Fuel Surcharge Calculator — FSC for Carriers & Brokers
Calculate fuel surcharge amounts based on current diesel price, base freight rate, and your FSC trigger table. Used by carriers, brokers and shippers to price fuel cost passthrough.
⛽ Fuel Surcharge Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your base freight rate — the linehaul charge before fuel surcharge.
- Enter today's diesel price — use the DOE weekly average or your local rack price.
- Set the FSC trigger — most carrier FSC tables trigger at $1.20/gal — check your tariff or contract.
- Set the increment rate — commonly 0.5% per $0.06 fuel increment. Your carrier's tariff will specify this.
Worked Example
A carrier has a base rate of $2,000 with an FSC table triggering at $1.20/gal at 0.5% per $0.06 increment. Current diesel is $3.89/gal.
- Over trigger: $3.89 − $1.20 = $2.69 over trigger
- Increments: $2.69 ÷ $0.06 = 44 increments (rounded down)
- FSC%: 44 × 0.5% = 22%
- FSC Amount: $2,000 × 22% = $440
- Total: $2,000 + $440 = $2,440
Frequently Asked Questions
A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable fee added to base freight rates to cover fluctuating diesel costs. It was introduced in the 1970s to protect carriers from fuel price volatility. Most carriers use a published FSC table tied to the DOE weekly average diesel price.
Major carriers (UPS Freight, FedEx Freight, XPO) publish their own FSC tables. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) also publishes a standard FSC table. For contract freight, FSC terms are negotiated in the carrier agreement.
Yes. High-volume shippers negotiate FSC caps, alternative calculation methods (per-mile rather than percentage), or fuel price hedging arrangements. Brokers also negotiate FSC treatment when booking spot loads.
Most carriers update FSC weekly based on the DOE's Monday diesel price report. Some update monthly. The FSC in effect on the ship date typically applies regardless of subsequent price changes.