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USDA reefer lane · Week of October 13, 2026

Reefer rate changes from South & Central California to Chicago

Here is the simple read for brokers and carriers, followed by the complete four-week rate history.

See all four weeks

Mixed produce

Latest report

+3%

Four weeks

+12%

Typical

$7,350

Citrus

Latest report

No change

Four weeks

0%

Typical

$7,150

Four-week rate trend

Mixed produce

Typical rate Reported range
This week
+3%
Four weeks
+12%
Typical now
$7,350
Four-week refrigerated truck rate trend from South & Central California to Chicago Typical rates are shown as a line. Vertical markers show the full USDA reported rate range for each week. $8,500 $8,000 $7,500 $7,000 $6,500 $6,000 $6,550 Sep 22 $7,800 Sep 29 $7,110 Oct 6 $7,350 Oct 13
The line uses the midpoint of USDA’s “mostly” range when available, otherwise the midpoint of the full range. It is a benchmark, not a quote.

Four-week rate trend

Citrus

Typical rate Reported range
This week
No change
Four weeks
0%
Typical now
$7,150
Four-week refrigerated truck rate trend from South & Central California to Chicago Typical rates are shown as a line. Vertical markers show the full USDA reported rate range for each week. $8,000 $7,500 $7,000 $6,500 $6,000 $7,150 Sep 22 $7,150 Sep 29 $7,150 Oct 6 $7,150 Oct 13
The line uses the midpoint of USDA’s “mostly” range when available, otherwise the midpoint of the full range. It is a benchmark, not a quote.

For freight brokers

What to do

The lane is fairly steady. Use the reported range as a check against live quotes.

For carriers

What to do

Rates are fairly steady. Price the actual miles and operating cost, then compare with this benchmark.

Verify the chart

The numbers behind it

Every point below links to the USDA report it came from. The full range is what USDA observed. “Typical” is the midpoint used for the chart.

Mixed produce

Rate date Typical Full range Weekly move Truck supply
Sep 22 $6,550 $6,400 to $6,700 No change Slight Shortage
Sep 29 $7,800 $7,600 to $8,000 +19% Slight Shortage
Oct 6 $7,110 $6,910 to $7,310 -9% Slight Shortage
Oct 13 $7,350 $7,100 to $7,600 +3% Adequate

Citrus

Rate date Typical Full range Weekly move Truck supply
Sep 22 $7,150 $6,300 to $7,800 +23% Shortage
Sep 29 $7,150 $6,300 to $7,800 No change Shortage
Oct 6 $7,150 $6,300 to $7,800 No change Shortage
Oct 13 $7,150 $6,300 to $7,800 No change Shortage

Read this correctly

  • This is a benchmark, not a quote. It covers a common 48 to 53 foot refrigerated trailer on the reported produce lane.
  • Rates include broker fees. Extra pickup, drop, and terminal charges generally are not included.
  • Blank is not zero. “Not comparable” means USDA did not publish a weekly percentage for that row.
  • Confirm the live market. Commodity, timing, stops, and truck requirements can move your actual price.
About the USDA National Truck Rate Report →