Agricultural Refrigerated 

Truck Quarterly

a quarterly publication of the Agricultural Marketing Service

Contents

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

Quarterly Overview..................... 4

Regulatory News and Updates.... 5

Protecting Perishable Foods 

During Transport by Truck and Rail 

(Summary)................................... 7

National Summary....................... 8

Truck Rates.................................... 8

Truck Rates for Selected Routes.... 9

U.S. Diesel Fuel Prices .................. 10

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and 

Truck Rates.................................... 11

Quarterly Truck Availability........... 13

Reported US Shipments................ 15

Reported Shipments by Selected 

Commodities................................. 16

Regional Markets......................... 17

California....................................... 17

Mexico .......................................... 20

Pacific Northwest.......................... 24

Arizona.......................................... 27

Florida........................................... 30

Terms and References ................. 32

Contact Information .................... 33

Quarter 4, September-December, 2018

Published September 18, 2019 www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/agrtq
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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According to ATA American Trucking Trends 2019, the American Trucking Associations reported that revenue, 

across all types of trucking service, increased 14 percent in 2018 to over $796 billion. Implementation of 

the new electronic logging devices (ELD) in late 2017 tightened truck capacity and put pressure on rates 

throughout much of 2018. The refrigerated truck market experienced similar pressure on rates and tight 

truck capacity. Reported fruit and vegetable shipments reached record levels in 2018, particularly for the 

citrus industry, which also impacted truck availability. This article provides a review of volume, rates, and 

truck availability for fruit and vegetable truck shipments in 2018. 

Volume

The reported volume of fruit and vegetable truck shipments in 2018 reached record levels, totaling 37.5 

million metric tons, 9 percent more than the previous year. The top 5 commodities remained nearly the 

same as previous years with one notable exception—shipments of oranges overtook tomatoes for the fifth 

slot. Potato shipments remained the highest volume commodity for the past 6 years, however, shipments fell 

6 percent year-over-year in 2018. Apples and seedless watermelon shipments both increased 1 percent, and 

dry onions increased 2 percent. 

Reported shipments of oranges in 2018 nearly tripled 2017 totals. Strong yields from California growers 

tripled shipments from that region and shipments from Florida increased 25 percent. In recent years, 

production of oranges has been down in both California and Florida, especially. However, improvements in 

the battle against disease helped increase production in 2018. Similarly, lemon shipments totaled more than 

four times the shipments in 2017, also due to strong yields in California. 

According to an article from The Packer, orange production in Florida “...has been dwindling for years thanks 

to...the bacterial disease known as citrus greening.” Greening has decimated groves and increased costs for 

crop maintenance. In 2017, the industry also suffered a blow from Hurricane Irma after the storm smashed 

into trees in September and damaged fruit. However, the article further explains Florida groves are showing 

signs of recovery, “[t]he crop is finally getting a bit of a lift after better weather and as more growers develop 

methods to fight the greening disease.” 

Other than the strong citrus shipments discussed above, most other fruit and vegetable shipments saw at 

least a modest increase, averaging around 4 percent in 2018. A few particularly strong performers were 

avocado shipments, which increased 19 percent, and cantaloupes, which increased 15 percent year over 

year. 

Truck Rates and Availability

Reported truck rates for fruit and vegetable shipments in 2018 reached record levels for 3 of the 4 reported 

mileage categories (see figure). Rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles averaged $2.85 per mile, 

24 percent higher than the previous year and 18 percent higher than the 5-year average.

Truck availability for most reported regions ranged from adequate to a shortage throughout the year. In total, 

there were less than a dozen weekly average occurrences of a slight surplus or surplus truck availability all 

year. Some regions struggled with capacity more than others. The trucking industry struggled to keep up with 

strong demand in California, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon, and Florida this year. In particular, North 

Carolina ranged from a slight shortage to a shortage most of the year. Similarly, Malheur County, Oregon, the 

Columbia Basin in Washington, and Idaho all settled in the shortage range most of the year. Reports from 

Feature Article

2018 in Review
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North and West Florida indicated shortage conditions in June and July. Most reporting regions in California 

experienced several months of a slight shortage and shortage conditions. Tight truck availability put upward 

pressure on rates. Additional pressure on drivers to meet the new ELD mandate also impacted truck and 

driver capacity and therefore truck rates and availability in 2018. 

Diesel Fuel Prices

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.18 per gallon in 2018. Prices began the year around $3 per gallon, increasing 

nearly 10 cents per gallon by the end of January, and then began to fall until early spring. Prices quickly 

recovered through April and May and leveled through the summer months. Prices began an upward trend 

again in September peaking at $3.39 by mid-October. Prices fell continuously through the last quarter to 

end the year at $3.05. The price of diesel fuel is a key element in truck freight rates impacting costs for both 

customers and service providers. 

Weekly On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices ($/Gallon)

Source: Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel

$2.70

$2.80

$2.90

$3.00

$3.10

$3.20

$3.30

$3.40

$3.50

1/8/2018

1/22/2018

2/5/2018

2/19/2018

3/5/2018

3/19/2018

4/2/2018

4/16/20184/30/20185/14/20185/28/20186/11/20186/25/2018

7/9/2018

7/23/2018

8/6/2018

8/20/2018

9/3/2018

9/17/201810/1/2018

10/15/201810/29/201811/12/201811/26/201812/10/201812/24/2018

Average Annual Truck Rates ($/mile)

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

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

Up to 500 miles 501 miles to 1500 1501 miles to 2500 2501+ miles
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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Fruit and Vegetable Shipments 

Reported U.S. truck shipments of fresh produce, during the fourth quarter of 2018, were 8.5 million tons; 3 percent 

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

Shipments from California were the highest in the fourth quarter, totaling 2.33 million tons and accounting for 27 percent of the total reported shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables. Movements from Mexico totaled 2.24 million tons, 

representing 26 percent of the reported total. Shipments from the Pacific Northwest totaled 1.81 million tons, representing 21 percent of the reported shipments. 

The following top five commodities accounted for 39 percent of the reported truck movements during the fourth quarter of 2018: 

• Potatoes (13 percent)

• Apples (9 percent)

• Onions, dry (7 percent) 

• Oranges (5 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 2,501+ miles. Please note that the U.S. average truck rates provided below are 

calculated using weighted regional rates and volumes.

Diesel Fuel 

During the fourth quarter 2018, the U.S. diesel fuel price averaged $3.26 per gallon. This represents a 1 percent increase from the previous quarter and a 14 percent increase from the same quarter last year.

Quarterly Overview

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

Q4 2017 2.95 2.56 2.52 1.31

Q1 2018 2.83 2.82 2.68 1.30

Q2 2018 4.36 2.99 2.50 1.26

Q3 2018 5.14 2.74 2.72 1.62

Q4 2018 3.35 2.84 2.67 1.54

Q4 Change from 

Previous Quarter -35% 4% -2% -5%

Q4 Change from Same 

Quarter Last Year 50% 11% 6% 18%

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

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

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

FMCSA Seeks Comments on the 

Definitions of Agricultural Commodity 

or Livestock

On July 29, 2019, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA) sought comments to 

assist in determining whether, and if so to what 

extent, the Agency should revise or otherwise 

clarify the definitions of “agricultural commodity” 

or “livestock” in the “Hours of Service (HOS) of 

Drivers” regulations. Currently, during harvesting 

and planting seasons as determined by each State, 

drivers transporting agricultural commodities, 

including livestock, are exempt from the HOS 

requirements from the source of the commodities 

to a location within a 150-air-mile radius from the 

source. This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

is prompted by indications that the current 

definition of these terms may not be understood or 

enforced consistently when determining whether 

the HOS exemption applies. Comments ended on 

September 27 and can be viewed at docket number 

FMCSA-2018-0348.

FMCSA Proposes to Allow Commercial 

Driver’s License Out-of-State 

Knowledge Test

On July 29, 2019, FMCSA proposed “to allow driver 

applicants to take the commercial driver’s license 

(CDL) general and specialized knowledge tests in a 

State (the testing State) other than the applicant’s 

State of domicile. Under this proposed rule, a State 

would not be required to offer the knowledge tests 

to out-of-State applicants. However, if the testing 

State elects to offer the knowledge tests to these 

applicants, it would transmit the results to the State 

of domicile, which would be required to accept the 

results.” Comments ended on September 27 and can 

be viewed at docket number FMCSA-2018-0332. 

Study of Harassment and Assaults 

Against Minority and Female Truckers

On July 23, 2019, FMCSA asked for comments on its 

information collection request to “allow for a study 

to understand the prevalence, seriousness, and 

nature of the problem of harassment and assaults 

against minority and female truckers.” Comments 

ended on September 23 and can be viewed at docket 

number FMCSA-2018-0278.

U.S. Department of Labor Issues 

Opinion Letter on Time Spent by 

Drivers in a Sleeper Berth

On July 22, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor 

issued a new Wage and Hour Opinion Letter

stating “the time drivers are relieved of all 

duties and permitted to sleep in a sleeper berth 

is presumptively non-working time that is not 

compensable.”

Information Requested on Driver 

Delays During Loading and Unloading 

and the Impact on Safety

On June 10, FMCSA requested “information on 

existing or potential sources of data to better 

understand driver detention times during the 

loading and unloading of commercial motor 

vehicles (CMVs) and the potential impact of such 

delays on roadway safety. A recent study by the 

U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of 

Inspector General found that better data are needed 

to fully understand the issues associated with driver 

detention.” Comments ended on September 9 and 

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

Pilot Program to Allow Non-Military 

Drivers Aged 18, 19, and 20 to Cross 

State Lines

On May 15, 2019, FMCSA requested comments 

on allowing drivers 18, 19 and 20 years old, who 

may currently operate commercial motor vehicles 
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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in intrastate commerce, to operate in interstate 

commerce. Comments ended on August 14 and can 

be viewed at docket number FMCSA-2018-0346.

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance 

Encourages Proper Assignment of 

Responsibility for Improper Cargo 

Securement in Sealed Trailers and 

Containers

On May 8, 2019, the Commercial Vehicle Safety 

Alliance encouraged FMCSA and the Canadian 

Council of Motor Transport Administrators to 

address shipper, carrier, and driver responsibility 

when a driver is not allowed to break a door seal 

to determine whether or not the cargo is properly 

secured inside a trailer or container. 

Alternate Methods for Securement of 

Agricultural Commodities Allowed

On April 15, 2019, FMCSA granted “a limited 5-year 

exemption... to allow certain alternate methods 

for the securement of agricultural commodities 

transported in wood and plastic boxes and bins and 

large fiberglass tubs, as well as hay, straw, and cotton 

bales that are grouped together into large singular 

units.”

California’s Meal and Rest Break Rule 

Preemption Update

On March 22, 2019, FMCSA updated its website

regarding FMCSA’s December 21, 2019 preemption 

of California’s meal and rest break rules for drivers, 

citing safety, cost of goods, uniformity, and FMCSA’s 

legal opinion on pending lawsuits. 

Commercial Driver’s License Upgrade 

Costs Reduced

On March 6, 2019, FMCSA issued a final rule “to 

reduce the training time and costs incurred by Class 

B CDL holders upgrading to a Class A CDL.” 

California’s Meal and Rest Break Rules 

for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers 

Preempted

On December 21, 2018, FMCSA granted a petition 

to preempt California’s meal and rest break rules 

for drivers. FMCSA determined the California rules 

address commercial motor vehicle safety but are 

incompatible and more stringent than FMCSA’s 

regulations. FMCSA found the rules provide no 

additional safety benefits and interfere with 

interstate commerce.

States May Issue a Commercial 

Learner’s Permit Valid for One Year

On December 21, 2018, FMCSA issued a final rule

“to allow States the option of issuing a commercial 

learner’s permit (CLP) with an expiration date of up 

to one year from the date of initial issuance.” 

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance 

Petition on Personal Conveyance 

Received

On December 18, 2018, FMCSA received a 

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) petition to 

define “the maximum distance and/or time a driver 

may operate for personal conveyance” while they are 

off-duty. Citing FMCSA’s guidance and the response

to CVSA’s comments on the draft guidance, CVSA 

asked that the distance and time issue be addressed 

in the proposed rule on the hours of service of 

drivers. 

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance 

Expresses Concern About Exemptions

On December 17, 2018, CVSA sent a letter to FMCSA 

in opposition to exemptions from FMCSA regulations, 

citing the impact on roadside inspectors, uniformity 

of enforcement, resources, training, communication, 

and safety.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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This is a summary of “Protecting Perishable Foods 

During Transport by Truck and Rail” by Jeffrey 

K. Brecht and Steven A. Sargent, Professors, 

Horticultural Sciences Department, University of 

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

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

President, Wireless Data Solutions, Weston, FL; 

and Leonard Rodowick, Strategic Relations – Food 

Safety & OEM, Thermo King Corporation, Nixa, 

MO. The University of Florida, Institute of Food 

and Agricultural Sciences Extension (UF/IFAS 

Extension) report received funding from USDA’s 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) through 

cooperative agreement number 17-TMTSD-FL-0007. 

The views and opinions expressed in the UF/IFAS 

Extension report are those of the authors and do 

not necessarily reflect the policies and opinions of 

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

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

HS132800.pdf.

The issuance of the Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final 

Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and 

Animal Food led to a request by the authors to 

revise USDA AMS Agriculture Handbook No. 669, 

“Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by 

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

of Handbook 669 superseded Handbook No. 105, 

“Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport 

by Motortruck,” revised in 1970, after its initial 

publication in 1956.

“These handbooks have been extremely popular, and 

tens of thousands of copies have been distributed 

worldwide. The importance of protecting perishable 

foods from loss of quality during transport has long 

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

handbook has been long overdue, addressing both 

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

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

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

the advances in technology and the importance 

of food safety considerations in the transport of 

perishable foods."1

“Many individuals and organizations provided 

information or other assistance in revising this 

handbook. Special recognition goes to the University 

of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural 

Science, Communications Office, for formatting 

the handbook and for preparing the illustrations. 

We appreciate the suggestions offered by those 

with whom we discussed this publication. A great 

deal of the information on recommended handling 

requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables is from 

the recently updated USDA Handbook No. 66, “The 

Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist 

and Nursery Stocks.”2

The report discusses the following topics, with 

additional information in the appendices: 

Important Factors in Protection of Perishable Foods; 

Preparation for Loading; Loading and Unloading 

Considerations; Loading (Stowage) Patterns; 

Individual Commodity Requirements; Regulatory 

Considerations for Truck Construction Materials, 

Cleaning Compounds, and Sanitation; and Food 

Safety Considerations for Transporting Perishable 

Foods by Truck.

“This updated edition reflects the dynamic changes 

and innovations in the handling and transportation 

of perishable foods. Some of these include improved 

insulation and air movement, microprocessors 

for more efficient refrigeration, expert systems to 

control the transport environment and conserve 

fuel energy, and the use of telematics to monitor 

and control the performance of refrigerated vehicles 

during transit. This edition includes descriptions and 

recommendations for food transported over the 

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

railcars.”3

Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail (Summary)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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3.35

2.84

2.67

1.54

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

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

2016 2017 2018

$/Mile

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

National Summary

Truck Rates

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

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

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

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

Market News data.

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

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

2018 2.82 2.99 2.74 2.84 2.85

2017 1.86 2.41 2.33 2.56 2.29

2016 2.22 2.37 2.49 2.06 2.28

2015 2.47 2.63 2.59 2.36 2.51

2014 2.32 2.67 2.64 2.49 2.53

2013 2.24 2.60 2.62 2.31 2.44

2012 2.10 2.54 2.45 2.29 2.35

2011 2.02 2.60 2.77 2.26 2.41

2010 1.82 2.21 2.33 1.94 2.08

2009 1.85 1.99 2.02 1.86 1.93

2008 2.02 2.56 2.77 2.24 2.40

2007 1.89 2.23 2.25 2.03 2.10

2006 1.92 2.10 2.21 2.02 2.06
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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Truck Rates for Selected Routes

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

4th Quarter 2018 3rd Quarter 2018

Origin October November December July August September

Arizona n/a 3.91 4.16 n/a n/a n/a

California 3.09 3.40 3.10 3.16 3.22 3.17

Florida 1.67 2.11 2.31 3.78 n/a n/a

Great Lakes 3.61 3.51 3.58 3.66 3.69 3.72

Mexico-Arizona 1.93 2.69 2.62 2.89 2.32 n/a

Mexico-Texas 2.20 2.33 2.53 2.47 2.18 2.10

New York 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.83 n/a 2.92

Other 2.60 2.92 2.96 2.74 2.72 2.69

PNW 2.22 2.58 2.65 2.01 2.00 2.15

Southeast 6.65 3.99 3.99 4.26 5.85 6.81

Texas 2.44 2.53 2.67 2.65 2.39 2.34

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 2018 ($/Mile)

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 3.53 3.45 3.24 3.30 4.24 n/a 3.33 3.37 3.43 3.44

California 2.81 2.85 2.76 2.71 3.08 n/a 2.89 2.89 2.82 3.16

Florida 2.27 2.13 2.25 1.65 n/a n/a n/a 2.38 2.22 n/a

Great Lakes 3.52 3.51 3.40 4.13 2.98 n/a 3.16 3.70 3.88 n/a

MexicoArizona 2.55 n/a n/a 2.27 3.12 2.12 2.68 2.78 2.59 n/a

MexicoTexas 2.53 2.33 2.44 2.16 2.88 1.94 2.48 2.43 2.35 2.19

New York 2.90 n/a 9.33 3.27 n/a n/a 2.59 9.63 8.70 n/a

Other 2.96 3.12 3.20 2.66 4.01 2.06 2.69 3.17 2.93 n/a

PNW 2.59 2.71 2.67 2.54 2.62 2.46 2.59 2.83 2.72 8.57

Southeast 8.42 10.28 5.95 4.38 3.83 n/a 4.95 7.38 8.35 n/a

Texas 2.74 2.43 2.53 2.27 3.35 2.04 2.60 2.55 2.46 2.27
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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

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 2018 ($/Truck)

Origin

Destination

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Dallas Los 

Angeles Miami New York Philadelphia Seattle

Arizona 6,350 7,892 8,575 5,767 4,492 n/a 8,183 8,121 8,017 4,750

California 6,350 7,804 8,482 5,735 4,637 n/a 8,231 8,228 7,891 3,374

Florida 1,158 2,106 3,133 2,033 n/a n/a n/a 2,783 2,419 n/a

Great Lakes 3,408 3,787 4,092 1,313 3,345 n/a 5,117 4,057 3,616 n/a

MexicoArizona 4,583 n/a n/a 4,081 3,057 1,188 6,088 6,957 6,214 n/a

MexicoTexas 2,904 4,173 5,358 3,088 1,438 3,096 3,800 4,850 4,473 5,262

New York 2,900 n/a 2,063 2,750 n/a n/a 3,750 1,825 2,000 n/a

Other 2,661 4,249 4,389 2,299 2,208 2,206 5,351 4,393 3,952 n/a

PNW 5,758 6,643 7,332 4,371 4,763 2,493 7,451 7,185 6,816 1,200

Southeast 3,369 3,394 4,406 3,725 4,600 n/a 3,813 3,838 3,591 n/a

Texas 2,904 4,173 5,365 3,088 1,438 3,096 3,800 4,850 4,473 5,262

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

Note: “n/a” indicates rates not available

2.07

2.30

2.38

2.47

2.57

2.55

2.63

2.87

3.02

3.20

3.24

3.26

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

2016 2017 2018

$/Gallon

U.S. diesel prices are up 0.8% 

from last quarter and up

14% from the same quarter 

last year.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

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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

2016 2017 2018

$/Mile

$/Gallon

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

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

and vegetable movements.

Relationship Between Diesel Fuel and Truck Rates

Location 4th Quarter 2018 Price

$/Gallon 

Change From

 Last Quarter

Change From 

Same Quarter Last Year

East Coast 3.27 0.04 0.41

 New England 3.32 0.05 0.48

 Central Atlantic 3.44 0.05 0.43

 Lower Atlantic 3.14 0.04 0.37

Midwest 3.19 0.02 0.36

Gulf Coast 3.04 0.02 0.37

Rocky Mountain 3.31 -0.05 0.35

West Coast 3.75 0.02 0.48

 California 3.99 0.03 0.55

U.S. 3.26 0.02 0.39

Table 5: Average Diesel Fuel Prices (All Types)

Figure 3: U.S. Average On-Highway 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.

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

Quarter 4, 2018

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Table 6: Average Diesel Fuel Prices and Truck Rates

Year Quarter Diesel Fuel

($/gallon)

Truck Rates

 ($/mile) 

501-1500 

miles

% Change From

Last Quarter Last Year

Diesel Truck Diesel Truck

2016 1 2.08 2.22 -15% -6% -29% -10%

2 2.30 2.37 11% 7% -32% -6%

3 2.38 2.49 4% 5% -31% -2%

4 2.47 2.06 4% -17% -28% -1%

2017 1 2.57 1.86 4% -9% 24% -16%

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

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

4 2.87 2.56 9% 10% 16% 25%

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

2 3.20 2.99 6% 6% 25% 24%

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

4 3.26 2.84 1% 4% 14% 11%

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

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

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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 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25

Central And Southern San Joaquin 

Valley California

Apples, Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Plums, Iceberg 

Lettuce 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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

Salinas-Watsonville California Broccoli, Cauliflower, Iceberg Lettuce, Leaf Lettuce, Lettuce 

Romaine, Celery 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3

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

Strawberries 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3

South District California Avocados, Citrus 2 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 3 3 3 3 3

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

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

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

Romaine 3 4 3 3 3 3 3

GREAT LAKES (MI & WI) Commodity 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25

Central Wisconsin Onions, Potatoes 4 3 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 3 4 3

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

MEXICO BORDER CROSSINGS Commodity 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, 

Arizona

Cucumbers, Melons, Mixed Vegetables, Squash, Beans, 

Eggplant, Peppers 3 3 1 1 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 5

Mexico Crossings Through Texas Limes, Mangoes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Mixed Fruits, 

Vegetables, Limes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Mixed Fruits 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25

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

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

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley 

District Idaho Potatoes 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 4 4 4 4

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District 

Washington Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Pears 4 4 3 3 3 3 5 5 4 4 3 3 3

SOUTHEAST (GA, SC, & NC) Commodity 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25

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

TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA Commodity 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25

Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas Watermelons, Cabbage, Oranges, Grapefruit 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4

FLORIDA Commodity 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/18 12/25

Central & South Florida Mixed Vegetables, Tomatoes, Berries 1 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 4

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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

2015 2016 2017 2018

(1,000 Tons)

4th quarter 2018 U.S. shipments decreased 4% 

compared to the previous quarter, but increased 

3% compared to the same quarter last year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2002 6,787 8,094 6,414 6,460 27,755

Source: AMS Transportation Services Division analysis of AMS Specialty Crops Program Market News data
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2018

Previous 

Quarter

Same Quarter

Last Year

Current Quarter 

as % change 

from Previous 

Quarter

Current Quarter 

as % change 

from Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Potatoes 1,100 1,070 1,205 3% -9%

Watermelons, 

Seedless 1,026 1,103 950 -7% 8%

Apples 608 767 605 -21% 0%

Onions Dry 536 669 569 -20% -6%

Grapes 371 173 355 114% 4%

Cantaloupes 358 250 303 43% 18%

Lettuce, Iceberg 321 356 306 -10% 5%

Strawberries 311 420 292 -26% 6%

Tomatoes 292 373 312 -22% -6%

Lettuce, Romaine 245 274 237 -11% 3%

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

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

Reported Shipments by Selected Commodities
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

Regional Markets

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from California during the fourth quarter of 2018 were 2.3 

million tons, an 18 percent increase from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

increased 24 percent from the same quarter last year. Orange shipments rose to the top of the list followed 

by grapes and lemons. Lemon shipments saw the largest increase, with more than double the shipments 

moved during the same quarter last year.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $3.21 per mile, 0.7 percent 

higher than the previous quarter, and 16 percent higher than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.99 per gallon, 1 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 16 percent 

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

California districts throughout the quarter. In the South District, availability was a slight surplus during 

October, spiked to a slight shortage in November, and leveled out to adequate in December. 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2018

Share of 

California 

Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Oranges 377 16% 97 369 287% 2%

Grapes 351 15% 368 267 -5% 32%

Lemons 214 9% 139 92 54% 132%

Celery 211 9% 155 179 36% 18%

Lettuce, Iceberg 156 7% 318 146 -51% 7%

Top 5 Total 1,309 56% 1,077 1,052 22% 24%

California Total 2,333 100% 3,589 1,979 -35% 18%

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

California
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

$3.21

$2.79

$2.84

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

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

2016 2017 2018

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

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Central And Southern San Joaquin Valley, California 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Kern District, California 3.00 3.25 3.00 3.08

Oxnard District California n/a 3.35 3.00 3.17

Salinas-Watsonville, California 3.00 3.25 3.00 3.08

Santa Maria, California 3.00 3.25 3.00 3.08

South District, California 2.20 4.00 3.00 3.07

Regional Average Availability 2.84 3.35 3.00 3.06

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 4.09 4.02 3.86 3.99
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 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 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Mexico during the fourth quarter of 2018 were 2.23 

million tons, 3 percent less than the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities declined 

4 percent from last year with decreases in cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and squash. Only avocado 

shipments rose, increasing by 6 percent. 

Rates

Truck rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Texas border crossings averaged $2.34 per 

mile. This is a 3.3 percent increase from the previous quarter but is 1 percent lower than the same quarter 

last year. Rates for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles from the Arizona border crossings averaged 

$2.47 per mile, down 10 percent from last quarter, but 4 percent higher than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices for border crossings from Texas averaged $3.04 per gallon, 1 percent higher than the 

previous quarter, and 14 percent higher than the same quarter last year. Diesel fuel prices for border 

crossings from Arizona averaged $3.46 per gallon, 0.2 percent higher than the previous quarter, and 13 

percent higher than the same period last year. On average, shippers reported adequate truck availability 

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

slight surplus in October followed by adequate conditions through the end of the year. 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2018

Share of 

Mexico Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Avocados 249 11% 176 235 41% 6%

Cucumbers 216 10% 71 222 206% -3%

Peppers, Other 176 8% 136 181 30% -3%

Tomatoes 167 7% 122 199 37% -16%

Squash 156 7% 23 166 565% -6%

Top 5 Total 965 43% 528 1,003 83% -4%

Mexico Total 2,232 100% 1,483 2,313 51% -3%

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Mexico
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

Texas California Arizona New Mexico

Commodity Volume Commodity Volume Commodity Volume Commodity Volume

Avocados 243 Onions Green 37 Cucumbers 147 Peppers, Other 97

Limes 136 Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 32 Squash 140 Misc Tropical 1

Tomatoes 128 Misc Tropical 30 Watermelons, 

Seedless 99 Corn-Sweet 0.5

Tomatoes, 

Plum Type 67 Peppers, Other 23 Peppers, Bell Type 57 Cucumbers 0.1

Broccoli 62 Asparagus 16 Honeydews 35

Mexico through 

TX Total 1170 Mexico through CA Total 296 Mexico through AR Total 669 Mexico through NM Total 98

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, Arizona 1.75 3.25 3.75 2.92

Mexico Crossings Through Texas 3.00 3.00 3.40 3.13

Regional Average Availability 2.38 3.13 3.58 3.03

Diesel Fuel Price, through Arizona($/gallon) 3.56 3.50 3.32 3.46

Diesel Fuel Price, through Texas ($/gallon) 3.14 3.07 2.91 3.04

Table 13: Mexico 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.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 8: Mexico through Texas Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

$2.88

$2.34

$2.31

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018

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

$2.88

$2.41

$2.43

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 7: Mexico Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 10: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Mexico

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 9: Mexico through Arizona Truck Rates ($/Mile by Distance Travelled)

$2.47

$2.56

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

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

2016 2017 2018

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

Quarter 4, 2018

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

Volume

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

quarter of 2018 were 1.8 million tons, a decrease of 3 percent from the same quarter last year. Changes 

in volume varied among the top five commodities. Shipments of apples and potatoes, the top two 

commodities, decreased by 15 and 8 percent, respectively. Other commodities’ shipments increased, with 

dry onions up 21 percent, pears up 8 percent, and cranberries up 74 percent.

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.46 per mile, 20 percent 

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

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.46 per gallon, 0.2 percent higher than last quarter, and 13 percent higher 

than the same period last year. On average, shippers in the Washington Columbia Basin experienced slight 

shortage to shortage conditions throughout the quarter. In October, shippers in Oregon, Idaho, and the 

Yakima Valley and Wenatchee District in Washington experienced adequate conditions. However, shortages 

began in November and continued into December. 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2018

Share of 

PNW Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Apples 635 35% 545 743 16% -15%

Potatoes 542 30% 572 588 -5% -8%

Onions Dry 463 26% 259 382 79% 21%

Pears 167 9% 48 155 246% 8%

Cranberries 2 0% 0 1 1215% 74%

Top 5 Total 1,809 100% 1,424 1,870 27% -3%

PNW Total 1,809 100% 1,592 1,871 14% -3%

Table 15: Pacific Northwest Reported Top Five Commodities Shipped (1,000 tons)

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Pacific Northwest
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

$8.57

$2.46

$2.61

$2.73

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

$10.00

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

2016 2017 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Columbia Basin, Washington 4.00 4.75 4.00 4.25

Idaho And Malheur County, Oregon 3.00 4.75 4.00 3.92

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District, Idaho 3.00 4.25 4.00 3.75

Yakima Valley & Wenatchee District, 

Washington 3.40 4.25 3.23 3.63

Regional Average Availability 3.35 4.50 3.81 3.89

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.56 3.50 3.32 3.46

Table 16: Pacific Northwest 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.
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 12: Pacific Northwest Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

Volume 

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Arizona during the fourth quarter of 2018 were 

479 thousand tons, up 12 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities 

increased 20 percent from the same quarter last year. A decrease in romaine lettuce shipments could not 

offset strong increases in iceberg lettuce (up 23 percent), processed lettuce (up 17 percent), and broccoli 

shipments (up 32 percent). 

Rates

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $4.04 per mile, 40 percent 

higher than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview 

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.46 per gallon, 0.2 percent higher than the previous quarter and 13 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Shippers in Arizona reported slight surplus conditions in October 

followed by adequate to slight shortage conditions in November and December. 

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2018

Share of 

Arizona Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Lettuce, Iceberg 149 31% 0 121 - 23%

Lettuce, Romaine 119 25% 0 131 - -9%

Lettuce, Processed 67 14% 0 57 - 17%

Cantaloupes 36 7% 0 0 - -

Broccoli 19 4% 0 14 - 32%

Top 5 Total 389 81% 0 323 - 20%

Arizona Total 479 100% 33 427 1368% 12%

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

Arizona
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

$4.04

$3.40

$3.24

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

1 2 3 4 1 2 4 1 2 4

2016 2017 2018

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

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Mexico Crossings Through Nogales, 

Arizona 1.75 3.25 3.75 2.92

Western Arizona n/a 3.47 3.00 3.24

Regional Average Availability 1.75 3.36 3.38 2.83

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.56 3.50 3.32 3.46
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 14: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Arizona

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

Volume

Total reported shipments of fruits and vegetables from Florida during the fourth quarter of 2018 were 371 

thousand tons, up 37 percent from the same quarter last year. The sum of the top five commodities also 

increased 56 percent from the same quarter last year. Each of the top five commodities saw significant 

increases including plum tomatoes, which increased 147 percent and sweet corn that increased 62 percent. 

Rates 

The quarterly average truck rate for shipments between 501 and 1,500 miles was $2.15 per mile, 43 percent 

lower than the previous quarter, and 8 percent lower than the same quarter last year.

Truck Overview

Diesel fuel prices averaged $3.14 per gallon, 1 percent higher than the previous quarter and 14 percent 

higher than the same period last year. Shippers in Florida reported surplus conditions in October followed 

adequate conditions in November and December. 

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.

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

October November December 4th Quarter

Central & South Florida 1.00 3.25 3.25 2.50

Regional Average Availability 1.00 3.25 3.25 2.50

Diesel Fuel Price ($/gallon) 3.23 3.18 3.03 3.14

Commodity 4th Quarter 

2018

Share of 

Florida Total

Previous 

Quarter

Same 

Quarter Last 

Year

Current Quarter as % 

change from:

Previous Qtr Same Qtr 

Last Year

Tomatoes 110 30% 2 69 - 60%

Grapefruit 34 9% 0 26 - 31%

Tomatoes, Plum Type 34 9% 0 14 - 147%

Oranges 31 8% - 26 - 19%

Corn-Sweet 28 8% 0 17 - 62%

Top 5 Total 236 64% 2 152 - 56%

Florida Total 371 100% 20 272 1795% 37%

Florida
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

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

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

“-” indicates no reported shipments during the quarter.

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

Figure 16: Refrigerated Truck Availability Monthly Ratings for Florida

$2.15

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

1 2 4 1 2 4 1 2 3 4

2016 2017 2018

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

1

2

3

4

5

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

2018 2017 Prior 3-Year Average

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus

Shortage

Slight 

Shortage

Adequate

Slight

Surplus

Surplus
Agricultural Refrigerated Truck Quarterly

Quarter 4, 2018

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

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, 2018

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

Authors

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

April.Taylor@usda.gov, 202.295.7374 

Brian McGregor, Regulatory News/Updates 

Brian.McGregor@usda.gov, 202.720.0035 

Jesse Gastelle, Data Analysis 

Jesse.Gastelle@usda.gov, 202.690.1144 

Patty Willkie, Specialty Crops Program and Market News Division Data 

Patty.Willkie@usda.gov, 202.720.2175 

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

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

Related Websites

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 

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

Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts 

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

National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crops

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

Refrigerated Truck Quarterly Datasets

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

Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail

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

Preferred Citation

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

Quarterly Report. September 2019. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS051.09-2019>

Photo Credit

Burt Barnes

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