Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

Contents

Feature Article............................. 2

Quarterly Overview..................... 6

Regulatory News and Updates.... 7

Protecting Perishable Foods 

During Transport by Truck and Rail 

(Summary)................................... 9

National Summary....................... 10

Truck Rates.................................... 10

Truck Rates for Selected Routes.... 11

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices .................. 12

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and 

Truck Rates.................................... 13

Quarterly Truck Availability........... 15

Reported U.S. Shipments.............. 17

Reported Shipments by Selected 

Commodities................................. 18

Regional Markets......................... 19

Mexico .......................................... 19

California....................................... 23

PNW.............................................. 26

Arizona.......................................... 29

Florida........................................... 32

Terms and References ................. 35

Contact Information .................... 36

Quarter 1, January-March, 2019

Published November 6, 2019

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

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

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In 2018, reported1 refrigerated shipments (truck + rail + intermodal) of fruits and vegetables from California 

and the Pacific Northwest (PNW)2 were up 21 percent, a sharp increase from the previous year. The gains 

were largely due to increased shipments via truck, but rail and intermodal shipments also saw improvements 

from 2017. Recent changes in refrigerated shipment volumes may be partially attributable to increased fuel 

prices during the year and the advent of new technologies in the industry. This article examines short-term 

and long-term trends affecting refrigerated shipments of fresh fruit and vegetables by intermodal and rail, 

including industry and regional highlights.

Developments in Refrigerated Service for Intermodal and Rail

Despite a recent downward trend, combined rail and intermodal shipments of fruits and vegetables from 

California and the PNW increased 4 percent (33,870 short tons) in 2018 from the previous year. Between 

2012 and 2017, combined shipments declined every year, with a 42 percent decrease over the five-year 

period. However, in 2018, rail and intermodal shipments increased 19,855 tons and 14,015 tons, respectively, 

from the previous year.

1. 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. Rail and intermodal shipments are reported by rail carriers that issue the initial line-haul 

revenue waybills. Rail shipments are those moving in refrigerated railcars. Intermodal shipments include those moving in refrigerated trailer-onflat-car and refrigerated container-on-flat-car.

2. Idaho, Oregon, and Washington 

Feature Article

Overview of Intermodal and Rail Shipments from California and the Pacific Northwest in 2018

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Intermodal 424,460 450,040 417,445 407,845 349,060 243,060 296,440 293,210 307,225

Rail 949,235 1,031,965 1,185,000 1,042,420 1,054,995 828,845 666,110 644,055 663,910

 -

 200,000

 400,000

 600,000

 800,000

 1,000,000

 1,200,000

 1,400,000

 1,600,000

 1,800,000

California and Pacific Northwest Refrigerated Intermodal and Rail Shipments of 

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: 2010-18 (Short Tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data
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Recent technological advancements in rail and intermodal refrigerated transport have improved efficiency 

and reduced input costs. Companies, such as Union Pacific (UP), have been upgrading outdated capital stocks 

with more efficient, environmentally-friendly alternatives. In 2018, UP announced that it would add 1,000 to 

1,600 high-tech refrigerated boxcars, marking the largest capital investment in company history, according to 

Progressive Railroading. 

In intermodal transport, companies are making similar capital investments in new technology. Infinity 

Transportation Logistics reports their new refrigerated containers offer 20 to 30 percent better thermal 

efficiency, 45 percent lower environmental impact, and increased cargo storage. Furthermore, companies 

are reducing administrative costs using technology, such as blockchain, which allows them to track shipments 

more effectively than in the past. According to a report from DC Velocity, blockchain reduces companies’ 

reliance on paper, which in turn reduces labor inputs and prevents human error, such as lost documentation.

In addition to technological innovation, high diesel prices may partially explain the increase in rail and 

intermodal refrigerated transport. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average 

diesel price in the U.S. increased 20 percent in 2018 from the previous year, from $2.65 to $3.18. Such an 

increase may have incentivized some shippers to substitute truck transportation with modes such as rail or 

intermodal. However, despite rising diesel prices, truck rates fell in the fourth quarter of 2018. During that 

same period, refrigerated transport by truck in California and the PNW grew faster than rail or intermodal, 

up 15 percent from 2017. Truck availability improved in the third quarter of 2018 but tightened in the fourth 

quarter, primarily between adequate and shortage. Improved technology and changes in demand for fruits 

and vegetables may explain increased refrigerated truck volumes.

Regional Highlights

California

Rail and intermodal play a vital role in transporting perishable goods from California, the largest producer of 

fruits and vegetables in the United States.

In 2018, rail and intermodal shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables originating in California increased 7 

percent, from 2017. More specifically, shipments of carrots and dry onions increased steeply, by 45 percent 

(30,745 tons) and 71 percent (16,315 tons), respectively. Shipments of apples and avocados, saw large 

proportional increases, rising 955 percent (3,820 tons) and 513 percent (4,645 tons) respectively. 
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Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Rail and Intermodal Shipments 

Originated in California during 2017 and 2018 (short tons)

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

Commodity

Rail Intermodal

Volume Change Volume Change

2017 2018 Tons % 2017 2018 Tons %

APPLES - 450 450 - 400 3,770 3,370 843%

APRICOTS - - - - - 40 40 -

ARTICHOKES - - - - 25 - (25) -

AVOCADOS - - - - 905 5,550 4,645 513%

BROCCOLI 4,210 2,250 (1,960) -47% 12,085 15,135 3,050 25%

CANTALOUPS 8,450 2,280 (6,170) -73% 7,260 6,525 (735) -10%

CARROTS 54,770 83,740 28,970 53% 13,210 14,985 1,775 13%

CAULIFLOWER - - - - 5,720 8,340 2,620 46%

CELERY 17,190 14,985 (2,205) -13% 35,385 40,200 4,815 14%

GRAPEFRUIT 240 320 80 33% 1,265 1,180 (85) -7%

GRAPES 1,470 3,530 2,060 140% 15,940 15,770 (170) -1%

GRAPES-MIXED JUICE - - - - 540 220 (320) -59%

HONEYDEWS 4,215 1,775 (2,440) -58% 3,160 3,420 260 8%

LEMONS 870 2,750 1,880 216% 12,115 11,545 (570) -5%

LETTUCE, ICEBERG 75 - (75) - 52,480 52,140 (340) -1%

LETTUCE, PROCESSED - - - - 25 - (25) -

LETTUCE, ROMAINE - - - - 33,000 30,760 (2,240) -7%

LETTUCE-OTHER - - - - 2,225 2,365 140 6%

NECTARINES 2,270 205 (2,065) -91% 2,825 3,340 515 18%

ONIONS DRY 15,045 30,900 15,855 105% 7,940 8,400 460 6%

ORANGES 53,300 51,375 (1,925) -4% 38,370 36,040 (2,330) -6%

PEACHES 5,385 960 (4,425) -82% 2,300 2,555 255 11%

PEARS 10,255 80 (10,175) -99% 1,140 930 (210) -18%

PEPPERS, BELL TYPE - - - - 4,780 4,900 120 3%

PLUMS 3,235 - (3,235) - 640 365 (275) -43%

POMEGRANATES - 165 165 - 40 20 (20) -50%

POTATOES 14,200 11,895 (2,305) -16% 2,405 4,440 2,035 85%

SWEET POTATOES 500 3,500 3,000 600% 4,080 4,860 780 19%

TOMATOES - - - - 3,020 3,185 165 5%

WATERMELONS - - - - 20 - (20) -

WATERMELONS, 

SEEDLESS 55 - (55) - 1,260 1,780 520 41%

Total 195,735 211,160 15,425 8% 264,560 282,760 18,200 7%
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A 2018 study3 of perishable goods transport in California found that replacing reefer trucks with rail could 

reduce emissions, limit damage to roads, and prevent injury from truck crashes. The state has an especially 

large volume of refrigerated trucks as a result of its extensive fruit and vegetable production.

Pacific Northwest

Shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables from the PNW via rail increased 1 percent in 2018 from the previous 

year, while intermodal shipments decreased by 15 percent. In 2018, Union Pacific committed to a $15 

million investment in a Cold Connect expansion in Washington. Similarly, Infinity Transportation Logistics, 

which operates in the PNW, pledged to update their intermodal container fleet with more energy-efficient 

containers. 

Combined Rail and Intermodal shipments of potatoes originating in the PNW increased 6 percent (12,475 

tons) from 2017 to 2018. Shipments of dry onions increased 15 percent (19,770 tons) while apples decreased 

26 percent (32,640 tons).

Conclusion

Though trucks remain the most common mode of refrigerated transportation, rail and intermodal shipments 

may become more cost competitive, as industry technology progresses. Rail and intermodal offer advantages 

over trucking with respect to capacity and environmental impact, but trucking offers substantial flexibility in 

terms of time and location. Fuel prices represent another factor that affects modal share for shippers with 

both alternatives. 

Jack.Novak@usda.gov

3.  Seeherman, Joshua, Karen Trapenberg Frick, Juan Caicedo, and Mark Hansen. Back on track? Reassessing rail transport for California’s 

perishable produce. UC Berkeley. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. California Agriculture 72(4):200-203. December 17, 

2018. Web. http://calag.ucanr.edu/Archive/?article=ca.2018a0036.

Commodity

Rail Intermodal

Volume Change Volume Change

2017 2018 Tons % 2017 2018 Tons %

APPLES 114,550 86,725 (27,825) -24% 13,180 8,365 (4,815) -37%

ONIONS DRY 130,310 150,125 19,815 15% 1,985 1,940 (45) -2%

PEARS 330 385 55 17% 2,045 2,125 80 4%

POTATOES 203,005 214,885 11,880 6% 11,440 12,035 595 5%

POTATOES-SEED 125 630 505 404% - - - -

Total 448,320 452,750 4,430 1% 28,650 24,465 (4,185) -15%

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Rail and Intermodal Shipments 

Originated in the Pacific Northwest during 2017 and 2018 (short tons)

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data
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Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

During the first quarter of 2019, reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce were 9.6 million tons, 13 

percent higher than the previous quarter, and 2 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Shipments from Mexico were the highest in the first quarter, totaling 3.03 million tons and accounting for 32 

percent of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables. Movements from California totaled 

2.17 million tons, representing 23 percent of the reported total. Shipments from the Pacific Northwest 

totaled 1.86 million tons, representing 19 percent of the reported shipments. 

These top five commodities accounted for 39 percent of the reported truck movements during the first 

quarter of 2019: 

• Potatoes (11 percent)

• Oranges (9 percent)

• Apples (9 percent) 

• Onions, dry (6 percent) 

• Tangerines (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 2,501+ miles. Please note the U.S. average truck rates 

provided below were calculated using weighted regional rates and volumes.

Diesel Fuel 

During the first quarter 2019, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $3.02 per gallon—8 percent lower than the 

previous quarter, but 0.01 percent higher than the same quarter last year.

Quarterly Overview

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

Q1 2018 2.83 2.82 2.68 1.30

Q2 2018 4.36 2.99 2.50 1.26

Q3 2018 5.14 2.74 2.72 1.62

Q4 2018 3.35 2.84 2.67 1.54

Q1 2019 2.90 2.59 2.46 1.28

Q1 Change from 

Previous Quarter -13% -9% -8% -17%

Q1 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year 3% -8% -8% -1%

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

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

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

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory 

Committee Discusses Automated 

Driving Systems

On September 30 and October 1, 2019, the federal 

advisory Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee

discussed Automated Driving Systems (ADS) for 

commercial vehicles. The committee was asked 

to provide the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA) with recommendations 

on regulatory provisions, workforce issues, and 

other concerns for a potential rulemaking. As part 

of the preparations for ADS, the U.S. Department 

of Transportation released Preparing for the 

Future of Transportation, Automated Vehicles 3.0. 

Comments can be viewed at docket number DOTOST-2018-0149.

Public Listening Sessions on Flexibility 

within the Hours of Service of Drivers

FMCSA held public listening sessions on the 

proposed rulemaking to provide flexibility within the 

hours of service of drivers. The webcast listening 

sessions, held in Washington, DC on September 17, 

2019 and in Dallas, Texas on August 23, 2019, were 

transcribed and can be viewed at docket number 

FMCSA-2018-0248. 

The flexibility proposed includes: (1) allowing the 

30-minute rest break to be satisfied by a driver 

using on duty, not driving status; (2) modifying the 

split sleeper berth exception to allow a driver to 

spend a minimum of 7 hours in the berth combined 

with a minimum 2-hour off-duty period, provided 

the combined periods total 10 hours (rather than 

the current 8 hour/2 hour split); (3) allowing one 

off-duty break of at least 30 minutes, but not more 

than three hours, that would pause a truck driver’s 

14-hour driving window; (4) extending by two 

hours the time driving is permitted to account for 

adverse conditions; and (5) lengthening the shorthaul drivers’ maximum on-duty period from 12 to 14 

hours and extending the distance limit from 100 to 

150 air miles.

The American Trucking Associations requested a 30-

day day extension of the comment period that was 

scheduled to end on October 7. The Commercial 

Vehicle Safety Alliance requested a 45-day extension. 

FMCSA granted a two-week extension to October 21.

Proposed Extension of Compliance 

Date for States’ Query of the Drug and 

Alcohol Clearinghouse

On September 6, 2016, FMCSA, proposed to 

extend the compliance date, from January 6, 

2020 to January 6, 2023, for States to utilize the 

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol 

Clearinghouse to check drivers’ records for violations 

of drug and alcohol tests. FMCSA will utilize the 

additional time to issue a rulemaking to the address 

the concerns of the American Association of Motor 

Vehicle Administrators. Beginning January 6, 2020, 

States may voluntarily utilize the Clearinghouse prior 

to issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a 

CDL. Comments can be viewed at docket number 

FMCSA-2019-0120.

Public Meeting on the Electronic 

Logging Device Technical Specifications

On September 6, 2019, FMCSA hosted a public 

meeting in Washington, DC for Electronic Logging 

Device (ELD) manufacturers on Appendix A to 

Subpart B of Part 395—Functional Specifications 

for All Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Topics 

included the data transfer process and mandatory 

transition to ELDs (by December 16, 2019) of 

motor carriers using automatic onboard recording 

devices. Comments can be viewed at docket number 

FMCSA-2010-0167. 

Update on Driver Detention Impacts on 

Safety and Productivity 

On September 4, the American Transportation 

Research Institute released an update showing an 

increase in the Driver Detention Impacts on Safety 

and Productivity from 2014 to 2018. Drivers, paid 

by the mile and limited to 14 hours on-duty time 

by FMCSA hours of service rules, lose income while 
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waiting to load and unload at shipper and receiver 

facilities. The analysis found, “In the 2018 dataset, 

over a third of the respondents (36.5%) who operate 

refrigerated trailers (reefer) indicated experiencing 

delays of four or more hours.” The report will 

supplement FMCSA’s June 10, 2019 request for data 

on driver detention during loading and unloading 

and the impact of such delays on safety. Comments 

can be viewed at docket number FMCSA-2019-0054.

Misclassifying Workers as Independent 

Contractors Does Not Violate the 

National Labor Relations Act 

Many truck drivers prefer to work as independent 

contractors for employers, while many other truck 

drivers complain they have been misclassified 

as independent contractors by their employers, 

and denied employer provided benefits and legal 

protections. The classification issue has been the 

subject of driver protests, litigation, court rulings, 

regulations, and legislation over many years, 

especially in California. 

On August 29, 2019, “The National Labor Relations 

Board held that employers do not violate the 

National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) solely 

by misclassifying employees as independent 

contractors. The Board majority held that an 

employer’s communication to its workers of its 

opinion that they are independent contractors does 

not, standing alone, violate the NLRA if that opinion 

turns out to be mistaken. According to the decision, 

such communication does not inherently threaten 

those employees with termination or other adverse 

action if they engage in activities protected by the 

NLRA, nor does it communicate that it would be 

futile for them to engage in such activities.”

Fees for the Unified Carrier 

Registration Plan and Agreement to be 

Reduced

On August 27, 2019, FMCSA proposed to reduce 

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 2020, 2021, and subsequent 

registration years. The proposed fees for the 2020 

registration year would be reduced below the 

2018 registration fee level that was in effect by 

approximately 12.82 percent to ensure that fee 

revenues do not exceed the statutory maximum, 

and to account for the various excess funds held in 

the depository.” Comments can be viewed at docket 

number FMCSA-2019-0066.

Cost of Congestion to Trucking in the 

2019 Urban Mobility Report

On August 22, 2019, Texas A&M Transportation 

Institute (TTI) released the 2019 Urban Mobility 

Report which included the section entitled “What are 

the impacts of congestion on trucking and trucking 

on congestion?” The report found that the cost of 

congestion to trucking 2017 dollars is $20.5 billion 

in “wasted time and fuel.” Trucks accounted for 12 

percent of the total cost of vehicle congestion ($166 

billion), but only 7 percent of the total vehicle traffic 

volume.

FMCSA to Operate a Streamlined Crash 

Preventability Determination Program

On August 5, 2019, FMCSA provided notice of a 

streamlined crash preventability determination 

program, to remove crashes found to be not 

preventable from the Safety Measurement System 

prioritization algorithm; make appropriate notations 

in the Pre-Employment Screening Program; and 

review the preventability of additional types of 

crashes. Comments can be viewed at docket number 

FMCSA-2014-0177.
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This is a summary of “Protecting Perishable Foods 

During Transport by Truck and Rail” by Jeffrey 

K. Brecht and Steven A. Sargent, Professors, 

Horticultural Sciences Department, University of 

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

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

President, Wireless Data Solutions, Weston, FL; 

and Leonard Rodowick, Strategic Relations – Food 

Safety & OEM, Thermo King Corporation, Nixa, 

MO. The University of Florida, Institute of Food 

and Agricultural Sciences Extension (UF/IFAS 

Extension) report received funding from USDA’s 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) through 

cooperative agreement number 17-TMTSD-FL-0007. 

The views and opinions expressed in the UF/IFAS 

Extension report are those of the authors and do 

not necessarily reflect the policies and opinions of 

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

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

HS132800.pdf.

The issuance of the Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final 

Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and 

Animal Food led to a request by the authors to 

revise USDA AMS Agriculture Handbook No. 669, 

“Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by 

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

of Handbook 669 superseded Handbook No. 105, 

“Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport 

by Motortruck,” revised in 1970, after its initial 

publication in 1956.

“These handbooks have been extremely popular, and 

tens of thousands of copies have been distributed 

worldwide. The importance of protecting perishable 

foods from loss of quality during transport has long 

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

handbook has been long overdue, addressing both 

the advances in technology and the importance 

of food safety considerations in the transport of 

perishable foods."1

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

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

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

“Many individuals and organizations provided 

information or other assistance in revising this 

handbook. Special recognition goes to the University 

of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural 

Science, Communications Office, for formatting 

the handbook and for preparing the illustrations. 

We appreciate the suggestions offered by those 

with whom we discussed this publication. A great 

deal of the information on recommended handling 

requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables is from 

the recently updated USDA Handbook No. 66, “The 

Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist 

and Nursery Stocks.”2 The Agricultural Research 

Service updated USDA Handbook No. 66 found at 

https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/oc/np/

CommercialStorage/CommercialStorage.pdf.

The report discusses the following topics, with 

additional information in the appendices: 

Important Factors in Protection of Perishable Foods; 

Preparation for Loading; Loading and Unloading 

Considerations; Loading (Stowage) Patterns; 

Individual Commodity Requirements; Regulatory 

Considerations for Truck Construction Materials, 

Cleaning Compounds, and Sanitation; and Food 

Safety Considerations for Transporting Perishable 

Foods by Truck.

“This updated edition reflects the dynamic changes 

and innovations in the handling and transportation 

of perishable foods. Some of these include improved 

insulation and air movement, microprocessors 

for more efficient refrigeration, expert systems to 

control the transport environment and conserve 

fuel energy, and the use of telematics to monitor 

and control the performance of refrigerated vehicles 

during transit. This edition includes descriptions and 

recommendations for food transported over the 

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

railcars.”3

Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail (Summary)
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2.90

2.59

2.46

1.28

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/mile

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

National Summary

Truck Rates

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

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

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

Market News data.

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

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

2019 2.59 2.59

2018 2.82 2.99 2.74 2.84 2.85

2017 1.86 2.41 2.33 2.56 2.29

2016 2.22 2.37 2.49 2.06 2.28

2015 2.47 2.63 2.59 2.36 2.51

2014 2.32 2.67 2.64 2.49 2.53

2013 2.24 2.60 2.62 2.31 2.44

2012 2.10 2.54 2.45 2.29 2.35

2011 2.02 2.60 2.77 2.26 2.41

2010 1.82 2.21 2.33 1.94 2.08

2009 1.85 1.99 2.02 1.86 1.93

2008 2.02 2.56 2.77 2.24 2.40

2007 1.89 2.23 2.25 2.03 2.10

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

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

1st Quarter 2019 4th Quarter 2018

Origin January February March October November December

Arizona 3.80 3.21 3.18 n/a 3.91 4.16

California 2.77 2.47 2.43 3.09 3.40 3.10

Florida 2.21 2.40 2.22 1.67 2.11 2.31

Great Lakes 3.62 3.62 3.57 3.61 3.51 3.58

Mexico-Arizona 2.59 2.46 2.49 1.93 2.69 2.62

Mexico-Texas 2.54 2.30 2.48 2.20 2.33 2.53

New York 2.92 2.92 2.73 2.92 2.92 2.92

Other 2.90 2.92 2.89 2.60 2.92 2.96

PNW 2.41 2.23 2.07 2.22 2.58 2.65

Southeast 3.99 3.99 3.99 6.65 3.99 3.99

Texas 2.67 2.42 2.61 2.44 2.53 2.67

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

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

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

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 1st Quarter 2019 ($/Mile)

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 2.84 2.76 2.65 2.59 3.43 n/a 2.71 2.82 2.81 n/a

California 2.48 2.50 2.44 2.16 2.66 n/a 2.54 2.51 2.50 2.30

Florida 2.48 2.20 2.46 1.76 n/a n/a 2.93 2.50 2.30 n/a

Great Lakes 3.40 3.49 3.70 4.03 2.93 n/a 3.05 3.99 3.81 n/a

MexicoArizona 2.41 n/a n/a 2.08 2.60 2.44 2.32 2.36 2.32 n/a

MexicoTexas 2.59 2.51 2.42 2.31 2.81 2.07 2.39 2.57 2.48 2.27

New York 2.82 5.00 9.69 3.27 n/a n/a 2.49 10.15 6.82 n/a

Other 2.94 3.29 3.49 2.62 3.88 1.91 2.78 3.22 3.08 n/a

PNW 2.55 2.50 2.47 2.55 2.29 2.25 2.49 2.64 2.55 8.05

Southeast 5.63 6.06 4.39 3.53 n/a n/a 3.25 4.81 5.23 n/a

Texas 2.81 2.61 2.52 2.42 3.26 2.18 2.50 2.71 2.60 2.35
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U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices 

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

underlying truck rates.

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

Table 4: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 1st Quarter 2019 ($/Truck)

Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 5,115 6,331 7,015 4,527 3,635 n/a 6,665 6,792 6,581 n/a

California 5,530 6,743 7,408 4,508 3,928 n/a 7,092 7,113 6,914 2,986

Florida 1,248 2,173 3,361 2,171 n/a n/a 704 2,885 2,465 n/a

Great Lakes 3,434 3,952 4,139 1,420 3,262 n/a 5,062 4,019 3,671 n/a

MexicoArizona 4,346 n/a n/a 3,746 2,546 1,365 5,281 5,904 5,562 n/a

MexicoTexas 2,977 4,485 5,335 3,296 1,404 3,315 3,650 5,142 4,704 5,454

New York 2,823 1,650 1,949 2,750 n/a n/a 3,604 1,763 1,569 n/a

Other 2,693 4,149 4,118 2,232 2,138 2,093 5,522 4,092 3,741 n/a

PNW 5,657 6,120 6,744 4,509 4,144 2,232 7,173 6,670 6,367 1,127

Southeast 2,250 2,000 3,250 3,000 n/a n/a 2,500 2,500 2,250 n/a

Texas 2,977 4,485 5,335 3,296 1,404 3,315 3,650 5,142 4,735 5,454

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

2.30

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.55

2.63

2.87

3.02

3.20

3.24

3.26

3.02

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are down 7.5% 

from last quarter and are 

unchanged from the same 

quarter last year.

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

Quarter 1, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 13

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2017 2018 2019

$/Mile

$/Gallon

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

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

and vegetable movements.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and Truck Rates

Location 1st Quarter 2019 Price

$/Gallon 

Change From

 Last Quarter

Change From 

Same Quarter Last Year

East Coast 3.08 -0.20 0.02

 New England 3.19 -0.14 0.07

 Central Atlantic 3.26 -0.18 0.01

 Lower Atlantic 2.93 -0.21 0.02

Midwest 2.91 -0.28 -0.05

Gulf Coast 2.82 -0.21 0.01

Rocky Mountain 2.93 -0.38 -0.02

West Coast 3.48 -0.27 0.07

 California 3.76 -0.23 0.10

U.S. 3.02 -0.25 0.00

Table 5: Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types)

Sources: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data and Energy Information 

Administration/U.S. Department of Energy data.

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

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

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Table 6: Average Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

Year Quarter Diesel Fuel

($/gallon)

Truck Rates

 ($/mile) 

501-1500 

miles

% Change From

Last Quarter Last Year

Diesel Truck Diesel Truck

2016 2 2.30 2.37 11% 7% -19% -10%

3 2.38 2.49 4% 5% -29% -10%

4 2.47 2.06 4% -17% -32% -6%

2017 1 2.57 1.86 4% -9% -31% -2%

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

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

4 2.87 2.56 9% 10% 16% 25%

2018 1 3.02 2.82 5% 10% 18% 51%

2 3.20 2.99 6% 6% 25% 24%

3 3.24 2.74 1% -8% 23% 18%

4 3.26 2.84 1% 4% 14% 11%

2019 1 3.02 2.59 -8% -9% 0% -8%

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

Energy Information Administration/U.S. Department of Energy data.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Truck availability legend

1=Surplus 2=Slight surplus 3=Adequate 4=Slight shortage 5=Shortage

Quarterly Truck Availability

Table 7: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL, AND 

WESTERN ARIZONA Commodity 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26

Kern District California Carrots, Grapes 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Oxnard District California Celery, Cilantro, Kale, Leaf Lettuce, Parsley, Strawberries 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Santa Maria California Celery, Strawberries, Broccoli, Cauliflower 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

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

Western Arizona Celery, Leaf Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Iceberg Lettuce, 

Romaine 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

Salinas-Watsonville California Broccoli, Cauliflower 3 3

Central San Joaquin Valley 

California Leaf Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine 3

FLORIDA Commodity 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26

Central & South Florida Berries, Mixed Vegetables, Tomatoes 4 2 2 2 2 4 3 2 2 3 2 2 2

Florida Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

South Florida Melons 3 3 3

GREAT LAKE (MI & WI) Commodity 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26

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

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

MEXICO BORDER CROSSINGS Commodity 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, 

Arizona

Mixed Vegetables, Beans, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Melons, 

Peppers, Squash 5 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3

Mexico Crossings Through Texas Limes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Mixed Fruits, Vegetables 4 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Truck availability legend

1=Surplus 2=Slight surplus 3=Adequate 4=Slight shortage 5=Shortage

Table 7, continued: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability

PACIFIC NORTHWEST (ID, OR, & WA) Commodity 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26

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

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon Onions 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley 

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

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

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

SOUTHEAST (GA, SC, & NC) Commodity 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26

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

TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA Commodity 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 2/5 2/12 2/19 2/26 3/5 3/12 3/19 3/26

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

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

(1,000 Tons)

1st quarter 2019 U.S. shipments increased 13% 

compared to the previous quarter, and increased 

2% compared to the same quarter last year.

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

Reported U.S. Shipments

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

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

2019 9,580 - - - 9,580

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

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

2016 8,094 9,761 8,541 8,188 34,583

2015 8,118 9,630 8,324 7,771 33,842

2014 7,733 9,139 8,080 7,725 32,677

2013 7,451 8,972 7,762 6,546 30,731

2012 7,577 9,008 7,774 7,532 31,890

2011 7,007 8,981 7,887 7,988 31,863

2010 7,065 8,881 7,985 7,522 31,454

2009 7,158 8,728 7,990 7,270 31,147

2008 7,059 8,666 7,426 6,904 30,057

2007 6,959 8,585 7,475 7,099 30,118

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2019

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter

Last Year

Current Quarter 

as % change 

from Previous 

Quarter

Current Quarter 

as % change 

from Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Potatoes 1,065 1,134 1,118 -6% -5%

Oranges 857 441 856 94% 0%

Apples 848 805 914 5% -7%

Onions Dry 584 579 571 1% 2%

Tangerines 422 18 331 2,252% 27%

Tomatoes 383 341 433 12% -12%

Avocados 338 260 299 30% 13%

Lemons 333 225 173 48% 93%

Lettuce, Iceberg 328 326 298 1% 10%

Lettuce, Romaine 306 266 294 15% 4%

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

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

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Regional Markets

Volume

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

3.03 million tons, 21 percent more than the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

increased 0.3 percent from last year. Decreases in cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers offset increases in 

avocado and plum tomato shipments. 

Rates

Truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border crossings averaged $2.52 

per mile, up 2 percent from last quarter, but 14 percent lower than the same quarter last year. Rates for 

shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.45 per mile, up 4 

percent from the previous quarter, but 17 percent lower than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.13 per gallon, 10 percent lower than the 

previous quarter, but 1 percent higher than the same period last year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings 

from Texas averaged $2.82 per gallon, 7 percent lower than the previous quarter, but 0.4 percent higher 

than the same quarter last year. On average, shippers reported adequate to slight surplus truck availability 

conditions at Arizona Border crossings throughout the quarter. At Texas border crossings, shippers reported 

adequate conditions in January followed by surplus and slight surplus conditions in February and March. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Mexico

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Avocados 334 11% 249 276 34% 21%

Cucumbers 255 8% 216 260 18% -2%

Tomatoes 238 8% 167 276 43% -14%

Peppers, Bell Type 217 7% 112 230 93% -6%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 211 7% 124 209 70% 1%

Top 5 Total 1,254 41% 869 1,251 44% 0%

Mexico Total 3,029 100% 2,232 3,059 36% -1%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2019

Avocados 327 Asparagus 52 Cucumbers 168 Peppers, Other 9

Tomatoes 133 Onions Green 37 Squash 166 Misc Tropical 3

Limes 125 Misc Tropical 33 Peppers, Bell 

Type 151 Corn-Sweet 0.5

Cucumbers 80 Strawberries 29 Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 128 Onions Dry 0

Strawberries 79 Brussels 

Sprouts 20 Tomatoes 103

Mexico through 

TX Total 1522 Mexico through CA Total 392 Mexico through AR Total 1103 Mexico through NM Total 12

Table 11: Mexico Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

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

January February March 1st Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.00 2.75 3.00 2.92

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3.16 1.00 2.25 2.14

Regional Average Availability 3.08 1.88 2.63 2.53

Diesel Fuel Price, through Arizona($/gallon) 3.13 3.10 3.15 3.13

Diesel Fuel Price, through Texas ($/gallon) 2.80 2.80 2.87 2.82

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

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

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

Quarter 1, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Data for each mileage category is not reported for every region every quarter, sometimes resulting in data gaps for certain quarters.

$2.81

$2.45

$2.39

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

$2.81

$2.48

$2.34

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 5: Mexico Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

Figure 6: Mexico through Texas Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2019 2018 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

$2.52

$2.30

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Figure 7: Mexico through Arizona Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

Figure 8: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Mexico

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the first quarter of 2019 were 2.17 

million tons, an 11 percent increase from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

increased 20 percent from the same quarter last year. Shipments of citrus fruits claimed the top three slots 

including oranges, tangerines, and lemons. Together, these three commodities represented 70 percent of 

reported shipments from California during the quarter. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.59 per mile, 19 percent 

lower than the previous quarter, and 13 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.76 per gallon, 6 percent lower than the previous quarter, but 3 percent higher 

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

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

conditions. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

California

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2019

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Oranges 790 36% 377 765 110% 3%

Tangerines 410 19% 9 323 4296% 27%

Lemons 330 15% 214 172 54% 92%

Celery 110 5% 211 109 -48% 1%

Carrots 100 5% 108 77 -7% 30%

Top 5 Total 1,740 80% 920 1,446 89% 20%

California Total 2,170 100% 2,333 1,957 -7% 11%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 9: California Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

$2.59

$2.36

$2.50

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Table 14: California Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

January February March 1st Quarter

Central San Joaquin Valley California n/a n/a 3.00 3.00

Kern District, California 3.20 2.00 3.00 2.73

Oxnard District California 3.20 2.00 3.00 2.73

Salinas-Watsonville, California n/a n/a 3.00 3.00

Santa Maria, California 3.20 2.00 3.00 2.73

South District, California 3.00 2.00 2.00 2.33

Regional Average Availability 3.15 2.00 2.83 2.66

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.75 3.73 3.79 3.76
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for California

1

2

3

4

5

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

2019 2018 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Volume 

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

of 2019 were 1.86 million tons, an increase of 1 percent from the same quarter last year. Changes in volume 

varied among the top five commodities. Shipments of apples, potatoes, and rhubarb fell while dry onion and 

pear shipments increased.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.25 per mile, 9 percent 

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

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.13 per gallon, 10 percent lower than last quarter, but 1 percent higher than 

the same period last year. Across the board, shippers reported adequate truck availability in each reporting 

region in the PNW. 

Table 15: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from the PNW (1,000 tons)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Pacific Northwest

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2019

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 722 39% 635 806 14% -10%

Potatoes 522 28% 542 554 -4% -6%

Onions Dry 464 25% 463 364 0% 28%

Pears 155 8% 167 119 -8% 30%

Rhubarb 0.1 0% 0 0 - -21%

Top 5 Total 1,863 100% 1,807 1,842 3% 1%

PNW Total 1,863 100% 1,809 1,842 3% 1%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

$8.05

$2.25

$2.50

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

January February March 1st Quarter

Columbia Basin, Washington 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

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

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District, 

Washington 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Regional Average Availability 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.13 3.10 3.15 3.13

Table 16: PNW Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Figure 11: PNW Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 12: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for the PNW

1

2

3

4

5

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

2019 2018 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Volume 

During the first quarter of 2019, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Arizona were 

830 thousand tons, up 10 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

increased 9 percent from the same quarter last year. Decreases in processed lettuce and celery shipments 

could not offset strong increases in iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, and broccoli shipments which were up 

16, 8, and 35 percent, respectively.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $3.43 per mile, 15 percent 

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

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.13 per gallon, 10 percent lower than the previous quarter, but 1 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Shippers in Arizona reported adequate truck availability in January and 

March, and slight surplus conditions in February. 

Table 17: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Arizona (1,000 tons)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Arizona

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Arizona Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Lettuce, Iceberg 256 31% 149 221 71% 16%

Lettuce, Romaine 240 29% 119 221 102% 8%

Lettuce, Processed 108 13% 67 114 62% -5%

Celery 39 5% 6 39 585% -1%

Broccoli 37 5% 19 28 99% 35%

Top 5 Total 680 82% 359 623 89% 9%

Arizona Total 830 100% 479 756 73% 10%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

$3.43

$2.76

$2.65

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Table 18: Arizona Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

January February March 1st Quarter

Western Arizona 3.20 2.00 3.00 2.73

Regional Average Availability 3.20 2.00 3.00 2.73

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.13 3.10 3.15 3.13
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 14: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Arizona

1

2

3

4

5

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

2019 2018 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

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

Volume 

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida during the first quarter of 2019 were 707 

thousand tons, down 2 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities also 

decreased 8 percent from the same quarter last year. Four of the top five commodities including tomatoes 

(down 8 percent), strawberries (down 20 percent), sweet corn (down 10 percent), and cabbage (down 2 

percent) decreased compared with the previous year. However, shipments of potatoes increased 16 percent. 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.28 per mile, 6 percent 

higher than the previous quarter, but 13 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.93 per gallon, 7 percent lower than the previous quarter, but 1 percent higher 

than the same period last year. On average, shippers in Florida reported slight surplus conditions throughout 

the quarter.

Table 19: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Florida (1,000 tons)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Florida

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Florida Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Tomatoes 129 18% 110 140 17% -8%

Strawberries 83 12% 13 104 522% -20%

Corn-Sweet 68 10% 28 75 139% -10%

Cabbage 63 9% - 64 - -2%

Potatoes 47 7% 0 41 - 16%

Top 5 Total 389 55% 151 424 157% -8%

Florida Total 707 100% 371 719 91% -2%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 33

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

$2.89

$2.28

$2.18

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

1 2 4 1 2 4 1 2 3 4 1

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Table 20: Florida Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

January February March 1st Quarter

Central & South Florida 2.40 2.75 2.25 2.47

Regional Average Availability 2.40 2.75 2.25 2.47

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.90 2.91 2.99 2.93
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 34

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 16: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Florida

1

2

3

4

5

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

2019 2018 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 35

Data Sources

This information is compiled from the weekly Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report by USDA, Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Program, Market News Division. The website is: 

https://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/fv-home.

Regional Markets

For the regional markets, some States are grouped into producing regions. The Pacific Northwest region 

includes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Great Lakes region includes Michigan, Minnesota, and 

Wisconsin. The Southeast region includes North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Shipment Volumes

Truck shipments for all commodities and origins are not available. Those obtainable are reported, but should 

not be interpreted as representing complete movements of a commodity. Truck shipments from all States are 

collected at shipping points and include both interstate and intrastate movements. They are obtained from 

various sources, including Federal marketing orders, administrative committees, Federal State Inspection 

Service, and shippers. Volume amounts are represented in 10,000 pound units, or 1,000 10-lb packages 

but are converted to 1,000 tons for this report. Mexican border crossings through Arizona and Texas data is 

obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border and Protection (CBP) 

through USDA, AMS, Market News.

Rates

This information is compiled from the weekly Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report. Rates quoted represent 

open (spot) market rates that shippers or receivers pay depending on basis of sale, per load, including truck 

brokers fees for shipments in truck load volume to a single destination. Extra charges for delivery to terminal 

markets, multipickup and multidrop shipments are not included unless otherwise stated. Rates are based on 

the most usual loads in 48-53 foot trailers from the origin shipping area to the destination receiving city. In 

areas where rates are based on package rates, per load rates were derived by multiplying the package rate by 

the number of packages in the most usual load in a 48-53 foot trailer. Slightly cheaper rates will be reported 

during Quarters 2 and 3 as about 50 percent of onion shipments from California are hauled on open flatbed 

trailers. During Quarter 3, less than 20 percent of onions hauled from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon are on 

open flatbeds.

Regional Rates

Rate data for 10 destination markets are used to calculate average origin regional rates.

National Rates

The national rates reflect the average of the regional rates, separated by mileage category and weighted by 

volume between origin and destination.

Terms and References
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2019

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 36

Authors

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

April.Taylor@usda.gov, 202.295.7374 

Brian McGregor, Regulatory News/Updates 

Brian.McGregor@usda.gov, 202.720.0035 

Jesse Gastelle, Data Analysis 

Jesse.Gastelle@usda.gov, 202.690.1144 

Patty Willkie, Specialty Crops Program and Market News Division Data 

Patty.Willkie@usda.gov, 202.720.2175 

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

For assistance with accessibility issues related to this document, please e-mail SharonC.Williams@usda.gov. 

Related Websites

USDA's Agricultural Transportation Open Data Platform

https://agtransport.usda.gov/

Specialty Crops Program

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

Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report

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

Economic Research Service Vegetable and Pulses 

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

Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts 

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

National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crops

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_Subject/index.php?sector=CROPS

Refrigerated Truck Quarterly Datasets

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

Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/HS132800.pdf

Preferred Citation

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

Report. November 2019. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.11-2019>

Photo Credit

Burt Barnes

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