Ep. 8 | Understanding Fuel Surcharge Basics

Fuel prices are climbing again — and if you’re not properly calculating fuel surcharge, you could be losing money on every load. In this episode of Hauling Success, host Pamela Polyak breaks down everything carriers, owner-operators, dispatchers, and freight brokers need to know about fuel surcharge calculations, fuel surcharge matrices, line haul pricing, and negotiating rate increases in today’s trucking market. From understanding how the EIA diesel fuel index works to building your own fuel surcharge matrix, this episode covers the real-world strategies trucking companies are using to protect margins and stay profitable in 2026. Inside this episode: 🚛 What fuel surcharge actually means ⛽ How to calculate fuel surcharge correctly 📈 Understanding EIA.gov diesel fuel pricing 💰 How carriers negotiate fuel increases with shippers & brokers 📊 Fuel surcharge matrix explained 📉 Why line haul pricing matters just as much as FSC 🛠 Tips for reducing fuel costs and improving MPG 📍 Regional fuel pricing differences explained 📦 Dedicated freight, spot freight, and contract lane pricing strategies ⚡ How fuel cards and discounts impact profitability Whether you’re a small fleet owner, owner operator, dispatcher, freight broker, or trucking company executive, this episode will help you understand how to protect your margins and negotiate smarter in a volatile freight market. 🎙 Powered by Amous TMS — built for carriers who want smarter operations, stronger relationships, and scalable growth. 👉 Subscribe for more trucking industry insights, freight market updates, TMS strategies, dispatching tips, logistics education, and real conversations from inside the transportation industry. #FuelSurcharge #TruckingIndustry #OwnerOperator #FreightBroker #Logistics #Trucking #Freight #Dispatching #Carrier #Transportation #DieselPrices #FreightRates #TruckDispatch #SupplyChain #FuelCosts #HaulingSuccess #AmousTMS