Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 April 2015
The transportation literature reveals several studies that attempt to model freight rates. These efforts are important as they provide insight into rate determinants and consequently assist firms in planning, provide input into transportation policy debates, and are of use in transportation and commodity research. In such studies, freight-rate variations typically are explained by differences in commodity types, competition from alternative modes, and distance (Perkins; Benishay and Whitaker; Binkley and Harrar; Ferguson and Glorfeld; Boles; Miklius). However, when shippers must rely on one mode to ship a very limited mix of goods to one or a few destinations, this approach is of little use in explaining rate variations. The produce industry is a case in point.