First of All - What is a GL Code?

A General Ledger Code (GL Code) is a string of alphanumeric characters assigned to each financial entry in an organization’s ledger. A GL Code can indicate basic information such as a debit or credit by location or provide highly specific details about an entry through a GL String. A GL String is made up of a combination of numbers and groups of numbers that when applied uniformly can categorize every point of information for an entry.

What are Fuel Surcharges?

At their most basic, fuel surcharges are an additional sum of money that carriers charge shippers  They are found on the invoices of national, regional, and local carriers, often, with no explanation of how they are calculated. Calculating the surcharge as a percentage of the average fuel prices at the time of shipment is standard practice for shippers. However, there is sometimes no telling what other factors they include in the calculation.

Many have questioned whether the fuel surcharge is used to stabilize rates by mitigating unpredictable fuel costs like the carriers claim, or if the additional line item is just a money maker for freight companies. While there is some quick math involved, understanding the fuel surcharge on your next invoice is easier than you think.

There is no universal formula to calculating fuel surcharges leaving each carrier to tweak the numbers for their specific circumstances. However, most carriers publish their percentages or ratios in their tariffs which are easily found on their websites, but not always explained.