How do I calculate fuel surcharge per mile?

Use the formula: (Current Fuel Price - Base Fuel Price) / Miles Per Gallon (MPG). For example, if current diesel is $3.50, base price is $1.25, and your truck gets 6.5 MPG: ($3.50 - $1.25) / 6.5 = $0.346 per mile.

What is a base fuel price in trucking?

Base fuel price is the baseline diesel price agreed upon in your contract, typically ranging from $1.15 to $1.35 per gallon. When actual fuel prices exceed this base, you receive a fuel surcharge to offset the increased costs.

Is IFTA fuel surcharge the same as contractual fuel surcharge?

No, they are different. IFTA fuel surcharges are tax-related calculations for quarterly reporting. Contractual fuel surcharges are compensation adjustments based on fluctuating diesel prices as agreed in shipping contracts.

Fuel Surcharge Calculator – Free FSC Tool

Professional Fuel Surcharge Calculator

Calculate fuel surcharge per mile and per load using your diesel price, base price, and truck MPG.

New to Fuel Surcharge Calculations?

Learn the complete FSC formula, step-by-step examples, and pro tips in our comprehensive guide.

📖 Read Complete Calculator Guide

Calculator Inputs

Trip Miles (one-way distance)

Turn on "Round trip" below to auto-double miles

MPG (your fleet average)

This field is required

Current Fuel Price ($/gal) (diesel)

This field is required

⚙️ Advanced: Quick Price Estimates

Popular Routes (convenience estimates):

Single State (local/regional runs):

Estimates for convenience. For FSC calculations, use your contract's specified source (DOE/EIA or regional data).
Source: Industry averages | Last updated: August 2025

Base Fuel Price ($/gal) (contract baseline)i

Don't allow negative FSC (clamp to $0.00)Round trip (multiply miles ×2)

Formula: This tool uses the standard trucking formula: (Current − Base) / MPG. If your contract defines a different base or escalation rule, use those values instead.

Live Example:

Route: Dallas→Chicago (925 miles)
Current Fuel: $3.35/gal (route average)
Base Price: $1.25/gal (contract)
Truck MPG: 6.5 miles/gallon
Calculation: ($3.35 - $1.25) ÷ 6.5 = $0.3231 per mile
Total FSC: $0.3231 × 925 miles = $298.85 fuel surcharge

Results

Fuel Surcharge per Mile

$0.0000 / mi

0.00 ¢/mi

Fuel Surcharge per Load

$0.00

Enter all required values to calculate

Delta vs Base Price

$0.00 per gallon

Enter valid values to calculate.

Tip: Press Enter in any field to recalculate instantly.

Important Legal Disclaimer

This Fuel Surcharge Calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice.

•
No Legal Advice: This tool does not constitute legal counsel and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice regarding fuel surcharge contracts.
•
Accuracy Not Guaranteed: While we strive for accuracy, fuel surcharge calculations may vary based on specific contract terms, regional regulations, and industry standards.
•
Contract Variations: Different carriers and brokers may use alternative formulas, base prices, or escalation methods not reflected in this standard calculation.
•
IFTA vs Contractual FSC: This calculator is for contractual fuel surcharges only and should not be confused with IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) reporting requirements.
•
Use at Your Own Risk: Users assume full responsibility for any business decisions made based on calculations from this tool. Always verify with your specific contracts and legal counsel.

Ready to Maximize Your Revenue?

Join successful owner-operators who've partnered with Cargo Voyager for consistent, high-paying freight and professional dispatch services.

Get Started Today

Fuel Surcharge Calculator