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

1st Quarter, 2017

January—March

 Florida

 Pacific Northwest

AMS-TSD Releases Profiles of Top U.S. Agricultural Ports, 2015

USDA’s Transportation Services Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service 

has published a new report detailing the importance of U.S. ocean ports to 

agricultural imports and exports. The report describes how agricultural cargo moves through the top 20 U.S. ocean ports for agricultural trade and 

breaks down the top containerized and bulk agricultural products moved 

through the individual ports. It further describes the use of refrigeration, the 

top origin and destination markets, and the top shipping lines used. The data are sourced from the Port Import Export Reporting Service (PIERS) which 

is a collection of bills of lading and manifest data that provide a view of agricultural trade by how it moves through the ocean transportation network.1

 

This article aims to provide a brief introduction of the top five ports in 2015. 

Readers are encouraged to find more information in the USDA’s Profiles of 

Top U.S. Agricultural Ports website.

Top 5 U.S. Ports Moving Waterborne Agricultural Trade

In 2015, more than 186 million metric tons of waterborne agricultural cargo 

moved through U.S. seaports. The top five ports (by volume) moving waterborne agricultural trade were the New Orleans Ports Region2

(36 percent of 

total U.S. waterborne agricultural trade), New York/New Jersey (6 percent of 

the total share), Kalama (5 percent of the total share), Houston (5 percent of 

the total share), and Los Angeles (4 percent of the total share). Table 1 summarizes the tonnages of total agricultural export and import, along with their 

percentages of the total, moved by these ports. Together, these five ports 

represented about 56 percent of the waterborne agricultural trade in 2015. 

As indicated, U.S. agricultural trade is largely dominated by exports. The 

New Orleans Port Region was the leading seaport, moving 46 percent of the 

total exports and 36 percent of total waterborne agricultural trade. 

1

The data are not considered official trade data, as only the waterborne portions of the trade 

are provided.

2

Includes New Orleans, South Louisiana, St. Rose, Destrehan, Baton Rouge, Avondale, and 

Gramercy. Ports situated along the Mississippi River 

Feature Article
Page 2 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Each of the major coastlines and their respective seaports offer unique opportunities and services for agricultural 

shippers, and the grain industry takes advantage of the vast transportation system around the country to move grain 

and agricultural products through all major seaports. The next section provides a summary of the key characteristics 

of export and import seaports in 2015.

Top U.S. Export and Import Ports

The New Orleans Port Region was the top U.S. port region moving agricultural trade in 2015 (65.8 million metric tons 

(mmt) for exports and 8.6 mmt for imports). The port brings all modes of transportation (ocean, barge, rail, and 

truck) together by allowing ocean-going vessels to serve ports 228 miles upriver from the Gulf of Mexico. The Port of 

Kalama, located northwest of Portland, OR, is an important port for bulk exports through the Pacific Northwest 

(PNW). With an industrial area of about 7 miles of riverfront property adjacent to the deep-draft navigation channel 

of the Columbia River, Kalama handled 8.7 million metric tons of grain and animal feed exports in 2015. More than 

99 percent of agricultural exports through New Orleans and Kalama moved in bulk vessels. The Port of Houston, 

ranked third for total waterborne agricultural exports in 2015 (6.4 mmt of agricultural exports), is a 25-mile complex 

of public and private facilities located in the Gulf of Mexico. The Port moved more than 6.4 mmt of agricultural exports, about 17 percent of which were containerized and 31 percent were refrigerated. 

Different from the Gulf seaports, the agricultural cargos shipped through Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Tacoma are 

highly containerized commodities.1 The large population base and extensive transportation network in that region 

attracts a significant percentage of consumer import products, which are almost exclusively moved in containers. 

These imports also leave a pool of empty containers for the export market. West Coast ports also provide direct access to some of the United States’ largest export markets in Eastern Asian countries. 

Table 2 and Table 3 show the top five U.S. export and import ports for agricultural products in 2015. These tables 

demonstrate that a variety of U.S. regions support U.S. agricultural trade and help meet domestic and global demand. The United States is the top supplier of grain and oilseeds globally and, as such, these products are among the 

top agricultural commodities exported from each of the ports listed. On the other hand, beverages (both alcoholic 

and non-alcoholic), wine, meat, fruit, and grocery items are major import commodities. While the Gulf and Pacific 

Northwest ports operate mostly bulk, grain shipments, agricultural trade through major seaports on the East and 

Southwest coasts are mostly high-valued containerized products. 

1

Since 2015, Tacoma and Seattle formed the Northwest Seaports Alliance: https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/#/

maps/overview

Table 1: Top 5 U.S. Ports Moving Waterborne Agricultural Trades, Total, and Shares

Source: 2015 PIERS

1 New Orleans Ports Region LA 1,680,820 3.8% 65,846,219 46.3% 67,527,039 36%

2 New York/New Jersy NY 8,661,345 19.7% 1,743,929 1.2% 10,405,273 6%

3 Kalama WA 0 0.0% 8,736,975 6.1% 8,736,975 5%

4 Houston TX 2,160,880 4.9% 6,433,753 4.5% 8,594,633 5%

5 Los Angeles CA 2,564,535 5.8% 5,499,759 3.9% 8,064,294 4%

Rank U.S. Ports State Share % of Total 

Import

Export 

(Metric Tons)

% of Total 

export

Imports 

(Metric Tons)

Total 

(Metric Tons)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 3

The top U.S. agricultural import ports are concentrated in the most populated regions, the Northeast and Southwest. The top two import ports, New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia (see Table 2), handled only about a quarter 

of the total U.S. waterborne agricultural imports in 2015 from a variety of origins including Europe, Eastern Asia, 

South America, and Australia. California seaports transported just over 10 percent of the imports mostly from Eastern Asian and southwestern Pacific countries (see Table 3). 

Conclusion

The agricultural community uses ocean transportation networks extensively to serve its global customers. The Profiles of Top U.S. Agricultural Ports provides a view of the top 20 U.S. ocean ports moving U.S. agricultural export and 

import traffic, along with shipping lines used, and destination and origin countries. 

April. Taylor@ams.usda.gov; Matt.Chang@ams.usda.gov 

Table 2: Top 5 U.S. Export Ports Moving Waterborne Agricultural Trades

Source: 2015 PIERS

2 Kalama 8,736,975 (6%) 0% 0% Soybeans, Bulk grains, Grain Products China, Japan, South Korea

3 Houston 6,433,753 (5%) 17% 31%

Bulk Grains, Candy Confections, Grain 

Products Canada, China, Mexico

China, Japan, Mexcio

Rank U.S. Ports Metric Tons (% of Share) Top Trade Partners % of 

containers

% of 

Refrigerated 

Top Export Commodities

1 New Orleans Ports Region 65,846,219 (46%) 1% 1% Grain Products, Soybeans, Animal feed

Animal Feed, Soybeans, Cotton China, Japan, Taiwan

5 Tacoma 5,436,342 (4%) 55% 20% Soybeans, Animal Feed, Grain Products China, Japan, Taiwan

4 Los Angeles 5,499,759 (4%) 100% 14%

Table 3: Top 5 U.S. Import Ports Moving Waterborne Agricultural Trades

Source: 2015 PIERS

2 Philadelphia 3,139,143 (7%) 56% 50% Wine, Meat, Fruit Canada, Australia, New Zeland

3 Los Angeles 2,564,535 (6%) 97% 40%

Fruit, Grocery Items, NonAlcoholic Beverage China, Thailand, Chile

Rank U.S. Ports Top Trade Partners % of 

containers

% of 

Refrigerated Metric Tons (% of Share) Top Import Commdities

Italy, China, Brazil

4 Long Beach 2,509,078 (6%) 91% 32%

Non-Alcoholic Beverage, 

Beer/Ale, Gorcery ltems China, New Zealand, Australia

New York/New Jersey 8,661,344 (20%) 1

Non-Alcoholic Beverage, Wine, Beer/Ale 86% 23%

Beer/Ale, Guar Gum, NonAlcoholic Beverage

5 Houston 2,160,880 (5%) 79% 32% India, Costa Rica, Belgium
Page 4 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Quarterly Overview

Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

Reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce during the first quarter of 2017 were 8.02 million tons, 0.4 percent lower 

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

Shipments from Mexico were the highest in the first quarter, totaling 2.97 million tons and accounting for 37 percent of 

the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables. Shipments from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.8 million

tons, representing 22 percent of the reported shipments. Movements from Florida totaled 861,000 tons, representing 11

percent of the reported total.

The following top five commodities accounted for 43 percent of the reported truck movements during the first quarter of

2017: 

► Potatoes (14 percent)

► Apples (10 percent)

► Onions, dry (7 percent) 

► Tomatoes (6 percent) 

► Lettuce, romaine (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 +

Q1 2016 3.98 2.22 2.10 1.27

Q2 2016 3.62 2.34 2.10 1.30

Q3 2016 4.71 2.47 2.05 1.21

Q4 2016 3.36 2.04 2.03 1.08

Q1 2017 2.81 1.86 2.05 1.05

Q1 Change from 

Previous Quarter

-16% -9% 1% -3%

Q1 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year

-29% -16% -2% -18%

Diesel Fuel 

During the first quarter 2017, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $2.57 per gallon—4 percent higher than last quarter and 

24 percent higher than the same quarter last year.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 5

Regulatory News and Updates

Improving Motor Carrier Safety Measurement

On June 27, 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine announced the availability of 

the report, Improving Motor Carrier Safety Measurement, required by Section 5221 under Part II—Compliance, 

Safety Accountability Reform of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act. The announcement stated that 

“while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) used to 

identify commercial motor vehicle carriers at high risk for future crashes is conceptually sound, several features 

of its implementation need improvement...” FMCSA will submit the report to Congress and the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Within 120 days of submitting the report, FMCSA will submit a 

corrective action plan to Congress and the Inspector General. Within an additional 120 days of receiving the 

corrective action plan, the Inspector General will submit a review of the corrective action plan to Congress. 

Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program

On June 27, 2017, FMCSA proposed for public comment, an information collection to support “a pilot program 

to allow temporary regulatory relief from the Agency's sleeper berth regulation for a limited number of commercial drivers who have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), and who regularly use a sleeper berth to 

accumulate their required 10 hours of non-duty work status. During the pilot program, participating drivers 

would have the option to split their sleeper berth time within parameters specified by FMCSA. Driver metrics 

would be collected for the duration of the study, and participants' safety performance and fatigue levels would 

be analyzed. This pilot program seeks to produce statistically reliable evidence on the question as to whether 

split sleeper berth time affects driver safety performance and fatigue levels.”

Supreme Court Declined to Review Driver Privacy Cases Involving Data Logging and Records

On June 19, 2017, Landlinemag.com reported that the Supreme Court did not accept the petition to review a 

lower court’s decision that dismissed Operator-Owner Independent Drivers’ Association (OOIDA) members’ 

case involving the Privacy Act and FMCSA’s release of Pre-Employment Screening Program data. OOIDA maintains that under the Privacy Act, FMCSA should not disseminate inspection reports that contain references to 

alleged safety violations that it has determined to be serious driver-related safety violations, when these type 

of violations are not listed in FMCSA’s system of records.

On June 12, 2017, Landlinemag.com reported that the Supreme Court denied the OOIDA petition to review a 

lower court’s decision to not vacate FMCSA’s Electronic Logging Devices and Hours of Service Supporting Documents; Final Rule. OOIDA contends the rule violates the Fourth Amendment’s protection against warrantless 

searches and seizures. 

Under Supreme Court procedures, “four of the nine Justices must vote to accept a case....the Court usually is 

not under any obligation to hear these cases, and it usually only does so if the case could have national significance, might harmonize conflicting decisions in the federal Circuit courts, and/or could have precedential value. 

In fact, the Court accepts 100-150 of the more than 7,000 cases that it is asked to review each year.” In a recent 

case, Chief Justice Roberts stated “it is important to recall our frequent admonition that “[t]he denial of a writ 

of certiorari [a request that the Supreme Court review a lower court’s decision] imports no expression of opinion upon the merits of the case.”

Electronic Logging Device Implementation National Tour

On July 10, 2017, FMCSA announced its electronic logging device (ELD) Implementation National Tour – a public 
Page 6 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

education and outreach campaign geared towards helping commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers transition to 

ELDs. On the tour, FMCSA subject matter experts will discuss what drivers need to do to ensure compliance 

with the ELD rule. Participants will have the opportunity at select events to attend a presentation on ELD implementation, as well as ask subject matter experts questions at FMCSA’s interactive exhibit booth, where they will 

have access to consumer-friendly resources and materials.

Event dates and locations are as follows:

July 13-15 – Iowa 80 Truckstop Jamboree (Walcott, IA)

August 24-26 – Great American Trucking Show (Dallas, TX)

September 25-27 – North American Commercial Vehicle Show (Atlanta, GA)

October 14-15 – California Trucking Show (Ontario, CA)

October 21-24 – American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition (Orlando, FL)

November 6-8 – Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference & Expo (Kansas City, MO)

Applications for an Exemption from Electronic Logging Device Requirements

FMCSA published, for public comment, the following applications for an exemption from the requirement that a 

motor carrier install and require each of its drivers to use an ELD to record the driver's hours-of-service (HOS) no 

later than December 18, 2017:

MBI Energy Services, July 10, 2017

Pipe Line Contractors Association, July 10, 2017

United Parcel Service Inc., June 9, 2017

In each case, FMCSA must determine whether an exemption, if granted, will achieve a level of safety that is 

equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent the exemption.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 7

U.S. Truck Rates

National Summary

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

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

2.81

2.05

1.05

1.86

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

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

2015 2016 2017

0-500 miles

501-1500 miles

1501-2500 miles

2500+ miles

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

2017 1.86

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 Programs, Market News Division

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

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

Origin January February March October November December

California 2.59 2.41 2.49 2.74 2.72 2.64

Florida 1.99 2.00 2.04 2.06 2.10 2.22

Great Lakes 3.08 3.06 3.08 3.00 3.09 3.10

Mexico-Arizona 2.10 1.97 2.07 1.36 1.84 1.87

Mexico-Texas 2.22 2.15 2.21 1.78 1.92 1.95

PNW 2.22 2.17 2.04 1.81 1.96 2.22

Southeast 3.59 3.91 3.91 4.57 3.35 3.27

1st Qtr 2017 4th Qtr 2016

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

Note: "n/a" indicates rates not available. 

Note: The rates for 8 long- haul fruit and vegetable truck corridors are included in the national rate, weighted by commodity and origin volume. 
Page 8 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

Truck Rates for Selected Routes 

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 1st Quarter 2017 ($/Mile)

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

Arizona 2.75 2.42 2.33 2.35 . . . 2.44 2.46 .

California 2.28 2.14 2.08 1.95 2.52 6.72 2.27 2.15 2.14 2.41

Florida 2.16 2.10 2.20 1.65 . 1.69 2.11 2.13 2.18 .

Great Lakes 2.93 2.93 2.81 3.79 2.62 . 2.76 3.73 3.37 .

Mexico-Arizona . . . 1.76 2.06 2.03 2.02 1.99 1.98 .

Mexico-Texas 2.32 2.20 2.26 2.07 2.54 1.88 2.23 2.21 2.18 2.14

New York 2.31 3.50 5.90 2.24 . . 2.05 6.01 4.78 .

Other 2.36 2.41 2.70 2.07 2.86 1.87 2.19 2.46 2.34 .

PNW 2.16 2.23 2.20 2.10 2.20 2.15 2.10 2.26 2.24 5.36

Southeast 5.50 4.28 3.88 3.53 . . 3.25 4.55 4.43 .

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

Destination Origin

Table 4: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 1st Quarter 2017 ($/Truck)

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

Arizona 4,946 5,550 6,162 4,115 . . . 5,892 5,754 .

California 5,116 5,763 6,233 4,053 3,681 742 6,335 6,016 5,871 2,638

Florida 1,160 2,075 3,188 2,097 . 4,250 506 2,604 2,403 .

Great Lakes 2,776 3,275 3,741 1,164 2,925 . 4,400 3,598 3,195 .

Mexico-Arizona . . . 3,177 2,023 1,138 4,588 4,985 4,746 .

Mexico-Texas 2,669 3,938 4,981 2,958 1,269 3,004 3,412 4,415 4,150 5,142

New York 2,306 1,154 1,315 1,596 . . 2,977 1,035 1,138 .

Other 2,240 3,016 3,227 1,832 1,680 1,744 4,340 3,016 2,932 .

PNW 4,982 5,447 6,028 3,737 3,996 2,165 6,238 5,729 5,621 750

Southeast 2,063 1,540 3,000 3,000 . . 2,500 2,513 2,053 .

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

Origin Destination
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 9

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

vegetable movements.

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices

Table 5: 1st Quarter 2017 Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types - $/Gallon)

Last Quarter Same Qtr Last Year

East Coast 2.62 0.14 0.48

 New England 2.65 0.15 0.42

 Central Atlantic 2.77 0.18 0.51

 Lower Atlantic 2.51 0.12 0.48

Midwest 2.50 0.08 0.49

Gulf Coast 2.42 0.08 0.46

Rocky Mountain 2.56 0.06 0.56

West Coast 2.86 0.11 0.56

 California 2.94 0.11 0.53

U.S. 2.57 0.10 0.50

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

Location Price Change From

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

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

2.92

2.85

2.63

2.43

2.07

2.30

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.00

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 4% 

from last quarter and up

24% from the same quarter 

last year
Page 10 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

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

vegetable movements.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel & Truck Rates

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

Sources:

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

Truck Rate: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Programs, 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

Q3

Q4

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 Programs, Market News Division
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 11

1st Quarter 2017 Comparison Analysis 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.57 per gallon this quarter, 4 percent higher than last quarter and 24 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Average truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 

miles were $1.86 per mile, 9 percent lower than the previous quarter and 16 percent lower than the 

same quarter last year.
Page 12 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Table 7: U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Truck Availability, 1st Quarter 2017

Quarterly Truck Availability

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL, AND WESTERN ARIZONA 1/3 1/10 1/17 1/24 1/31 2/7 2/14 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28

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

Lettuce Romaine

3 3 3 3

Imperial & Coachella Valley California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce, 

Lettuce Romaine

3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3

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

Oxnard District California Lettuce Romaine, Cabbage, Celery, Cilantro, 

Lettuce Other, Strawberries

3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3

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

South & Central District California Kiwi, Plum Type Tomatoes, Tomatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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

Salinas-Watsonville California Broccoli, Cauliflower 2 3 3

FLORIDA 1/3 1/10 1/17 1/24 1/31 2/7 2/14 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28

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

South Florida Melons 4 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 3

Florida Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3

GREAT LAKE (MI & WI) 1/3 1/10 1/17 1/24 1/31 2/7 2/14 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28

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

Michigan Onions, Apples 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

MEXICO BORDER CROSSINGS 1/3 1/10 1/17 1/24 1/31 2/7 2/14 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Melons, 

Mangoes

3 3 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 3 3

Mexico Crossings Through Texas Broccoli, Carrots, Tomatoes, Lemons, Limes, 

Mixed Fruits, Vegetables, Mangos, Mangoes

4 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3

PACIFIC NORTHWEST (ID, OR, & WA) 1/3 1/10 1/17 1/24 1/31 2/7 2/14 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28

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

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon Onions 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 3

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho Potatoes 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 3 3

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington

Apples, Pears 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2

SOUTHEAST (GA, SC, & NC) 1/3 1/10 1/17 1/24 1/31 2/7 2/14 3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28

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

South Georgia Cabbage, Greens 3 3

1

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

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

Region1 Commodity1

Surplus - 1 Slight Surplus - 2

Truck Availability

Week Ending1

Adequate - 3 Slight Shortage - 4 Shortage - 5
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 13

Reported U.S. Shipments

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Programs, 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)

1st quarter 2017 U.S. shipments decreased 0.4% 

compared to the previous quarter, but increased by 6%

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 8,017

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 Programs, Market News Division

Year

2005

2004

2003

2002

2012

2013

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2015

2014

2016

2017

2000

2001

2006
Page 14 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities

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

Previous Qtr

Potatoes 1,119 1,221 1,037 -8%

Apples 832 968 786 -14%

Onions Dry 573 526 493 9%

Tomatoes 481 400 434 20%

Lettuce, Romaine 320 300 294 7%

Lettuce, Iceberg 300 324 327 -8%

Strawberries 269 144 212 87%

Peppers, Bell Type 267 216 240 23%

Avocados 261 210 317 24%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 255 163 276 56%

8%

6%

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2017

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter % change from:

Same Qtr Last Year

9%

11%

16%

-8%

-8%

26%

11%

-18%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 15

Regional Markets

California

Figure 5: California Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$6.72

$2.51

$2.14

$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

2015 2016 2017

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

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

Previous Qtr

Same Qtr Last 

Year

Celery 115 21% 201 111 -43% 3%

Carrots 85 15% 78 74 8% 15%

Strawberries 57 10% 86 66 -33% -12%

Lettuce, Romaine 56 10% 140 53 -60% 7%

Lettuce, Iceberg 48 8% 161 46 -70% 3%

Top 5 Total 361 64% 667 350 -46% 3%

California Total 561 100% 1,399 588 -60% -5%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter % change from:

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2017

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Page 16 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the first quarter of 2017 were nearly 561 

thousand tons, a 5 percent decrease from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities increased by 3 

percent, led by a 15 percent increase in carrot shipments, a 7 percent increase in romaine lettuce, and 3 percent increases 

for both celery and iceberg lettuce. Strawberry shipments decreased by 12 percent. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.51 per mile, 7 percent lower 

than both the previous quarter, and 9 percent lower than the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.94 per gallon, 4 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 22 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Truck availability for California was reported as adequate to a slight surplus in all reporting districts during the quarter. 

Figure 6: California Truck Overview

January February March 1st Quarter

Imperial, Palo Verde, And Coachella Valleys 3.00 2.00 2.50 2.50

Kern District California 3.00 2.00 2.50 2.50

Oxnard District California 3.00 2.00 2.50 2.50

Salinas-Watsonville California n/a n/a 2.70 2.70

Santa Maria California 3.00 2.00 2.50 2.50

South District California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

South & Central District California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Regional Average Availability 3.00 2.33 2.67 2.67

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.93 2.96 2.94 2.94

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
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 17

Pacific Northwest (PNW)

Figure 8: PNW Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$5.36

$2.15

$2.16

$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

2015 2016 2017

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

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

Previous Qtr

Same Qtr Last 

Year

Apples 723 41% 792 659 -9% 10%

Potatoes 559 31% 581 474 -4% 18%

Onions Dry 378 21% 385 329 -2% 15%

Pears 123 7% 178 175 -31% -30%

Rhubarb 0.1 0% 0.01 0.1 - 14%

Top 5 Total 1,783 100% 1,936 1,638 -8% 9%

PNW Total 1,783 100% 1,937 1,638 -8% 9%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter % change from:

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2017

Share of PNW 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Page 18 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

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

quarter of 2017 were 1.8 million tons, an increase of 9 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top 

five commodities increased 9 percent as well. The top three commodities, apples, potatoes, and dry onions, increased compared with last year, while pears fell 30 percent compared with last year. The top five commodities represent 100 percent of reported shipments from the Pacific Northwest Region. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.15 per mile, 8 percent 

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

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.75 per gallon, 4 percent higher than last quarter, and 28 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Shippers reported a shortage of trucks in January, but by March, conditions 

improved to a slight shortage, and by April, reports were adequate to a slight surplus. 

Figure 9: PNW Truck Overview

January February March 1st Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 5.00 4.25 2.00 3.75

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 5.00 4.50 3.00 4.17

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 5.00 4.50 3.00 4.17

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3.40 3.00 2.50 2.97

Regional Average Availability 4.60 4.06 2.63 3.76

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.76 2.76 2.73 2.75

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
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 19

Mexico Border Crossings 

Figure 11: Mexico Truck Overview

January February March 1st Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 2.80 1.50 2.50 2.27

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3.60 3.00 3.75 3.45

Regional Average Availability 3.20 2.25 3.13 2.86

Diesel Fuel Price, through Arizona($/gallon) 2.76 2.76 2.73 2.75

Diesel Fuel Price, through Texas ($/gallon) 2.43 2.42 2.40 2.42

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

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

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

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

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

Avocados 242 Asparagus 6 0 Cucumbers 158 Peppers, Other 1 9

Tomatoes 141 Onions Green 4 0 Peppers, Bell Type 156 Misc Tropical 1

Limes 108 Misc Tropical 3 7 Squash 141 Corn-Sweet 1

Onions Dry 9 1 Strawberries 2 4 Tomatoes 138 - -

Watermelons 8 2 Brussels Sprouts 2 1 Tomatoes, Plum Type 137 - -

Top 5 Total 664 Top 5 Total 183 Top 5 Total 731 Top 5 Total 2 1

Mexico-TX Total 1,396 Mexico-CA Total 407 Mexico-AZ Total 1,141 Mexico-NMTotal 2 1

Texas California Arizona New Mexico

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

Previous Qtr

Same Qtr Last 

Year

Tomatoes 282 10% 182 319 55% -12%

Avocados 248 8% 202 288 22% -14%

Cucumbers 236 8% 199 229 19% 3%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 217 7% 128 253 69% -14%

Peppers, Bell Type 205 7% 97 191 111% 7%

Top 5 Total 1,187 40% 808 1,280 47% -7%

Mexico Total 2,965 100% 2,237 2,789 33% 6%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter % change from:

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Page 20 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Figure 12: Mexico Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$2.54

$2.12

$2.05

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1

2015 2016 2017

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

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

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

$2.54

$2.16

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 21

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico during the first quarter of 2017 were nearly 3 

million tons—an increase of 6 percent from the same quarter in 2016, but the sum of the top five commodities decreased 7 percent from last year. Shipments of tomatoes decreased 12 percent, followed by avocados at 14 percent plum tomatoes by 14 

percent. Bell peppers increased 7 percent and cucumbers increased 3 percent. 

Rates: Truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.19 per mile, up 16 

percent from the previous quarter, and 8 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Rates for shipments between 501 and 

1,500 miles from the Arizona border crossings averaged $2.05 per mile, up 17 percent from last quarter, but 4 percent lower 

than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged $2.42 per gallon, 3 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 23.5 percent higher than the same quarter in 2016. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $2.75 per gallon, 4 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 28 percent higher than the same period in 2016. Truck 

availability data for the quarter showed a slight surplus to adequate at both major border crossings during the quarter. 

1

2

3

4

5

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

2017 2016 Prior 3-Year Average

Fig 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 Programs, Market News Division

$2.05

$1.94

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1

2015 2016 2017

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2500+ Miles Rates per mile by 
Page 22 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Arizona

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Arizona during the first quarter of 2017 were 765,000 tons, a 4 

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

quarter last year with an increase of 10 percent for romaine lettuce, but decreases for iceberg (-11 percent) and processed (-13 

percent) lettuces, as well as a 3 percent decrease of spinach shipments and a 33 percent decrease for celery. In total, 88 percent of reported shipments were lettuce and other leafy greens. 

Rates: Insufficient data was available to identify the quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.75 per gallon, 4 percent higher than the previous quarter and 28 percent higher than the same period last year. Truck availability reported for Arizona ranged from a slight surplus to adequate throughout 

the quarter.

Figure 16: Arizona Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$2.33

$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

2015 2016 2017

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

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

Previous Qtr

Same Qtr Last 

Year

Lettuce, Romaine 246 32% 150 224 64% 10%

Lettuce, Iceberg 224 29% 149 251 51% -11%

Lettuce, Processed 105 14% 63 122 68% -13%

Spinach 32 4% 18 33 78% -3%

Celery 31 4% 3 46 - -33%

Top 5 Total 638 83% 382 676 67% -6%

Arizona Total 765 100% 497 799 54% -4%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter % change from:

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Arizona Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 23

Figure 18: Arizona Truck Overview

January February March 1st Quarter

Central And Western Arizona 3.00 2.00 2.50 2.50

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 2.80 1.50 2.50 2.27

Regional Average Availability 2.90 1.75 2.50 2.38

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.76 2.76 2.73 2.75

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
Page 24 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Florida

Volume: Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida during the first quarter of 2017 were more than 

861,000 tons, up 33 percent from the same quarter in 2016. The sum of the top five commodities increased by 37 percent, with 

only one (grapefruit) of the top five commodities posting a decrease (-32 percent).Tomatoes, strawberries, cabbage, and 

sweet corn each increased significantly. Tomatoes and sweet corn showed increases of over 80 percent while cabbage and 

strawberries increased more than 30 percent. 

Rates: The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.01 per mile, 3 percent higher than 

the same quarter last year. 

Truck Overview: Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.51 per gallon, 5 percent higher than last quarter, and 24 percent higher than 

the same period last year. Shippers in Florida reported adequate truck availability throughout the majority of the quarter with 

the exception of a slight shortage in March in the Central and South Florida region. Figure 19: Florida Truck Rates ($/Mile)

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

$2.43

$2.01

$1.69

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 4 1

2015 2016 2017

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

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

Previous Qtr

Same Qtr Last 

Year

Tomatoes 176 20% 142 98 24% 81%

Strawberries 110 13% 24 84 350% 31%

Cabbage 86 10% 9 63 901% 35%

Corn-Sweet 83 10% - 44 - 88%

Grapefruit 59 7% 63 86 -6% -32%

Top 5 Total 513 60% 238 375 116% 37%

Florida Total 861 100% 492 647 75% 33%

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

"-" indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Current Quarter % change from:

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2017

Share of 

Florida Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 25

Figure 20: Florida Truck Overview

January February March 1st Quarter

Central & South Florida 2.60 2.75 4.00 3.12

Florida n/a 3.00 3.00 3.00

South Florida 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Regional Average Availability 2.80 2.92 3.33 3.02

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.51 2.52 2.51 2.51

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

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

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

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 Florida 1 - Surplus | 2 - Slight Surplus | 3 - Adequate | 4 - Slight Shortage | 5 - Shortage
Page 26 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Data Sources: This information is compiled from the weekly Fruit and Vegetable Truck Rate Report by USDA,

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

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

Regional Markets: For the regional markets, some States are grouped into producing regions. The Pacific 

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

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

Shipment Volumes: Truck shipments for all commodities and origins are not available. Those obtainable are 

reported, but should not be interpreted as representing complete movements of a commodity. Truck shipments 

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

obtained from various sources, including Federal marketing orders, administrative committees, Federal State 

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

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

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

USDA, AMS, Market News.

Rates: This information is compiled from the weekly Fruit and Vegetable Truck Rate Report. Rates quoted 

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

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

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

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

rates are based on package rates, per load rates were derived by multiplying the package rate by the number of 

packages in the most usual load in a 48-53 foot trailer. Slightly cheaper rates will be reported during Quarters 2 and 3 

as about 50 percent of onion shipments from California are hauled on open flatbed trailers. During Quarter 3, less 

than 20 percent of onions hauled from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon are on open flatbeds.

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

National Rates: The national rates reflect the average of the regional rates, separated by mileage category and 

weighted by volume between origin and destination.

Terms and References
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017 Page 27

Related Websites:

Specialty Crops Program

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

Fruit and Vegetable Truck Report 

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

Economic Research Service Vegetable and Pulses 

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

Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts 

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

National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crops

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

Contact Us

Coordinator

April Taylor April.Taylor@ams.usda.gov 202.295.7374

Quarterly Overview, U.S. Diesel Prices

April Taylor

April.Taylor@ams.usda.gov 202.295.7374

Regulatory News/Updates

Brian McGregor

Brian.McGregor@ams.usda.gov 202.720.0035

Regional Analysis—Southeast, Florida, 

PNW, California, Mexico

April Taylor

April.Taylor@ams.usda.gov 202.295.7374

U.S. Truck Rates and Shipments

Pierre Bahizi

Pierre.Bahizi@ams.usda.gov 202.690.0992

Truck Availability

Jesse Gastelle 

Jesse.gastelle@ams.usda.gov 202.690.1144 

Specialty Crops Programs, 

Market News Division Data

Terry Long

Terry.Long@ams.usda.gov 202-720-2745

To subscribe, please send e-mail to:

(Printed copies are available upon request.)

April.Taylor@ams.usda.gov
Page 28 Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly 1st Quarter, 2017

Preferred Citation

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

May 2017. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.07-2017>

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

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

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

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

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

deadlines vary by program or incident. 

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

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

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

other than English. 

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

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

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

to USDA by: 

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

 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 

 1400 Independence Avenue, SW 

 Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

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

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

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