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USDA reefer lane · Week of September 8, 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

This week

+10%

Four weeks

+12%

Typical

$7,200

Citrus

This week

No change

Four weeks

-13%

Typical

$5,800

Four-week rate trend

Mixed produce

Typical rate Reported range
This week
+10%
Four weeks
+12%
Typical now
$7,200
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. $7,500 $7,000 $6,500 $6,000 $6,450 Aug 18 $6,500 Aug 25 $6,550 Sep 1 $7,200 Sep 8
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
-13%
Typical now
$5,800
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. $7,500 $7,000 $6,500 $6,000 $5,500 $5,000 $6,700 Aug 18 $6,150 Aug 25 $5,800 Sep 1 $5,800 Sep 8
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

Start calling earlier and leave room in the budget. Carriers have more leverage on this lane.

For carriers

What to do

Capacity is tight or rates are rising. You may have room to hold for a stronger offer.

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
Aug 18 $6,450 $6,200 to $6,700 -4% Adequate
Aug 25 $6,500 $6,300 to $6,700 +1% Adequate
Sep 1 $6,550 $6,300 to $6,800 +1% Slight Shortage
Sep 8 $7,200 $7,000 to $7,400 +10% Slight Shortage

Citrus

Rate date Typical Full range Weekly move Truck supply
Aug 18 $6,700 $6,300 to $7,100 +10% Adequate
Aug 25 $6,150 $5,700 to $6,600 -8% Adequate
Sep 1 $5,800 $5,500 to $6,300 -6% Slight Shortage
Sep 8 $5,800 $5,500 to $6,300 No change Slight 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 →