What Is Fuel Surcharge (FSC) in Trucking?
Also called: FSC
A fuel surcharge (FSC) is an extra charge added to the base rate when diesel costs more than a set price. It helps cover fuel costs that go up and down. Most truckload surcharges are a cents-per-mile amount that comes from a formula in the contract.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 15, 2026
Key Points
- Most truckload fuel surcharges use this formula: (current diesel price minus the base price) divided by miles per gallon, which gives cents per mile
- Contracts name a diesel index, often a national weekly average such as the U.S. Energy Information Administration's. Check which index and which week your contract uses
- The base price and the miles per gallon in your contract decide how much you get. A lower base or a lower MPG pays more
- Some contracts pay the surcharge only on loaded miles, so deadhead fuel may not be covered
- An all-in rate already has fuel in it. Compare offers as one total per mile
Linehaul plus fuel surcharge vs. all-in rate
| Linehaul + Fuel Surcharge | All-In Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| What you see on the rate con | Two lines: a base rate and a fuel amount | One per-mile number |
| If diesel goes up | The fuel line goes up, so your margin is protected | You pay the extra fuel cost |
| If diesel goes down | The fuel line goes down | You may keep more of the rate |
| Most common on | Contract and repeat lanes | One-time spot loads |
How is a fuel surcharge calculated?
DAT's published method is (diesel price minus $1.25) divided by miles per gallon. DAT uses 6.0 MPG for van, 5.5 for reefer and 5.0 for flatbed. Those MPG numbers are low on purpose, to cover empty miles, and DAT calls $1.25 a common base price. Example: DAT's September 2026 report puts national diesel at $6.29, so a van's surcharge is ($6.29 minus $1.25) divided by 6.0, or about $0.84 per mile. On 500 loaded miles that is $420.00. Your contract sets the real base price and MPG.
What should you check in the contract?
Look for four things. Which diesel index is used. Most contracts use the weekly diesel price from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Which week's price counts, often the week of pickup. The base price. And the MPG number. A lower base price means a bigger surcharge, so the base is worth asking about. A higher MPG number means a smaller surcharge, so if you really get 6 MPG and the contract says 7, you lose. Also check whether you are paid on loaded miles only.
Is the fuel surcharge the same as your fuel cost?
No. The surcharge follows a formula. Your real fuel cost depends on your truck, your driving and where you buy fuel. Compare the two. If you average 6.5 MPG and diesel is $6.00 a gallon, your fuel costs about $0.92 per mile. If the surcharge is far below that, the rate may not cover your fuel. Use the tools below to check your real cost per mile.
Related Free Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fuel surcharge in trucking?+
A fuel surcharge is an extra amount added to the base rate when diesel is above a price set in the contract. It helps cover fuel costs that change from week to week.
How do you calculate a fuel surcharge?+
The common formula for truckload is (current diesel price minus the base price) divided by miles per gallon. The result is the surcharge per mile. Multiply it by the miles you are paid on. LTL carriers often use a percentage table instead.
Do owner-operators get the fuel surcharge?+
That depends on your agreement. On a rate con, check whether the pay is linehaul plus fuel, or all-in. If you lease on to a carrier, read the lease to see how the surcharge is shared.
What is a typical fuel surcharge right now?+
There is no single number, since it follows diesel. As one reference, DAT's September 2026 report estimates the fuel part of spot rates at $0.84 a mile for van, $0.92 for reefer and $1.01 for flatbed, with diesel at $6.29. Your contract's base price and MPG set your own surcharge.
Is the fuel surcharge part of the linehaul rate?+
No. Linehaul is the base rate. The fuel surcharge is a separate amount that moves with diesel prices. An all-in rate combines the two into one number.
More trucking terms
Related fuel and tax pages
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.