus - 1 Slight Surplus - 2
Page 16 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Reported U.S. Shipments

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

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

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

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

2015 2016 2017

(1,000 Tons)

4th quarter 2017 U.S. shipments decreased 7% 

compared to the previous quarter, and decreased by 

4% compared to the same quarter last year 

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

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

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

7,562 9,417 8,400 8,053 33,433

8,166 9,434 7,663 7,699 32,962

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

7,451 8,972 7,762 7,444 31,629

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

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

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

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

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

6,959 8,585 7,475 7,099 30,118

6,335 8,400 7,854 6,962 29,551

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

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

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

6,787 8,094 6,414 6,460 27,756

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

6,776 8,155 6,916 6,395 28,242

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

Year

2005

2004

2003

2002

2012

2013

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2015

2014

2016

2017

2000

2001

2006
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 17

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities

Table 9: Reported Top 10 Commodity Shipments for 4th Quarter 2017 (1,000 Tons)

Previous Qtr

Potatoes 1,170 1,205 1,221 -3%

Apples 895 605 968 -

Onions Dry 525 569 526 -8%

Tomatoes 334 312 400 7%

Lettuce, Iceberg 289 306 324 -6%

Lettuce, Romaine 281 237 300 19%

Grapes 267 355 260 -25%

Cucumbers 258 150 264 72%

Avocados 235 205 210 15%

Celery 202 167 223 21%

-4%

-8%

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2017

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change from:

Same Qtr Last Year

-11%

-16%

0%

-9%

-6%

3%

-2%

12%
Page 18 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Regional Markets

California

Figure 5: California Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$2.78

$2.46 $2.56

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

$9.00

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

2015 2016 2017

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

distance traveled

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Grapes 267 19% 353 260 -25% 3%

Celery 179 12% 144 201 24% -11%

Lettuce, Iceberg 146 10% 298 161 -51% -9%

Lettuce, Romaine 137 10% 236 140 -42% -2%

Strawberries 113 8% 292 86 -61% 32%

Top 5 Total 842 59% 1,324 848 -36% -1%

California Total 1,433 100% 2,944 1,399 -51% 2%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2017

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 19

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the fourth quarter of 2017 were 1.4 million tons, a 2 percent increase from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities decreased 1 percent 

from the previous year, despite a strong increase in strawberries and a 3 percent increase in grapes. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.78 per mile, 2 percent lower 

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

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.44 per gallon, 15 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 22 percent 

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

early November; from mid-November through the end of the year shippers reported availability as a slight shortage except 

for shortage indications reported during the week of Thanksgiving. 

Figure 6: California Truck Overview

October November December 4th Quarter

Central District California 3.00 3.00 n/a 3.00

Central San Joaquin Valley California 3.00 3.67 n/a 3.33

Imperial, Palo Verde, And Coachella Valleys n/a n/a 4.50 4.50

Kern District California 3.00 4.00 4.00 3.67

Oxnard District California 3.00 4.00 4.00 3.67

Salinas-Watsonville California 3.00 4.00 4.00 3.67

San Joaquin Valley California 3.60 4.00 3.00 3.53

Santa Maria California 3.00 4.00 4.00 3.67

South District California 3.18 4.00 3.25 3.48

Regional Average Availability 3.10 3.83 3.82 3.58

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.17 3.59 3.56 3.44

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 7: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for California 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage
Page 20 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Pacific Northwest (PNW)

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 743 40% 517 792 44% -6%

Potatoes 588 31% 609 581 -3% 1%

Onions Dry 382 20% 230 385 66% -1%

Pears 155 8% 54 178 187% -13%

Cranberries 1 0% 0 1 1175% -11%

Top 5 Total 1,870 100% 1,411 1,937 33% -3%

PNW Total 1,871 100% 1,601 1,937 17% -3%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2017

Share of PNW 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Figure 8: PNW Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$7.14

$2.38

$2.43

$2.46

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

$9.00

$10.00

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

2015 2016 2017

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

distance traveled
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 21

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

quarter of 2017 were 1.87 million tons, a decrease of 3 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top 

five commodities also decreased 3 percent. Four of the top five shipments decreased this quarter including apple 

shipments by 6 percent, dry onion shipments by 1 percent, pear shipments by 13 percent, and cranberry shipments 

by 11 percent. Potato shipments increased by 1 percent. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.38 per mile, 35 percent 

higher than the previous quarter and 20 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.06 per gallon, 9 percent higher than last quarter, and 15 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Shippers in the PNW reported shortage conditions for truck availability for 

nearly the entire quarter. The Yakima Valley and Wenatchee District, WA, was the only region to report adequate 

conditions until mid-November then shortage conditions followed through the end of the year. 

Figure 9: PNW Truck Overview

October November December 4th Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 4.40 5.00 4.50 4.63

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 4.40 5.00 5.00 4.80

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3.00 4.50 4.75 4.08

Regional Average Availability 4.20 4.88 4.81 4.63

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.01 3.10 3.06 3.06

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for PNW 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage
Page 22 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Mexico Border Crossings 

Figure 11: Mexico Truck Overview

October November December 4th Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.00 4.00 4.75 3.92

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3.80 4.50 4.25 4.18

Regional Average Availability 3.40 4.25 4.50 4.05

Diesel Fuel Price, through Arizona($/gallon) 3.01 3.10 3.06 3.06

Diesel Fuel Price, through Texas ($/gallon) 2.62 2.69 2.71 2.67

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

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

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

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

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Avocados 235 10% 158 202 48% 16%

Cucumbers 221 10% 80 199 176% 11%

Tomatoes 199 9% 122 182 63% 9%

Peppers, Other 180 8% 118 229 53% -21%

Squash 166 7% 25 154 550% 8%

Top 5 Total 1,002 43% 504 966 99% 4%

Mexico Total 2,319 100% 1,514 2,237 53% 4%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

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

Avocados 230 Tomatoes, Plum Type 5 1 Cucumbers 154 Peppers, Other 9 7

Tomatoes 143 Onions Green 4 5 Squash 149 Corn-Sweet 2

Limes 121 Misc Tropical 3 3 Watermelons, Seedless 123 Misc Tropical 1

Tomatoes, Plum Type 6 8 Peppers, Other 2 5 Peppers, Bell Type 6 0 Pineapples <1

Broccoli 6 0 Cucumbers 1 8 Tomatoes 4 1 Watermelons <1

Top 5 Total 622 Top 5 Total 172 Top 5 Total 527 Top 5 Total 100

Mexico-TX Total 1,123 Mexico-CA Total 346 Mexico-AZ Total 751 Mexico-NM Total 100

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

Texas California Arizona New Mexico
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 23

Figure 12: Mexico Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$2.86

$2.37

$2.46

$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 3 4

2015 2016 2017

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

$2.86

$2.36

$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 3 4

2015 2016 2017

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

distance traveled
Page 24 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico during the fourth quarter of 2017 were 2.32 

million tons, 4 percent more than the same quarter in 2016. The sum of the top five commodities also increased 4 percent 

from last year. Increases in avocado, cucumber, tomato, and squash shipments were offset slightly by a 21 percent decrease 

in peppers. 

Rates: Truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.36 per mile, up 

18 percent from the previous quarter, and 25 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Rates for shipments between 

501 and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border crossings averaged $2.38 per mile, down 3 percent from last quarter, but 35 percent higher than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged $2.67 per gallon, 9 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 14 percent higher than the same quarter in 2016. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.06 per gallon, 9 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 15 percent higher than the same period in 2016. Truck 

availability through the Arizona crossing was adequate through mid-November followed by shortage conditions through the 

end of the year. Truck availability through the Texas border crossings was reportedly adequate only 3 weeks during the 

fourth quarter; shortage and slight shortage conditions were reported the rest of the quarter. 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

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

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

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

$2.38

$2.57

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

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

2015 2016 2017

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

distance traveled
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 25

Arizona

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Arizona during the fourth quarter of 2017 were 427 thousand 

tons, a 14 percent decrease from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities decreased 13 percent from 

the same quarter last year, led by decreases for all the major lettuce categories including iceberg, romaine, green leaf, and processed. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.88 per mile. Insufficient data was 

available for truck rates from Arizona in the third quarter 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.06 per gallon, 9 percent higher than the previous quarter and 15 percent higher than the same period last year. For the weeks reported during the quarter, truck availability in Arizona was adequate in late

October followed by slight shortages and shortages through the end of the year. 

Figure 16: Arizona Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$2.88

$2.71

$2.69

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

1 2 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 4

2015 2016 2017

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

distance traveled

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

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Lettuce, Romaine 131 31% 0 150 - -13%

Lettuce, Iceberg 121 28% 0 149 - -18%

Lettuce, Processed 57 13% 0 63 - -9%

Cantaloups 37 9% 10 38 270% -3%

Lettuce, Green Leaf 15 3% 0 17 - -14%

Top 5 Total 361 85% 10 416 3480% -13%

Arizona Total 427 100% 28 497 1445% -14%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Arizona Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Page 26 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Figure 18: Arizona Truck Overview

October November December 4th Quarter

Central And Western Arizona 3.00 4.25 n/a 3.63

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona

n/a n/a 4.50 4.50

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.00 4.00 4.75 3.92

Regional Average Availability 3.00 4.13 4.63 3.92

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.01 3.10 3.06 3.06

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 Arizona.

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 17: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Arizona 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 27

Great Lakes

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

were 286 thousand tons, down 5 percent from the same quarter in 2016. The sum of the top five commodities decreased by 

7 percent with decreases in potatoes, apples and cranberries offset slightly by increases in dry onions and celery. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $3.51 per mile, 3 percent lower 

than the previous quarter, but 15 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.83 per gallon, 10 percent higher than last quarter, and 17 percent higher 

than the same period last year. Shippers in Central Wisconsin reported adequate truck availability only 3 weeks out of the 

quarter, then shortage and slight shortage conditions through the end of the year. Shippers in Michigan reported adequate 

conditions most of the quarter with pockets of slight shortage conditions in early October and around Thanksgiving. Table 15: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Great Lakes (1,000 tons)

Previous 

Qtr

Same Qtr 

Last Year

Potatoes 183 64% 171 189 7% -3%

Apples 58 20% 26 77 121% -25%

Onions Dry 22 8% 6 20 266% 11%

Cranberries 6 2% 1 7 775% -8%

Celery 6 2% 19 3 -69% 137%

Top 5 Total 276 97% 224 296 23% -7%

Great Lakes Total 286 100% 418 300 -32% -5%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter as % 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Great Lakes 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

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

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

$4.71

$3.51

$2.92

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

$4.50

$5.00

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

2015 2016 2017

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

distance traveled
Page 28 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

Figure 20: Great Lakes Truck Overview

October November December 4th Quarter

Central Wisconsin 4.00 5.00 4.25 4.42

Michigan 3.77 3.43 3.00 3.40

Minnesota-North Dakota (Red River Valley) 4.80 4.50 3.50 4.27

Regional Average Availability 4.19 4.31 3.58 4.03

Diesel Fuel ($/gallon) 2.77 2.88 2.86 2.83

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

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

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 21: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Great Lakes 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 29

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
Page 30 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017

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 

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Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 4th Quarter, 2017 Page 31

Preferred Citation

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

March 2018. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.03-2018>

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