Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

Contents

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

National Summary....................... 3

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

California....................................... 12

U.S.-Mexico Border....................... 15

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

Arizona.......................................... 22

Florida .......................................... 25

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

Contact Information .................... 29

Quarter 4, October-December, 2019

Published July 22, 2020

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

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

Quarter 4, 2019

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Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

During fourth quarter 2019, reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce were 8.73 million tons, 1 percent 

higher than the previous quarter and 3 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Also, in the fourth quarter, shipments from California were higher than those from any other origin, 

totaling 2.44 million tons and accounting for 28 percent of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and 

vegetables. Shipments from the Mexico border totaled 2.35 million tons, representing 27 percent of the 

total. Movements from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.87 million tons, representing 21 percent of the 

reported total. 

These top five commodities accounted for 38 percent of the reported truck movements during fourth 

quarter 2019: 

► Potatoes (12 percent)

► Apples (10 percent)

► Onions, dry (6 percent) 

► Oranges (6 percent)

► Grapes (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 were calculated using weighted regional rates and volumes.

Diesel Fuel 

During fourth quarter 2019, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $3.06 per gallon—1 percent higher than the 

previous quarter but 6 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Quarterly Overview

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

Q4 2018 3.35 2.84 2.67 1.54

Q1 2019 2.90 2.59 2.46 1.30

Q2 2019 2.87 2.60 2.13 1.24

Q3 2019 4.94 2.47 2.30 1.35

Q4 2019 3.21 2.52 2.29 1.36

Q4 Change from 

Previous Quarter -35% 2% -1% 1%

Q4 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year -4% -11% -14% -12%

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

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

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.
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3.21

2.52

2.29

1.36

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Mile 

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

National Summary

Truck Rates

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

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

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

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

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

2019 2.59 2.60 2.47 2.52 2.54

2018 2.82 2.99 2.74 2.84 2.85

2017 1.86 2.41 2.33 2.56 2.29

2016 2.22 2.37 2.49 2.06 2.28

2015 2.47 2.63 2.59 2.36 2.51

2014 2.32 2.67 2.64 2.49 2.53

2013 2.24 2.60 2.62 2.27 2.43

2012 2.10 2.54 2.45 2.29 2.35

2011 2.02 2.60 2.77 2.26 2.41

2010 1.82 2.21 2.33 1.94 2.08

2009 1.85 1.99 2.02 1.86 1.93

2008 2.02 2.56 2.77 2.24 2.40

2007 1.89 2.23 2.25 2.03 2.10

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

Quarter 4, 2019

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Truck Rates for Selected Routes

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

Origin 4th Quarter, 2019 3rd Quarter, 2019

October November December July August September

Arizona n/a 3.30 2.85 3.05 n/a n/a

Arizona-Mexico 1.89 2.14 2.43 2.52 n/a n/a

California 2.93 3.05 3.07 2.97 2.95 2.81

Florida 1.81 1.66 2.29 2.79 n/a n/a

Great Lakes 3.55 3.47 3.48 3.40 3.48 3.60

New York 2.05 2.05 2.91 2.76 n/a 2.05

Other 2.25 2.50 2.66 2.44 2.37 2.28

PNW 2.04 2.18 2.31 1.90 1.87 1.98

Southeast 6.66 3.91 3.89 4.02 4.83 5.55

Texas n/a n/a n/a 2.18 2.20 2.18

Texas-Mexico 2.01 2.08 2.56 2.05 2.07 2.00

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

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

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

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 4th Quarter 2019 ($/Mile)

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

U.S. Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 2.55 2.53 2.49 2.45 2.98 n/a 2.58 2.53 2.52 n/a

ArizonaMexico 2.46 2.47 2.54 2.11 2.39 2.07 2.59 2.29 2.34 n/a

California 2.38 2.38 2.35 2.31 2.47 n/a 2.38 2.41 2.36 3.27

Florida 2.56 1.89 1.90 1.62 n/a n/a n/a 2.04 1.89 n/a

Great 

Lakes 3.33 3.88 3.24 4.26 2.77 n/a 2.79 3.93 3.65 n/a

New York 2.40 5.05 10.78 n/a n/a n/a 2.38 11.67 6.96 n/a

Other 3.03 2.80 2.73 2.16 3.40 1.97 2.24 2.72 2.63 n/a

PNW 2.35 2.35 2.26 2.30 2.25 2.18 2.29 2.36 2.32 7.86

Southeast 6.25 9.25 5.48 3.53 n/a n/a 4.61 6.96 7.83 n/a

TexasMexico 2.31 2.36 2.31 2.15 2.89 1.72 2.22 2.40 2.30 2.11
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices 

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

underlying truck rates.

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

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

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

2.47

2.57 2.55

2.63

2.87

3.02

3.20 3.24

3.26

3.02

3.12

3.02

3.06

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are up 1% from 

last quarter and are down 6% 

from the same quarter last year.

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

U.S. Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 4,879 6,321 7,043 4,579 3,650 n/a 6,600 6,396 6,213 n/a

ArizonaMexico 4,435 5,807 6,850 3,800 2,345 1,158 5,883 5,723 5,605 n/a

California 5,351 6,507 7,201 4,877 3,717 n/a 6,769 6,850 6,584 3,312

Florida 959 1,881 2,644 1,736 n/a n/a n/a 2,394 2,063 n/a

Great 

Lakes 3,317 3,523 4,270 1,401 3,073 n/a 4,982 3,919 3,475 n/a

New York 2,400 1,667 1,833 n/a n/a n/a 3,450 1,750 1,600 n/a

Other 2,013 3,600 3,572 2,024 1,787 1,828 4,587 3,700 3,558 n/a

PNW 5,408 5,737 6,187 4,078 4,082 2,156 6,512 5,986 5,802 1,100

Southeast 2,500 3,053 4,053 3,000 n/a n/a 3,553 3,618 3,368 n/a

TexasMexico 2,654 4,218 5,079 3,079 1,443 2,750 3,393 4,804 4,371 5,071
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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0

1

2

3

4

5

6

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

$/Mile

$/Gallon

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

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

and vegetable movements.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and Truck Rates

Region 4th Quarter 2019 Price 

$/Gallon

Change From Last 

Quarter

Change From Same 

Quarter Last Year

East Coast 3.05 0% -7%

California 3.96 1% -1%

New England 3.06 -1% -8%

Central Atlantic 3.24 1% -6%

Lower Atlantic 2.92 0% -7%

Gulf Coast 2.79 0% -8%

Midwest 2.97 1% -7%

Rocky Mountain 3.14 6% -5%

West Coast Except California 3.33 5% -4%

U.S. 3.06 1% -6%

Table 5: Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types)

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

U.S. Department of Energy data.

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

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

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

Quarter 4, 2019

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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

2016 Q4 2.47 2.06 4% -17% 1% -13%

2017 Q1 2.57 1.86 4% -9% 24% -16%

Q2 2.55 2.41 -1% 29% 11% 2%

Q3 2.63 2.33 3% -4% 10% -7%

Q4 2.87 2.56 9% 10% 16% 25%

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% 0% -8%

Q2 3.12 2.60 4% 0% -2% -13%

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

Q4 3.06 2.52 1% 2% -6% -11%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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Truck availability legend

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

Quarterly Truck Availability

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

California, Central, And 

Western Arizona Commodity 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26 12/3 12/10 12/17 12/23 12/24 12/31

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

Lettuce, Cantaloupe, Honeydews, Vegetables 3 3 3 3 3 3 4

Central San Joaquin Valley 

California Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine 3 3 3 3 4

Imperial, Palo Verde And 

Coachella Valleys, California 

And Central And Western 

Arizona

Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Romaine, Leaf 

Lettuce 3 3 3 4 5

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

Mexico Crossings Through 

Nogales, Arizona

Cucumbers, Beans, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, 

Mixed Vegetables, Melons, Hard Squash 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 2 3 5 5

Northern California 

Including San Joaquin Valley Pears 3 3 3 3 3

Oxnard District California Celery, Strawberries, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce, 

Cilantro, Kale, Parsley 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 5

Salinas-Watsonville 

California

Broccoli, Strawberries, Cauliflower, Celery, Iceberg 

Lettuce, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3

San Joaquin Valley California Grapes, Bell Peppers, Corn, Plums, Honeydews, 

Cantaloupe, Peaches, Nectarines, Watermelons 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4

Santa Maria California Broccoli, Strawberries, Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce, 

Romaine, Leaf Lettuce 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 5

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

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

Florida Commodity 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26 12/3 12/10 12/17 12/23 12/24 12/31

Central & South Florida Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Berries 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5

West District Florida Tomatoes 3 3 3 2 2 3 3
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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Truck availability legend

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

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

Pacific Northwest (ID, OR, &, 

WA) Commodity 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26 12/3 12/10 12/17 12/23 12/24 12/31

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

Idaho And Malheur County, 

Oregon Onions 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4

Upper Valley, Twin FallsBurley District Idaho Potatoes 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 5

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee 

District Washington Apples, Pears 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 4

Southeast (GA, SC, & NC) Commodity 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26 12/3 12/10 12/17 12/23 12/24 12/31

Eastern North Carolina Sweet Potatoes 3 4 4 4 4 3 2 5 5 4 4 3 5 4

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

U.S.-Mexico border Commodity 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26 12/3 12/10 12/17 12/23 12/24 12/31

 Nogales, Arizona Cucumbers, Beans, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, 

Mixed Vegetables, Melons, Hard Squash 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 2 3 5 5

 Texas Limes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Mixed Fruit and 

Vegetables 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Great Lakes (MI & WI) Commodity 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/26 12/3 12/10 12/17 12/23 12/24 12/31

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

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

Quarter 4, 2019

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0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

(1,000 Tons)

4th quarter 2019 U.S. shipments increased 1% 

compared to the previous quarter, and 

increased 3% compared to the same quarter 

last year.

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

Reported U.S. Shipments

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

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

2019 9,381 10,246 8,687 8,732 37,046

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quarter 4, 2019

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Commodity 4th Quarter 

2019

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Potatoes 1,090 1,062 1,134 3% -4%

Apples 903 621 805 46% 12%

Onions Dry 549 564 579 -3% -5%

Oranges 481 245 441 97% 9%

Grapes 345 386 351 -11% -2%

Tomatoes 331 274 341 21% -3%

Lettuce, Iceberg 317 324 326 -2% -3%

Avocados 299 265 260 13% 15%

Lettuce, 

Romaine 251 243 266 3% -6%

Cucumbers 247 159 254 56% -2%

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.

Origin 4th Quarter 2019 Volume % Change from Last Quarter % Change From Same Quarter 

Last Year

California 2440 -28% 5%

Mexico 2348 35% 5%

PNW 1871 21% 3%

Arizona 422 1,129% -12%

Florida 387 1,710% 4%

Other 269 -39% -10%

Great Lakes 266 -21% 1%

Colorado 224 41% -6%

Southeast 201 -47% 13%

New York 148 63% 3%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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Regional Markets

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during fourth quarter 2019 were 2.44 

million tons, a quarter-to-quarter decrease of 28 percent. The top five commodities increased 18 percent 

from fourth quarter 2018 (year to year). Of the top 5 commodities, grapes, lemons, and celery decreased 

2, 5, and 5 percent, respectively, year-to-year. Oranges increased 11 percent year-to-year and reported 

clementine shipments increased significantly. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $3.02 per mile, a 

3-percent increase quarter to quarter, but a 6-percent decrease year to year. 

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.96 per gallon, a 1-percent increase quarter to quarter but a 1-percent decrease 

year to year. Shippers reported adequate truck availability for most of fourth quarter 2019 except for slight 

shortage conditions the last week in November and shortage conditions the last 2 weeks in December. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

California

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2019

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Oranges 417 17% 241 377 73% 11%

Grapes 345 14% 369 351 -7% -2%

Clementines 231 9% 0 28 - 713%

Lemons 204 8% 86 214 139% -5%

Celery 201 8% 154 211 31% -5%

Top 5 Total 1,399 57% 849 1,182 65% 18%

California Total 2,440 100% 3,407 2,333 -28% 5%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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

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

Figure 5: California Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

$3.02

$2.35

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Table 12: California Truck Overview (Availability Rating: 1=Surplus to 5=Shortage)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Region/Reporting District October November December 4th Quarter

Central San Joaquin Valley California 3 3.25 - 3.13

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona - - 3.6 3.6

Kern District California 3 3.25 3.6 3.28

Northern California Including San Joaquin Valley 3 - - 3

Oxnard District California - 3.25 3.6 3.43

Salinas-Watsonville California 3 3.25 3 3.08

San Joaquin Valley California 3 3.25 3.8 3.35

Santa Maria California 3 3.25 3.6 3.28

South District California 3 3.25 3.4 3.22

Regional Average Availability 3 3.25 3.51 3.25

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.99 4.00 3.90 3.96
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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

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

Figure 6: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for California

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico during fourth quarter 2019 were 2.35 million 

tons, a 5-percent increase year to year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 2 percent year to year. 

Avocados saw the largest year-to-year increase at 18 percent. Also, year to year, shipments of cucumbers and 

peppers decreased 5 percent and 10 percent, respectively. 

Rates

In fourth quarter 2019, truck rates for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Arizona 

border crossings averaged $2.21 per mile, down 12 percent from third quarter 2019 (quarter to quarter) and 

down 11 percent year to year. Rates for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Texas border 

crossings averaged $2.23 per mile, up 9 percent quarter to quarter, but down 5 percent year to year. 

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.33 per gallon, increasing 5 percent quarter 

to quarter but decreasing 4 percent year to year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged 

$2.79 per gallon, a 0.2-percent increase quarter to quarter, but an 8-percent decrease year to year. Shippers 

reported adequate truck availability for crossing the Arizona border in October through mid-November; at 

the end of November, conditions changed to slight shortage. In the beginning of December, truck availability 

was reported as adequate, then shifted to shortage by the end of the month. At Texas border-crossing 

locations, shippers reported adequate truck availability throughout fourth quarter 2019. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

U.S.-Mexico Border

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Avocados 293 12% 211 249 39% 18%

Cucumbers 207 9% 95 216 118% -5%

Tomatoes 168 7% 117 167 44% 1%

Peppers, Other 159 7% 141 176 13% -10%

Squash 157 7% 27 156 487% 1%

Top 5 Total 983 42% 589 965 67% 2%

Mexico Total 2,348 100% 1,740 2,232 35% 5%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity

4th 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

4th 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

4th 

Quarter 

2019

Commodity

4th 

Quarter 

2019

Avocados 286.24 Tomatoes, Plum 

Type 48.76 Cucumbers 142.54 Peppers, Other 85.77

Limes 128.79 Onions Green 39.63 Squash 140.22 Corn-Sweet 0.38

Tomatoes 123.16 Misc Tropical 29.24 Watermelons, 

Seedless 105.33 Misc Tropical 0.36

Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 74.32 Asparagus 20.12 Peppers, Bell Type 60.00 Watermelons 0.08

Broccoli 67.07 Cucumbers 15.64 Tomatoes 30.23 Mixed And 

Misc Melons 0.02

Mexico through 

TX Total 1253.10 Mexico through CA Total 327.34 Mexico through AZ Total 680.88 Mexico through NM Total 86.62

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Table 14: Top 5 Commodities Shipped to U.S. from Mexico by State of Entry (1,000 tons)

$2.89

$2.22

$2.27

$2.54

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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

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

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

Quarter 4, 2019

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

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

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

$2.89

$2.23

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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

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

$2.21

$2.54

$2.34

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Figure 8: Texas Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

Figure 9: Arizona Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

Table 15: Truck Overview from the U.S.-Mexico Border

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3 3.57 3.65 3.41

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3 3 3 3

Regional Average Availability 3 3.29 3.33 3.20

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Texas 2.80 2.79 2.77 2.79

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Arizona 3.28 3.42 3.30 3.33

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate

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

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

Figure 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings from the U.S-Mexico Border
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

Volume

During fourth quarter 2019, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Pacific Northwest 

were 1.87 million tons, increasing 3 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities also increased 

3 percent year to year. Year-to-year increases in apple (17 percent) and cranberry (5 percent) shipments were 

offset by decreases in potato (2 percent), dry onion (7 percent), and pear (1 percent) shipments. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.18 per mile, 

increasing 14 percent quarter to quarter, but decreasing 11 percent year to year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.33 per gallon, increasing 5 percent quarter to quarter but decreasing 4 

percent year to year. Shippers reported adequate truck availability through mid-November followed by slight 

shortage and shortage conditions through the end of 2019. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

PNW

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2019

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 741 40% 558 635 33% 17%

Potatoes 531 28% 547 542 -3% -2%

Onions Dry 431 23% 242 463 78% -7%

Pears 165 9% 52 167 220% -1%

Cranberries 2 0% 0 2 4,538% 5%

Top 5 Total 1,871 100% 1,399 1,809 34% 3%

PNW Total 1,871 100% 1,551 1,809 21% 3%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

$7.86

$2.18

$2.29

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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

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 Traveled)

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 3 3.56 4.17 3.57

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 3 3.5 3.87 3.46

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 3.2 3.5 4 3.57

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3 3.25 3.4 3.22

Regional Average Availability 3.05 3.45 3.86 3.45

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.28 3.42 3.30 3.33

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.

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Note: Table values may not conform exactly due to rounding.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

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

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

Figure 12: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for the PNW

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

Volume 

During fourth quarter 2019, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Arizona were 422,000 

tons, down 12 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities also decreased 12 percent quarter 

to quarter. Shipments of each of the top five commodities decreased including relatively significant decreases 

in iceberg lettuce (14 percent), processed lettuce (18 percent), and cantaloupe (24 percent). 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.98 per mile, down 

2 percent quarter to quarter, and down 26 percent year to year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.33 per gallon, up 5 percent quarter to quarter but down 4 percent year to 

year. Shippers reported adequate truck availability for most of fourth quarter 2019 except for slight shortage 

conditions the last week in November and shortage conditions the last 2 weeks in December. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Arizona

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Arizona Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Lettuce, Iceberg 128 30% 0 149 - -14%

Lettuce, Romaine 114 27% 0 119 - -4%

Lettuce, Processed 55 13% 0 67 - -18%

Cantaloupe 27 6% 16 36 68% -24%

Lettuce, Green Leaf 18 4% 0 18 - -1%

Top 5 Total 342 81% 16 388 2,001% -12%

Arizona Total 422 100% 34 479 1129% -12%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

$2.98

$2.54

$2.48

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

Region/Reporting District October November December 4th Quarter

Central And Western Arizona 3 3.33 - 3.17

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona - - 3.6 3.6

Regional Average Availability 3 3.33 3.6 3.31

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.28 3.42 3.30 3.33
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

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

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

Figure 14: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Arizona

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida during fourth quarter 2019 were 387,000 

tons, up 4 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 2 percent year to year. Three 

of the top five commodities—including oranges (up 21 percent), grapefruit (up 2 percent), and bell peppers 

(up 24 percent)—increased year to year. However, shipments of tomatoes (down 3 percent) and plum 

tomatoes (down 13 percent) decreased year to year. 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $1.90 per mile, down 

32 percent quarter to quarter and down 12 percent year to year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.92 per gallon, up 0.3 percent quarter to quarter but down 7 percent year 

to year. Shippers reported adequate and slight surplus truck availability until the end of December when 

shippers reported slight shortage and shortage conditions. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Florida 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2019

Share of 

Florida Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Tomatoes 106 28% 0 110 - -3%

Oranges 38 10% 2 31 2,339% 21%

Grapefruit 34 9% 0 34 - 2%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 29 8% - 34 - -13%

Peppers, Bell Type 24 6% 0 19 - 24%

Top 5 Total 232 60% 2 228 - 2%

Florida Total 387 100% 21 371 1710% 4%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

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

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

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

$3.04

$1.90

$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

2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Central & South Florida - 2.5 4 3.25

West District Florida 3 2.5 - 2.75

Regional Average Availability 3 2.5 4 3.17

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.92 2.92 2.93 2.92
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

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

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

Figure 16: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Florida

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2019 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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.

Terms and References
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2019

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

Authors

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

April.Taylor@usda.gov, 202.720.7880 

Brian McGregor, Regulatory News/Updates 

Brian.McGregor@usda.gov, 202.720.0035 

Jesse Gastelle, Data Analysis 

Jesse.Gastelle@usda.gov, 202.690.1144 

Patty Willkie, Specialty Crops Program and Market News Division Data 

Patty.Willkie@usda.gov, 202.720.2175 

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

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

Related Websites

USDA's Agricultural Transportation Open Data Platform

https://agtransport.usda.gov/

Specialty Crops Program

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

Specialty Crops Truck Rate Report

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

Economic Research Service Vegetable and Pulses 

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

Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts 

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

National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crops

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

Refrigerated Truck Quarterly Datasets

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agricultural-refrigerated-truck-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. July 2020. Web. <https://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.07-2020>

Photo Credit

Burt Barnes

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