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Fuel surcharge calculator

Free tool · Freight

A fuel surcharge pays you back when diesel climbs above the price built into your rate. Per mile it is today’s diesel minus the base price, divided by MPG.

Example: 3.90. Use the index your shipper’s contract names.
The diesel price your linehaul rate already covers. Your rate sheet or contract says it.
Many shippers fix it at 6. Use the number in your contract.
Miles on the load. Type 0 to see only the per mile surcharge. Example: 1,500 for Pharr to Chicago.

Surcharge per mile

$0.150 per mile

Surcharge on this load

$225.00

An estimate for planning. Check the numbers with your accountant before you decide.

How the math works

Surcharge per mile = (diesel today − base diesel price) ÷ MPG. Surcharge on the load = surcharge per mile × loaded miles.

The surcharge is zero while diesel stays at or under the base price. Use the diesel index and the MPG your shipper’s contract names. Many shippers fix the MPG at 6.

The example is diesel at $3.90 against a $3.00 base and an MPG of 6, on a 1,500 mile run from Pharr to Chicago. The EIA posts the Gulf Coast diesel average every week.