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

PNW.............................................. 15

U.S.-Mexico Border....................... 18

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

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

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

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

Quarter 1, January-March, 2020

Published September 1, 2020

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

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

Quarter 1, 2020

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Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

During first quarter 2020, reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce were 10.07 million tons, 15 percent 

higher than the previous quarter and 7 percent higher than the same quarter last year. 

Also, in the first quarter, shipments from the Mexico border were higher than those from any other origin, 

totaling 3.04 million tons and accounting for 30 percent of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and 

vegetables. Shipments from California totaled 2.435 million tons, representing 24 percent of the total. 

Movements from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.876 million tons, representing 19 percent of the reported 

total. 

These top five commodities accounted for 41 percent of the reported truck movements during first quarter 

2020: 

► Potatoes (12 percent)

► Oranges (10 percent)

► Apples (9 percent) 

► Onions, dry (6 percent)

► Tomatoes (4 percent)

Truck Rates 

The table below provides a snapshot of quarterly truck rates for U.S. produce shipments over four mileage 

categories—0-500; 501-1,500; 1,501-2,500; and 2,501+ miles. Please note the U.S. average truck rates 

provided below were calculated using weighted regional rates and volumes.

Diesel Fuel 

During first quarter 2020, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $2.90 per gallon—5 percent lower than the 

previous quarter and 4 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

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

Q1 2020 2.72 2.56 2.36 1.60

Q1 Change from 

Previous Quarter -15% 2% 3% 17%

Q1 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year -6% -1% -4% 22%

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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2.72

2.56

2.36

1.6

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

$/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

2020 2.56 2.56

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

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

Quarter 1, 2020

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Truck Rates for Selected Routes

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

1st Quarter, 2020 4th Quarter, 2019

U.S. Origin January February March October November December

Arizona 2.92 2.62 2.87 n/a 3.30 2.85

ArizonaMexico 2.54 2.43 2.61 1.89 2.14 2.43

California 2.99 2.75 2.87 2.93 3.05 3.07

Florida 1.98 2.23 2.15 1.81 1.66 2.29

Great Lakes 3.52 3.49 3.49 3.55 3.47 3.48

New York 3.06 3.06 3.06 2.05 2.05 2.91

Other 2.66 2.65 2.70 2.25 2.50 2.66

PNW 2.30 2.22 2.09 2.04 2.18 2.31

Southeast 3.79 3.79 3.79 6.66 3.91 3.89

TexasMexico 2.67 2.34 2.46 2.01 2.08 2.56

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

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

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

Table 3: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 1st Quarter 2020 ($/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 2.47 2.42 2.44 2.29 2.73 n/a 2.49 2.48 2.45 3.92

ArizonaMexico 2.41 2.33 2.40 2.04 2.47 2.59 2.33 2.37 2.38 n/a

California 2.54 2.49 2.43 2.36 2.63 n/a 2.49 2.50 2.47 3.19

Florida 2.22 2.21 2.12 1.72 n/a 1.55 2.71 2.38 2.09 n/a

Great 

Lakes 3.31 3.83 3.22 4.13 2.81 n/a 2.83 4.02 3.65 n/a

New York 3.50 5.36 11.76 n/a n/a n/a 2.62 12.33 7.49 n/a

Other 2.85 2.89 3.09 2.21 3.41 1.99 2.31 2.92 2.83 n/a

PNW 2.37 2.38 2.29 2.32 2.27 2.20 2.33 2.40 2.37 7.83

Southeast 5.83 6.06 4.05 3.53 n/a n/a 3.25 4.33 5.23 n/a

TexasMexico 2.73 2.68 2.64 2.25 2.94 2.04 2.57 2.74 2.60 2.41
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices 

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

underlying truck rates.

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

Table 4: Origin-Destination Truck Rates for Selected Routes, 1st Quarter 2020 ($/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

U.S. Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 5,183 6,285 7,073 4,646 3,546 n/a 6,485 6,704 6,488 5,100

ArizonaMexico 4,338 5,473 6,477 3,665 2,423 1,450 5,296 5,935 5,700 n/a

California 5,614 6,688 7,318 4,904 3,784 n/a 6,859 7,015 6,765 3,480

Florida 1,222 2,188 3,086 2,273 n/a 3,900 650 2,826 2,332 n/a

Great 

Lakes 3,364 3,548 4,417 1,421 3,112 n/a 5,087 4,090 3,545 n/a

New York 3,500 1,769 2,000 n/a n/a n/a 3,804 1,850 1,723 n/a

Other 2,262 3,387 3,037 2,059 1,784 1,853 4,730 3,445 3,210 n/a

PNW 5,454 5,814 6,265 4,125 4,128 2,184 6,711 6,085 5,909 1,096

Southeast 2,333 2,000 3,000 3,000 n/a n/a 2,500 2,250 2,250 n/a

TexasMexico 3,135 4,804 5,815 3,219 1,469 3,258 3,935 5,473 4,935 5,772

2.57

2.55

2.63 2.87

3.02

3.20 3.24

3.26

3.02

3.12

3.02

3.06

2.90

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

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

2017 2018 2019 2020

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are down 5% 

from last quarter and are down 4% 

from the same quarter last year.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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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

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

2017 2018 2019 2020

$/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 1st Quarter 2020 Price 

$/Gallon

Change From Last 

Quarter

Change From Same 

Quarter Last Year

East Coast 2.94 -4% -5%

California 3.75 -5% -0%

New England 3.04 -1% -5%

Central Atlantic 3.13 -3% -4%

Lower Atlantic 2.80 -4% -4%

Gulf Coast 2.66 -5% -6%

Midwest 2.77 -7% -5%

Rocky Mountain 2.89 -8% -1%

West Coast Except California 3.09 -7% -1%

U.S. 2.90 -5% -4%

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 1, 2020

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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

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%

2020 Q1 2.90 2.56 -5% 2% -4% -1%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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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 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 3/3 3/10 3/17 3/24 3/31

Central San Joaquin Valley 

California Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce 3 2

Imperial, Palo Verde And 

Coachella Valleys, California 

And Central And Western 

Arizona

Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 2

Kern District California Carrots 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 2

Oxnard District California Celery, Strawberries, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce, Cilantro, Kale, Parsley 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 2

Salinas-Watsonville 

California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce 4 3 2

Santa Maria California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce, Romaine, Leaf Lettuce, 

Strawberries 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 2

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

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

Note: Empty cells were not reported.

Florida Commodities 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 3/3 3/10 3/17 3/24 3/31

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

Florida Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4

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

Great Lakes (MI & WI) Commodity 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 3/3 3/10 3/17 3/24 3/31

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

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

Quarter 1, 2020

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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 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 3/3 3/10 3/17 3/24 3/31

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

Idaho And Malheur County, 

Oregon Onions 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 5 4 3

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

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee 

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

Southeast (GA, SC, & NC) Commodity 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 3/3 3/10 3/17 3/24 3/31

Eastern North Carolina Sweet Potatoes 4 3 3 1 3 3 4 3 3 5 3 3

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 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 3/3 3/10 3/17 3/24 3/31

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

Vegetables, Melons 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 1

 Texas Limes, Mangos, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Mixed Fruit and Vegetables 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 2
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

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

2017 2018 2019 2020

(1,000 Tons)

1st quarter 2020 U.S. shipments increased 

15% compared to the previous quarter, and 

increased 7% 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

2020 10,067 10,067

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

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 1, 2020

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Commodity 1st Quarter 

2020

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter 

Last Year

Current Quarter as % change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr Last Year

Potatoes 1,166 1,090 1,053 7% 11%

Oranges 1,004 481 858 109% 17%

Apples 936 903 848 4% 10%

Onions Dry 598 549 579 9% 3%

Tomatoes 402 331 374 22% 8%

Tangerines 387 26 422 1415% -8%

Lemons 353 235 333 50% 6%

Avocados 322 299 290 7% 11%

Lettuce, Iceberg 304 317 326 -4% -7%

Peppers, Bell 

Type 290 214 258 36% 13%

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 1st Quarter 2020 Volume % Change from Last Quarter % Change From Same Quarter 

Last Year

California 2435 < 1% 12%

PNW 1876 < 1% 1%

MexicoTexas 1560 25% 18%

MexicoArizona 1099 61% < 1%

Arizona 769 82% -7%

Florida 738 91% 4%

MexicoCalifornia 370 13% -5%

Other 238 -11% -12%

Colorado 217 -3% 16%

Great Lakes 196 -26% 19%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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Regional Markets

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the first quarter of 2020 were 2.435 

million tons, an increase of 12 percent year to year. The top five commodities increased 8 percent from year 

to year. Of the top 5 commodities, celery, oranges, and lemons showed year-to-year increases of 28 percent, 

17 percent, and 6 percent, respectively. 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.87 per mile, a 

5-percent decrease quarter to quarter, but an 11-percent increase year to year. 

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.75 per gallon, a 5-percent decrease quarter to quarter and a 0.3-percent 

decrease year to year. Shippers reported a shortage of truck availability during the first week of January, and 

adequate conditions until the third week of March when availability tightened again to a slight shortage. 

However, March ended with a slight surplus. 

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 1st Quarter 

2020

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Oranges 922 38% 417 791 121% 17%

Tangerines 373 15% 15 410 2,462% -9%

Lemons 352 14% 204 331 72% 6%

Celery 141 6% 201 110 -30% 28%

Carrots 99 4% 97 100 2% -2%

Top 5 Total 1,887 77% 934 1,743 102% 8%

California Total 2,435 100% 2,440 2,173 > -1% 12%
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)

$2.87

$2.47

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

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

2017 2018 2019 2020

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 January February March 1st Quarter

Central San Joaquin Valley California - - 2.5 2.5

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona 3.5 3 2.97 3.16

Kern District California 3.5 3 3 3.17

Oxnard District California 3.5 3 3 3.17

Salinas-Watsonville California - - 2.65 2.65

Santa Maria California 3.5 3 3 3.17

South District California 2.75 3 3 2.92

Regional Average Availability 3.35 3 2.87 3.07

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.87 3.79 3.60 3.75
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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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

Prior 3-Year Average 2019 2020

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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Volume

During the first quarter of 2020, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from the Pacific Northwest 

were 1.876 million tons, increasing 1 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities also 

increased 1 percent year to year. Decreases in shipments of dry onions (12 percent) and pears (11 percent) 

were offset by increases in shipments of apples (12 percent) and rhubarb (18 percent). 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.20 per mile, 

increasing 1 percent quarter to quarter, but decreasing 2 percent year to year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.09 per gallon, with decreases of 7 percent quarter to quarter and 1 percent 

year to year. Shippers in the Columbia Basin of Washington and parts of Idaho and Oregon reported a slight 

shortage of truck availability in January and February. Conditions loosened slightly to adequate in the first 2 

weeks of March and then tightened to shortage conditions the last 3 weeks of the month. 

Table 13: 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 1st Quarter 

2020

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 811 43% 741 722 9% 12%

Potatoes 521 28% 531 509 -2% 2%

Onions Dry 406 22% 431 464 -6% -12%

Pears 137 7% 165 155 -17% -11%

Rhubarb < 1 < 1% < 1 < 1 - 18%

Top 5 Total 1,876 100% 1,869 1,850 < 1% 1%

PNW Total 1,876 100% 1,871 1,850 < 1% 1%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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$7.83

$2.20

$2.34

$1.00

$3.00

$5.00

$7.00

$9.00

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

2017 2018 2019 2020

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: PNW Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

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

January February March 1st Quarter

Columbia Basin Washington 4 3.75 3.6 3.78

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 4 3.75 3.6 3.78

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho 3.75 3 3.56 3.44

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District Washington 3 3 3.4 3.13

Regional Average Availability 3.69 3.38 3.54 3.53

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.23 3.10 2.94 3.09

Table 14: 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 1, 2020

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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 8: 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

Prior 3-Year Average 2019 2020

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico during the first quarter of 2020 were 3.04 

million tons, an 8-percent increase from the first quarter of 2019 (year to year). The sum of the top five 

commodities also increased 8 percent year to year. Though avocados remain the top agricultural commodity 

shipped during the first quarter, bell peppers saw the largest year-to-year increase at 17 percent. 

Rates

In first quarter 2020, truck rates for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border 

crossings averaged $2.53 per mile, up 15 percent from fourth quarter 2019 (quarter to quarter) and up 1 

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

averaged $2.49 per mile, up 12 percent quarter to quarter and up 2 percent year to year. 

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Arizona averaged $3.09 per gallon, decreasing 7 percent quarter 

to quarter and 1 percent year to year. Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged $2.66 per 

gallon, a 5-percent decrease quarter to quarter, and a 6-percent decrease year to year. Shippers reported 

slight truck shortage for crossing the Arizona border in January, adequate availability through early March, 

slight shortage again the third week of March, and surplus conditions for the remainder of March. At Texas 

border-crossing locations, shippers reported adequate truck availability from January through early March, 

then 2 weeks of a slight shortage, and surplus conditions for the last week of March. 

Table 15: 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 1st Quarter 

2020

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Avocados 294 10% 293 286 < 1% 3%

Cucumbers 254 8% 207 243 23% 4%

Tomatoes 249 8% 168 229 48% 8%

Peppers, Bell Type 243 8% 126 208 93% 17%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 231 8% 152 206 52% 12%

Top 5 Total 1,270 42% 945 1,172 34% 8%

Mexico Total 3,042 100% 2,348 2,825 30% 8%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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

Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2020

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2020 Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2020

Commodity

1st 

Quarter 

2020

Avocados 289 Asparagus 63 Cucumbers 169 Peppers, 

Other 12

Tomatoes 152 Onions Green 43 Peppers, Bell 

Type 155 Corn-Sweet < 1

Limes 135 Celery 25 Squash 151 Misc Tropical < 1

Peppers, Bell 

Type 81 Misc Tropical 23 Tomatoes, Plum Type 149 Misc Herbs < 1

Cucumbers 79 Brussels 

Sprouts 23 Tomatoes 94 Cactus Leaf (Nopales) < 1

Mexico through 

TX Total 1560 Mexico through CA Total 370 Mexico through AZ Total 1099

Mexico 

through NM 

Total

13

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

$2.94

$2.51

$2.42

$2.40

$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

2017 2018 2019 2020

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

Quarter 1, 2020

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

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.

$2.94

$2.49

$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

2017 2018 2019 2020

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.

$2.53

$2.40

$2.31

$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

2017 2018 2019 2020

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

Figure 10: Texas Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)

Figure 11: Arizona Truck Rates from U.S.-Mexico Border ($/Mile by Distance Traveled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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

Table 17: Truck Overview from the U.S.-Mexico Border

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

January February March 1st Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 3.25 3 2.6 2.95

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3 3 3.21 3.07

Regional Average Availability 3.13 3 2.90 3.01

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Texas 2.80 2.67 2.50 2.66

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon), through Arizona 3.23 3.10 2.94 3.09

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

Prior 3-Year Average 2019 2020

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

Quarter 1, 2020

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

Volume 

During the first quarter of 2020, total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Arizona were 

769,000 tons, down 7 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities decreased 4 percent year 

to year. Decreases in iceberg lettuce (23 percent), romaine lettuce (11 percent), and cauliflower (6 percent) 

were offset by a strong increase in processed lettuce (54 percent). 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.81 per mile, down 

6 percent quarter to quarter and down 18 percent year to year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.09 per gallon, down 7 percent quarter to quarter and down 1 percent year 

to year. Shippers reported a shortage of truck availability during the first week of January then adequate 

conditions through early March. Availability tightened to a slight shortage during the third week of March, 

and then loosened to a slight surplus for the last 2 weeks of the month. 

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 1st Quarter 

2020

Share of 

Arizona Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Lettuce, Romaine 214 28% 114 240 87% -11%

Lettuce, Iceberg 196 26% 128 256 54% -23%

Lettuce, Processed 166 22% 55 108 204% 54%

Celery 41 5% 4 39 873% 6%

Cauliflower 31 4% 17 33 81% -6%

Top 5 Total 649 84% 318 675 104% -4%

Arizona Total 769 100% 422 829 82% -7%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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

Table 13: 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.

Region/Reporting District January February March 1st Quarter

Imperial, Palo Verde And Coachella Valleys, 

California And Central And Western Arizona 3.5 3 2.97 3.16

Regional Average Availability 3.5 3 2.97 3.16

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.23 3.10 2.94 3.09

$2.81

$2.37

$2.46

$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

2017 2018 2019 2020

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

Quarter 1, 2020

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 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Arizona

1

2

3

4

5

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

Prior 3-Year Average 2019 2020

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida during the first quarter of 2020 were 738,000 

tons, up 4 percent year to year. The sum of the top five commodities increased 11 percent year to year. All of 

the top five commodities—including oranges (up 37 percent), strawberries (up 26 percent), and cabbage (up 

9 percent)—increased year to year. 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 miles and 1,500 miles was $2.13 per mile, up 12 

percent quarter to quarter, but down 6 percent year to year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.80 per gallon, down 4 percent quarter to quarter and down 4 percent year 

to year. Shippers of tomatoes, mixed vegetables, berries, and melons in central and south Florida reported 

slight surplus and adequate truck availability in January, but shortage conditions for most of February. 

Conditions loosened in late February and early March, tightened again during the third and fourth weeks of 

March, and then ended the month with adequate conditions. 

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Florida 

Commodity 1st Quarter 

2020

Share of 

Florida Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Tomatoes 129 17% 106 129 21% < 1%

Strawberries 105 14% 17 83 503% 26%

Cabbage 68 9% 10 63 558% 9%

Corn-Sweet 68 9% 21 68 219% < 1%

Oranges 47 6% 38 34 24% 37%

Top 5 Total 417 57% 172 377 143% 11%

Florida Total 738 100% 387 707 91% 4%
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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

Table 15: 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

January February March 1st Quarter

Central & South Florida 2.5 4.5 3.4 3.47

Florida - 3 3.4 3.2

South Florida 3 3 2.88 2.96

Regional Average Availability 2.75 3.5 3.23 3.16

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 2.96 2.81 2.63 2.80

$2.60

$2.13

$1.93

$1.55

$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

2017 2018 2019 2020

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

Quarter 1, 2020

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 12: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Florida

1

2

3

4

5

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

Prior 3-Year Average 2019 2020

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Adequate
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 1, 2020

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 1, 2020

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. September 2020 Web. <https://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.09-2020>

Photo Credit

Burt Barnes

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

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