# Fuel surcharge

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable fee levied by carriers – shipping lines, airlines, freight forwarders and couriers – on top of the base freight rate to recover fluctuating energy costs.

A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable fee levied by carriers – shipping lines, airlines, freight forwarders and couriers – on top of the base freight rate to recover fluctuating energy costs. When fuel prices rise, the surcharge increases; when they fall, it decreases accordingly. Most carriers recalculate the FSC monthly and list it as a separate line item on the freight invoice, making costs transparent while complicating budget forecasting in volatile markets. In ocean freight, the equivalent charge is commonly known as the Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF); in air freight and road transport it typically appears as a percentage markup on the base rate. Not to be confused with the Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), which addresses exchange rate movements.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_surcharge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_surcharge)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Fuel surcharge |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 120 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_surcharge |

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