Questions, answered

What does “fuel per $100” mean?

It is the fuel surcharge expressed in dollars. A 30.25% surcharge adds $30.25 of fuel for every $100 of charges the surcharge applies to. We quote it this way because it is easier to compare and easier to explain to a finance team.

How is this site different from ParcelFuelSurcharge.com?

ParcelFuelSurcharge.com is the reference: full rate tables, history and dozens of calculators. ParcelFuelOptimizer.com is about action: what each rate costs you, which contract levers reduce it, and how to check your invoices. Both are published by Logistics Contract Optimizer and use the same verified data rules.

Where do the numbers come from?

Carrier-published rates are read from each carrier’s own pages. Where a carrier has not yet published, we calculate the rate from its published table and the EIA fuel price and label it “Calculated”. Diesel, jet fuel, wholesale diesel and crude prices come from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Every rate shows its status.

How often is it updated?

The site checks its sources about every six hours. EIA publishes diesel on Monday afternoon; most carriers publish their next surcharge late in the week.

Are the tools’ results what I will pay?

They estimate fuel only, using published rates and the inputs you give. Your contract, incentives, accessorials and invoices decide what you pay. Use the results to size an opportunity, then check your agreement.

Can fuel surcharges really be negotiated?

The carrier’s index and table are fixed, but discounts, caps, which charges fuel applies to, table protection and service and carrier mix are all contract or operating decisions.

What is the diesel signal?

A weekly reading of wholesale diesel prices, which tend to move before the retail price carriers use. It is an early warning, not a forecast.

Do you sell my data or require sign-up?

No. There are no sign-up or contact forms. The tools run in your browser and nothing you type is sent to us. To talk to someone, call or email.

Who is behind the site?

Logistics Contract Optimizer, a parcel and freight contract consultancy based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The site is independent of every carrier.

Can I use the data?

Yes. The JSON feed at /api/rates.json is free to use with a link back to ParcelFuelOptimizer.com.