Guide 6 of 11 · 5 minute read
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.
The ladder
In the week of November 2, 2026, FedEx Express carried a 33.25% fuel surcharge and FedEx Ground 29.25%. International rates sit higher again, in the 37% to 46% range for the major express carriers. Every package that moves down a rung pays a lower fuel percentage on a lower base rate.
Find the volume that does not need air
Look for air shipments going to zones that ground reaches in two or three days anyway, replacement parts that are not urgent, and customer-selected upgrades that you pay for but do not charge for. Ground networks now reach most of the country in three days or less.
Do the math on the whole package
The fuel saving is the smaller part. Our air-to-ground tool estimates the fuel effect alone; base-rate differences usually add more. A contract review prices both.
Key takeaways
- Air fuel surcharges run several points above ground.
- Audit air volume for shipments ground would deliver in time.
- The base-rate saving is usually bigger than the fuel saving.
By the Logistics Contract Optimizer team. Rates cited are from the week of November 2, 2026 unless stated; see the rate board for this week.