USDA reefer lane · Week of October 13, 2026
Reefer rate changes from South & Central California to New York
Here is the simple read for brokers and carriers, followed by the complete four-week rate history.
Four-week rate trend
Mixed produce
Typical rate Reported range
- This week
- +2%
- Four weeks
- +24%
- Typical now
- $12,000
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
- $10,500
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 | $9,650 | $9,300 to $10,000 | No change | Slight Shortage |
| Sep 29 | $10,150 | $9,900 to $10,400 | +5% | Slight Shortage |
| Oct 6 | $11,755 | $11,480 to $12,030 | +16% | Slight Shortage |
| Oct 13 | $12,000 | $11,700 to $12,300 | +2% | Adequate |
Citrus
| Rate date | Typical | Full range | Weekly move | Truck supply |
| Sep 22 | $10,500 | $9,500 to $11,500 | +11% | Shortage |
| Sep 29 | $10,500 | $9,500 to $11,500 | No change | Shortage |
| Oct 6 | $10,500 | $9,500 to $11,500 | No change | Shortage |
| Oct 13 | $10,500 | $9,500 to $11,500 | 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 →