At a Glance
- Basis
- Diesel price index (Federal Statistical Office)
- Share of freight costs
- Typically 15–35 %
- Adjustment interval
- Monthly or quarterly
How is the fuel surcharge calculated?
Most forwarders work from the diesel price index published by the German Federal Statistical Office, or from their own reference indices. A percentage addition to the net freight charge is derived from a sliding table: if the diesel price rises above a threshold, the FSC increases. For example, at a diesel price of 1.80 euros per litre the FSC is 22 %; at 2.20 euros per litre it rises to 28 %.
Why does the fuel surcharge exist?
Transport contracts are often agreed with long-term base tariffs. Since fuel accounts for 25–40 % of a forwarder's operating costs and fluctuates sharply, it would be unreasonable to renegotiate base tariffs every month. The FSC creates transparency and flexibility: the base price stays stable while the fuel element is adjusted dynamically.
CO2 surcharge and toll costs
Since 2023 the German lorry toll has included a CO2 element. Many forwarders show this as a separate item or within the FSC. Shippers should watch for both the toll surcharge and the fuel surcharge on quotes – together they can account for 30–40 % of the freight price.
