What Is a Fuel Surcharge?
A fuel surcharge is an extra fee added to freight rates to help cover the fluctuating cost of diesel fuel. It helps trucking companies and independent drivers offset the high cost of fuel when prices rise above a set base level.
Why Fuel Surcharges Exist
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in trucking. Since fuel prices change constantly, carriers use a surcharge system so they don’t lose money when prices spike.
Instead of raising base rates every time diesel goes up, the surcharge adjusts week to week (usually based on government diesel price data).
How It’s Calculated
Most fuel surcharges are based on:
- National average diesel price (published weekly by the U.S. Energy Information Administration – EIA)
- Base fuel price (agreed starting point, like $1.25/gal)
- Fuel mileage (MPG) – typically around 6 mpg
Basic Formula Example:
If the average diesel price is $4.25/gal, the base is $1.25/gal, and your truck averages 6 mpg:
($4.25 – $1.25) ÷ 6 mpg = $0.50/mile surcharge
That means you would add 50 cents per mile on top of your regular rate to cover fuel.
Who Gets the Surcharge?
- Owner-Operators & Lease Operators: If you book loads through a broker or carrier, you may receive the surcharge as part of your rate.
- Carriers: Apply the surcharge to customer freight invoices to recover fuel costs.
Important: Not all loads include a surcharge automatically, especially in spot market freight — so always check rate confirmations carefully.
✅ Key Tips for Truckers
- Know your MPG to calculate real fuel cost impact.
- Use tools like DAT, Trucker Path, or rate calculators to track current surcharge rates.
- Negotiate or verify if the surcharge is included in your pay rate when booking loads.
