Fuel Surcharge Calculator
Calculate your fuel surcharge per mile with real-time DOE diesel prices. Industry-standard formula used by major carriers.
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Fuel Surcharge Calculator
Per-mile industry formula
Enter Your Details
Auto-populated from DOE national average
From your carrier contract (typically $1.10-$1.50)
Typical range: 5-7 mpg for loaded trucks
Enter trip distance to calculate total surcharge
Your Fuel Surcharge
Diesel prices sourced from U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This calculator is for informational purposes only. Always verify calculations with your carrier contract.
How Fuel Surcharges Work
The Formula
Surcharge per Mile = (Current Price - Baseline) ÷ MPG
This is the industry-standard formula used by most carriers and freight contracts.
Weekly Updates
Diesel prices are published by the DOE (EIA) every Tuesday around 10am ET.
Our calculator auto-updates with the latest national average retail price.
Regional Prices
Diesel prices vary by PADD region (East Coast, Midwest, Gulf Coast, etc.).
Get API access for regional price data.
Example Calculation
Current Diesel Price: $3.60/gallon
Baseline Price: $1.20/gallon
Average MPG: 6 mpg
Surcharge = ($3.60 - $1.20) ÷ 6 = $0.40/mile
For a 500-mile haul, total fuel surcharge = $0.40 × 500 = $200.00
Major Carrier FSC Formulas
Different carriers use different baseline prices. Here are common presets:
Industry Standard
Most common formula used in freight contracts
Swift Transportation
Swift-specific fuel surcharge formula
J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt contract baseline
Schneider National
Schneider owner-operator formula
Werner Enterprises
Werner standard surcharge
Owner-Operator
Typical independent contractor baseline
Note: Carrier formulas may vary by contract. Always verify with your specific agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fuel surcharge?
A fuel surcharge (FSC) is an additional fee added to freight rates to offset the cost of fuel. It adjusts based on current diesel prices, protecting both carriers and shippers from fuel price volatility.
Where does the diesel price data come from?
We use the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Retail On-Highway Diesel Price. This is the same DOE data used by major carriers like Swift, J.B. Hunt, and Schneider.
How often is the diesel price updated?
The EIA publishes new diesel prices every Tuesday around 10:00 AM ET. Our calculator automatically updates when new data is released.
What baseline price should I use?
The baseline depends on your carrier contract. Common baselines range from $1.10 to $1.50 per gallon. If you're an owner-operator, check your lease agreement or negotiate your own baseline.
Is the fuel surcharge required by law?
No. Fuel surcharges are not mandated by any federal law or regulation. They are a negotiated component of freight contracts between shippers and carriers.
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