Alaska Marine Line Alters Fuel Surcharge

Beginning on February 2, 2014 Alaska Marine Lines (AML) said it will utilize a different method for calculating fuel surcharge related to pick up, delivery and trucking in the Lower 48 and Alaska.

Prior to this change AML has charged the same FSC for trucking and barge transportation. The cost of fuel for trucking can vary greatly compared to ocean transportation. AML trucking services are primarily provided by contracted owner/operators. According to AML, the inland fuel surcharge more closely reflects the amount it pays for the trucking service that is purchased on behalf of its customers.

The Inland FSC will be adjusted weekly using the Federal Energy Information website to determine fuel price. That posted price will be compared to a table which calculates the percentage of FSC necessary to compensate for the excess cost of fuel at that week's price. As example the EIA website reported on December 23, 2013 $3.883 per gallon as the west coast average highway diesel price. This corresponds with an inland FSC of 34.0%.