Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

Contents

National Summary.......................... 2

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

U.S. Truck Rates ................................ 3

Truck Rates for Selected Routes........ 4

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices ...................... 5

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and 

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

Quarterly Truck Availability............... 8

Reported U.S. Shipments................ 10

Reported Shipments by Selected 

Commodities................................... 11

Regional Markets...........................12

U.S.-Mexico Border ........................ 12

California......................................... 16

PNW................................................ 19

Florida............................................. 22

Arizona............................................ 25

Additional Information..................28

Terms and References..................... 28

Contact Us....................................... 29

Quarter 1, January-March 2021

Published November 2021

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

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

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 2

Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

USDA reported first-quarter 2021 U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce were 10.11 million tons, 12 percent 

higher than the previous quarter, but unchanged from the same quarter last year.

Also, in the first quarter, shipments from the Mexico border were 3.55 million tons, higher than those from any 

other reported origin. Shipments from Mexico accounted for 35 percent of the total reported shipments of fresh 

fruit and vegetables. The next four top regions by volume were as follows: shipments from California were 2.26 

million tons, representing 22 percent of the total; shipments from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) were 1.79 million 

tons, representing 18 percent of the total; movements from Florida were 642,000 tons, representing 6 percent of 

the reported total; and finally, Arizona shipments were 614,000 tons, representing 6 percent of the total. 

These top five commodities accounted for 39 percent of reported truck movements in first quarter 2021: 

► Potatoes (12 percent)

► Apples (8 percent)

► Oranges (8 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—1-500; 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 first quarter 2021, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $2.89 per gallon—up 17 percent from the previous 

quarter but unchanged from the same quarter last year.

National Summary

Average U.S. Truck Rates for Selected Routes Between 501 and 1,500 Miles ($/Mile)

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

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

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

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

Q1 2020 2.73 2.56 2.36 1.60

Q2 2020 2.57 2.51 2.27 1.55

Q3 2020 2.95 2.56 2.53 1.44

Q4 2020 3.26 2.92 2.85 1.66

Q1 2021 2.68 2.89 2.55 1.75

Q1 Change from 

Previous Quarter -18% -1% -10% 5%

Q1 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year -2% 13% 8% 9%

Quarterly Overview 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 3

U.S. Truck Rates

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

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

Table 1: Average U.S. Truck Rates for Selected Routes Between 501 and 1,500 Miles ($/Mile)

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

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

by commodity and origin volume.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

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

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

2021 2.89

2020 2.56 2.51 2.56 2.92

2019 2.59 2.60 2.47 2.52

2018 2.82 2.99 2.74 2.84

2017 1.86 2.41 2.33 2.56

2016 2.22 2.37 2.49 2.06

2015 2.47 2.63 2.59 2.36

2014 2.32 2.67 2.64 2.49

2013 2.24 2.60 2.62 2.27

2012 2.10 2.54 2.45 2.29

2011 2.02 2.60 2.77 2.26

2010 1.82 2.21 2.33 1.94

2009 1.85 1.99 2.02 1.86

2.68

2.89

2.55

1.75

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

$/Mile 

0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 4

Truck Rates for Selected Routes

Table 2: Quarterly Rates for Key Origins by Month; 501-1,500 miles ($/Mile)

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

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

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 1st Quarter 2021 ($/Mile)

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

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

1st Quarter, 2021 4th Quarter, 2020

U.S. Origin January February March October November December

Arizona 3.89 3.88 4.18 n/a n/a 4.09

California 3.50 3.53 4.07 3.24 4.34 3.84

Florida 2.28 2.80 3.16 2.33 2.27 2.53

Great Lakes 3.89 3.80 3.94 3.84 3.93 3.94

Mexico-Arizona 3.04 3.21 3.21 2.47 2.98 2.94

Mexico-Texas 2.93 2.90 2.95 2.66 2.79 3.13

New York 4.77 4.45 4.40 5.05 4.80 4.80

Other 2.52 2.53 2.76 2.52 2.52 2.52

PNW 2.40 2.31 2.50 2.25 2.40 2.43

Southeast 4.42 4.42 4.42 6.85 5.21 4.24

Texas 3.66 3.48 3.34 3.34 3.48 3.86

Destination

U.S. Origin Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia

Arizona 3.38 3.12 3.03 3.03 4.00 n/a 3.21 3.17 3.11

California 3.29 3.09 2.99 3.07 3.81 n/a 3.11 3.11 3.09

Florida 2.84 2.80 3.00 2.31 n/a n/a 2.71 3.30 2.90

Great Lakes 3.67 4.23 3.85 4.28 3.15 n/a 3.12 4.50 3.97

MexicoArizona 3.04 3.18 3.16 2.70 3.43 2.89 2.97 3.19 3.21

MexicoTexas 3.18 3.14 3.00 2.68 3.37 2.13 2.73 3.17 3.10

New York 5.10 7.34 14.07 5.40 n/a n/a 3.76 n/a 10.54

Other 3.05 2.40 n/a 2.52 4.00 2.17 2.61 3.12 2.25

PNW 2.81 2.86 2.81 2.78 2.78 2.41 2.75 2.99 2.81

Southeast 6.25 6.82 4.39 4.12 n/a n/a 3.90 5.29 5.23

Texas 4.27 4.03 3.62 3.75 5.52 2.43 3.01 3.98 3.89
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 5

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 2021 ($/Truck)

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

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

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

Destination

U.S. Origin Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia

Arizona 7,106 8,100 8,796 6,158 5,204 n/a 8,358 8,546 8,238

California 7,239 8,283 8,986 6,359 5,452 n/a 8,575 8,718 8,457

Florida 1,383 2,773 4,055 2,774 n/a n/a 650 3,737 3,066

Great Lakes 3,766 3,950 4,921 1,523 3,485 n/a 5,640 4,287 3,908

MexicoArizona 5,473 7,462 8,523 4,858 3,358 1,619 6,762 7,981 7,712

MexicoTexas 3,654 5,623 6,609 3,829 1,683 3,400 4,171 6,338 5,888

New York 5,095 2,423 2,392 4,540 n/a n/a 5,454 n/a 2,423

Other 2,494 4,299 n/a 2,361 2,084 2,018 5,353 4,365 4,143

PNW 6,475 7,004 7,688 4,945 5,066 2,412 8,160 7,625 7,084

Southeast 2,500 2,250 3,250 3,500 n/a n/a 3,000 2,750 2,250

Texas 3,631 5,636 6,521 3,750 1,656 3,406 4,150 6,325 5,831

3.02

3.20

3.24

3.26

3.02

3.12

3.02 3.06 2.90

2.43

2.43

2.47

2.89

2.30

2.50

2.70

2.90

3.10

3.30

3.50

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices were up 17% from 

last quarter and were unchanged 

from the same quarter last year.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 6

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

and vegetable movements.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and Truck Rates

Table 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.

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

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

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

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

Region 1st Quarter 2021 Price 

$/Gallon

Change From Last 

Quarter Change From Last Year

East Coast 2.91 15% -1%

California 3.66 12% -2%

New England 2.89 12% -5%

Central Atlantic 3.07 13% -2%

Lower Atlantic 2.81 18% < 1%

Gulf Coast 2.66 20% 0%

Midwest 2.85 20% 3%

Rocky Mountain 2.85 16% -1%

West Coast Except California 3.00 13% -3%

U.S. 2.89 17% > -1%

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

Truck Rates in $/Mile

Diesel Price in $/Gallon

Diesel Fuel 0-500 Miles 501-1500 Miles 1501-2500 Miles 2501+ Miles
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 7

Table 6: Average Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

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

Administration/U.S. Department of Energy data.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Year Quarter Diesel Fuel 

($/gallon)

Truck Rates ($/mile) 

501-1500 miles

% Change From

Last Quarter Last Year

Diesel Truck Diesel Truck

2018 Q1 3.02 2.82 5% 10% 18% 51%

Q2 3.20 2.99 6% 6% 25% 24%

Q3 3.24 2.74 1% -8% 23% 18%

Q4 3.26 2.84 1% 4% 14% 11%

2019 Q1 3.02 2.59 -8% -9% < 1% -8%

Q2 3.12 2.60 4% < 1% -2% -13%

Q3 3.02 2.47 -3% -5% -7% -10%

Q4 3.06 2.52 1% 2% -6% -11%

2020 Q1 2.90 2.56 -5% 2% -4% -1%

Q2 2.43 2.51 -16% -2% -22% -3%

Q3 2.43 2.56 > -1% 2% -20% 4%

Q4 2.47 2.92 2% 14% -19% 16%

2021 Q1 2.89 2.89 17% -1% > -1% 13%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 8

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

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

California, Central, And Western Arizona Commodities 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona

Lettuce, Leaf Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower, 

Celery, Peppers 4 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 4 3 4 4

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

Oxnard District California Celery, Strawberries, Cilantro, Cabbage, 

Romaine, Parsley, Kale 4 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 4 3 4 4

Salinas-Watsonville California Broccoli, Cauliflower 4 4

San Joaquin Valley California Grapes, Apples 3 3

Santa Maria California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery, Strawberries 4 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 4 3 4 4

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

Florida Commodities 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

Central & South Florida Vegetables, Berries 4 3 4 4 5 5 3 4 5 5 5 5 5

Florida Potatoes 3 3 4 4 4 4

Great Lakes (MI & WI) Commodities 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

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

Michigan Apples 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 9

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

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

U.S.-Mexico border Commodities 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

 Nogales, Arizona Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Honeydew, 

Peppers, Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon 5 4 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 4 3 3 4

 Texas

Limes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Watermelon, Mixed 

Fruit and Vegetables, Carrots, Cucumbers, 

Peppers, Grape, Mangos

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4

Southeast (GA, SC, & NC) Commodities 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

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

Texas and Oklahoma Commodities 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

Texas Watermelons, Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4

Pacific Northwest (ID, OR, &, WA) Commodities 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 2/9 2/16 2/23 3/2 3/9 3/16 3/23 3/30

Columbia Basin Washington Potatoes, Onions 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 5

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon Onions 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 5

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

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington Apples, Pears 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 4 4 4
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 10

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)

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

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

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

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

(1,000 Tons)

1st quarter 2021 U.S. shipments increased 12% compared to the

previous quarter, and were

unchanged compared to the same

quarterlast year.

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

2021 10,113 10,113

2020 10,081 10,750 9,058 9,007 38,895

2019 9,381 10,246 8,687 8,714 37,028

2018 9,421 10,795 8,789 8,503 37,508

2017 8,072 9,642 8,479 8,267 34,459

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 7,527 31,712

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
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 11

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

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

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities

Table 10: Reported Top 10 Regions (1,000 Tons)

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

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: On Jan. 1, 2020, Specialty Crops Market News transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security ACE reporting system. According to 

AMS Speciality Crops Program, ACE is a more complete data system than their prior source and is an important factor behind the large increase in 

movements from the Canada border.

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2021

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Potatoes 1,185 1,166 1,166 2% 2%

Apples 842 882 936 -5% -10%

Oranges 816 447 1,024 83% -20%

Onions Dry 610 582 693 5% -12%

Tangerines 450 21 390 2062% 15%

Tomatoes 424 607 648 -30% -35%

Avocados 380 658 623 -42% -39%

Cucumbers 312 532 526 -41% -41%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 306 370 500 -17% -39%

Peppers, Bell Type 297 356 524 -17% -43%

Origin 1st Quarter 2021 Volume % Change from Last Quarter % Change From Same Quarter 

Last Year

Mexico 3554 33% 17%

California 2258 -3% -7%

PNW 1785 -3% -6%

Florida 642 110% -13%

Arizona 614 58% -20%

Canada 287 60% 100%

Colorado 206 -17% -5%

Great Lakes 179 -37% -9%

Southeast 119 -34% -4%

Texas 115 -14% -32%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq 12

Regional Markets

Volume

USDA reported total shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico in first quarter 2021 were 3.55 million 

tons, a 17-percent increase year to year. The sum of the top five commodities shipped from the US-Mexico 

border also increased 15 percent year to year. Each of the top five commodities increased, with particularly 

sharp increases of avocados (25 percent) and tomatoes (17 percent). 

Rates 

In first quarter 2021, truck rates for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border 

crossings averaged $3.16 per mile. This was up 12 percent from fourth quarter 2020 to first quarter 2021 

(quarter to quarter) and up 25 percent from first quarter 2020 to first quarter 2021 (year to year). Rates for 

shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.93 per mile, up 2 

percent quarter to quarter and up 18 percent year to year. 

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.00 per gallon, increasing by 13 percent 

quarter to quarter, but decreasing by 3 percent year to year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from 

Texas averaged $2.66 per gallon—up 20-percent quarter to quarter but unchanged year to year. In January, 

February and March, shippers at the Arizona-Mexico border reported a slight shortage while shippers at the 

Texas-Mexico border reported adequate availability.

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

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

U.S.-Mexico Border 

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2021

Share of 

MexicoTotal Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Avocados 371 10% 319 298 16% 25%

Tomatoes 289 8% 227 247 28% 17%

Cucumbers 272 8% 237 250 15% 9%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 267 8% 168 229 59% 16%

Peppers, Bell Type 248 7% 132 239 88% 4%

Top 5 Total 1,447 41% 1,082 1,262 34% 15%

Mexico Total 3,554 100% 2,673 3,032 33% 17%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2021

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2021

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2021

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2021

Avocados 363 Lettuce-Other 87 Squash 167 Peppers, Other 20 

Tomatoes 189 Asparagus 67 Cucumbers 163 Misc Tropical < 1

Limes 135 Onions Green 53 Peppers, Bell 

Type 162 

Cucumbers 98 Strawberries 43 Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 142 

Tomatoes, Plum 

Type 87 Misc Tropical 39 Tomatoes 91 

Mexico through 

TX Total 1,778 Mexico through CA Total 610 Mexico through AZ Total 1,144 Mexico through NM Total 21 

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

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

$3.37

$3.04

$2.94

$3.16

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

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.

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

Figure 5: Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

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

$2.93

$3.37

$2.84

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

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.

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

$3.16

$3.05

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

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

Figure 6: Texas Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

Figure 7: Arizona Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

Region/Reporting District January February March 1st Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.75 3.83 3.8 3.79

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3 3 3.40 3.13

Regional Average Availability 3.38 3.42 3.60 3.46

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Texas 2.44 2.60 2.94 2.66

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Arizona 2.80 2.94 3.25 3.00

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

1

2

3

4

5

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

Prior 3-Year Average 2020 2021

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate

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

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

Figure 8: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings from the U.S-Mexico Border
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

California

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

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2021

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Oranges 743 33% 369 927 101% -20%

Tangerines 437 19% 10 374 4,419% 17%

Lemons 286 13% 179 352 60% -19%

Celery 136 6% 233 141 -42% -4%

Carrots 87 4% 84 99 4% -11%

Top 5 Total 1,689 75% 874 1,892 93% -11%

California Total 2,258 100% 2,339 2,441 -3% -7%

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California in first quarter 2021 were 2.26 million tons, 

down 7 percent year to year. The top five commodities shipped from California decreased by 11 percent from 

year to year. Four of the top 5 commodities saw year-to-year decreases in the first quarter, including oranges 

(20 percent), lemons (19 percent), carrots (11 percent), and celery (4 percent). Shipments of tangerines 

increased by 17 percent.

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $3.73 per mile—a 

4-percent decrease quarter to quarter and a 30-percent increase year to year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.66 per gallon—a 12-percent increase quarter to quarter, but a 2-percent 

decrease year to year. All districts in California reported adequate truck availability in January and a slight 

truck shortage in February and March.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

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

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

Table 15: California Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$3.73

$3.21

$3.08

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

$4.50

$5.00

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

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

Region/Reporting District January February March 1st Quarter

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona 3.25 4 4 3.75

Kern District California 3.25 4 3.8 3.68

Oxnard District California 3.25 4 4 3.75

Salinas-Watsonville California - - 4 4

San Joaquin Valley California 3 - - 3

Santa Maria California 3.25 4 4 3.75

South District California 3 4 4.4 3.8

Regional Average Availability 3.17 4 4.03 3.73

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.44 3.61 3.93 3.66
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

Any 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

Prior 3-Year Average 2020 2021

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

PNW

Table 16: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from PNW (1,000 tons)

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2021

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Apples 709 40% 714 811 -1% -13%

Potatoes 513 29% 527 521 -3% -2%

Onions Dry 431 24% 445 428 -3% 1%

Pears 133 7% 154 137 -13% -3%

Rhubarb < 1 < 1% - < 1 - -54%

Top 5 Total 1,785 100% 1,839 1,897 -3% -6%

PNW Total 1,785 100% 1,841 1,897 -3% -6%

Volume 

During first quarter 2021, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from PNW were 1.79 million 

tons, decreasing 6 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities shipped from PNW also 

decreased 6 percent year to year. Except for dry onions (1-percent increase), the rest of the top five 

commodities saw year-to-year decreases this quarter: rhubarb (54 percent), apples (13 percent), pears (3 

percent), and potatoes (2 percent).

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.41 per mile, 

increasing 2 percent quarter to quarter and 10 percent year to year

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.00 per gallon, with an increase of 13 percent quarter to quarter but a 

3-percent decrease year to year. In January, all districts reported a slight shortage—except the Yakima Valley 

and Wenatchee District, which reported adequate availability. In February, all districts reported adequate 

availability, except the Yakima Valley and Wenatchee District, which reported a slight shortage. In March, the 

Yakima Valley and Wenatchee District reported a slight shortage in truck availability, while all other districts 

reported a shortage. 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

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

Figure 11: PNW Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

Table 17: PNW Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$7.69

$2.41

$2.77

$2.89

$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

2018 2019 2020 2021

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

Region/Reporting District January February March 1st Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 3.75 3.5 5 4.08

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 3.75 3.5 5 4.08

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 4.5 3.5 5 4.33

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington 3 4 4.4 3.8

Regional Average Availability 3.75 3.63 4.85 4.08

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.80 2.94 3.25 3.00
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

Any 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 PNW

1

2

3

4

5

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

Prior 3-Year Average 2020 2021

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

Florida

Table 18: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Florida (1,000 tons)

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2021

Share of 

Florida 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Tomatoes 95 15% 83 129 15% -26%

Strawberries 94 15% 13 105 648% -10%

Cabbage 71 11% 5 68 1,372% 4%

Corn-Sweet 47 7% 17 68 173% -30%

Oranges 46 7% 39 47 19% -2%

Top 5 Total 354 55% 157 417 126% -15%

Florida Total 642 100% 305 738 110% -13%

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida in first quarter 2021 were 642,000 tons, down 

13 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities shipped from Florida decreased 15 percent 

year to year. Of the top five commodities, only cabbage increased (by 4 percent). Shipments of sweet corn 

fell by 30 percent; tomatoes fell by 26 percent; strawberries fell by 10 percent; and oranges fell by 2 percent.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.86 per mile, up 21 

percent quarter to quarter and up 34 percent year to year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.81 per gallon, up 18 percent quarter to quarter but unchanged year to year. 

Across all of Florida, shippers reported adequate availability in February and a slight shortage in March. 

However, shippers in Central and South Florida reported a slight shortage in January and February, and a 

shortage in March.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

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

Figure 13: Florida Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

Table 19: Florida Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$2.83

$2.86

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

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

Region/Reporting District January February March 1st Quarter

Central & South Florida 3.75 4.25 5 4.33

Florida - 3 3.8 3.4

Regional Average Availability 3.75 3.63 4.4 3.93

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.60 2.78 3.04 2.81
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

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

Figure 14: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Florida

1

2

3

4

5

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

Prior 3-Year Average 2020 2021

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

Arizona

Table 20: Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped from Arizona (1,000 tons)

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter or a percentage change with an at- or near-zero denominator.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2021

Share of 

Arizona 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change 

from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Lettuce, Iceberg 189 31% 103 197 83% -4%

Lettuce, Romaine 179 29% 105 213 71% -16%

Lettuce, Processed 69 11% 65 166 7% -58%

Celery 37 6% - 41 - -10%

Broccoli 31 5% 13 29 130% 6%

Top 5 Total 506 82% 286 646 77% -22%

Arizona Total 614 100% 388 767 58% -20%

Volume

During first quarter 2021, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Arizona were 614,000 tons, 

down 20 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities shipped from Arizona also fell 22 percent 

year to year. Except for broccoli (6-percent increase) the rest of the top five commodities saw year-to-year 

decreases this quarter: processed lettuce (−58 percent), romaine lettuce (−16 percent), celery (−10 percent), 

and iceberg lettuce (−4 percent).

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $4.00 per mile, down 

2 percent quarter to quarter and up 42 percent year to year. 

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.00 per gallon, up 13 percent quarter to quarter, but down 3 percent year to 

year. Imperial Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys reported adequate truck availability in January and a slight 

shortage in February and March. 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

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

Figure 15: Arizona Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

Table 21: Arizona Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

Any "-" in the table indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.

Note: AMS Specialty Crops Program defines regions by commodity, which may overlap in truck availability reporting.

$4.00

$3.21

$3.13

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

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

2018 2019 2020 2021

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

Region/Reporting District January February March 1st Quarter

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona 3.25 4 4 3.75

Regional Average Availability 3.25 4 4 3.75

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.80 2.94 3.25 3.00
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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

Any 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 Arizona

1

2

3

4

5

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

Prior 3-Year Average 2020 2021

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

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.

Additional Information

Terms and References
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2021

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

Authors

April Taylor, Coordinator; Analyst

April.Taylor@usda.gov, 202.720.7880 

Jesse Gastelle, Analyst 

Jesse.Gastelle@usda.gov, 202.690.1144 

Kranti Mulik, Analyst

Kranti.Mulik@usda.gov, 202.756.2577

Matt Chang, Analyst

Matt.Chang@usda.gov, 202.720.0299

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

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

Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report

https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/filerepo/reports?field_slug_id_value=2375

Specialty Crops Movement Reporting

https://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/fv-report-config-step1?type=movement

Economic Research Service Vegetable and Pulses 

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

Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts 

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

National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crops

https://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-quarterly-datasets

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 2021 Web. <https://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.11-2021> 

Photo Credit

Burt Barnes

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

Contact Us