Related glossary terms
Pricing & Billing
Fuel Surcharge
Also known as: Diesel surcharge, Fuel adjustment
Definition
A fuel surcharge is a separate line-item fee added to moving estimates that accounts for diesel fuel costs above a baseline rate, indexed to the Department of Energy weekly diesel price.
In practice
What it means on a move.
Fuel surcharges are standard on long-distance interstate moves. Calculated as a percentage of base transit price, indexed to weekly DOE diesel prices. Typical range: 5-15% of base transit cost. Local moves typically don't have fuel surcharges (already included in hourly rate).
Stakes
Why this matters.
Fuel surcharges can vary significantly week to week. Reputable carriers lock the surcharge at time of binding estimate and absorb diesel fluctuations after booking. Surprise fuel charges at delivery are a complaint pattern with rogue carriers.
Our process
How Muscleman Elite handles it.
Muscleman Elite line-items fuel surcharge on every long-distance estimate. Surcharge locked at time of binding estimate.
Questions we get
About Fuel Surcharge.
- How is the fuel surcharge calculated?
- Indexed to weekly DOE diesel prices. Typically 5-15% of base transit cost. We lock the surcharge at time of binding estimate.
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