11 guides
The Fuel Optimization Playbook
How parcel fuel surcharges are built, and every lever shippers have to reduce them. Plain language, real numbers, a tool for each.
Guide 1 · 6 min
How a parcel fuel surcharge is built
Four moving parts decide the fuel line on every parcel invoice. Know them and you know where the money can be saved.
Guide 2 · 5 min
Fuel discounts: what “20% off” is really worth
A discount on the fuel surcharge is the most common fuel term, and the most commonly misunderstood.
Guide 3 · 6 min
Fuel caps: putting a ceiling on the surcharge
A cap protects your budget from the weeks that hurt most. Here is how to value one before you trade anything for it.
Guide 4 · 6 min
Table resets: the change that costs more than diesel
Carriers can raise fuel surcharges without diesel moving at all, by changing the table. You can protect against it.
Guide 5 · 5 min
Fuel on accessorials: the hidden base
Residential, delivery area and handling charges often carry fuel too. Shrinking the base can matter as much as shrinking the rate.
Guide 6 · 5 min
Moving down the fuel ladder: air to ground
Air fuel surcharges run several points above ground. Shifting volume that does not need air saves on both base and fuel.
Guide 7 · 5 min
Carrier mix: different tables, different bills
At the same diesel price, the major ground carriers’ surcharges are several points apart.
Guide 8 · 6 min
Auditing the fuel line on your invoices
A short, repeatable check catches the most common fuel billing errors.
Guide 9 · 5 min
Budgeting fuel with scenarios
You cannot forecast diesel. You can know exactly what each diesel scenario costs you.
Guide 10 · 5 min
When to renegotiate fuel terms
Timing changes your leverage. Here are the moments to reopen fuel terms.
Guide 11 · 5 min
Reading wholesale diesel to see changes coming
The fuel surcharge you will pay in two weeks is already moving in the wholesale market.
Rather have someone do it?
Logistics Contract Optimizer works through this playbook on your actual contract and invoices, for free to start. Call or email.