• April 7, 2026

Last updated on April 7, 2026

Diesel prices haven’t slowed down. Since we introduced our fuel surcharge on March 15, the national average has jumped from $4.86 to $5.64 per gallon — a 16% increase in less than four weeks. We’re adjusting our surcharge from 12% to 16% to reflect what carriers are actually paying at the pump.

Here’s what’s happening, what it means for your shipment, and what we’re doing about it.

What’s Driving Diesel Prices Up

Rising diesel prices

The Strait of Hormuz disruption that began on February 28 hasn’t resolved. About one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply passes through that corridor, and the closure has kept global fuel markets under pressure since early March.

The numbers tell the story:

  • March 9, 2026: $4.86/gal (when we set the 12% surcharge)
  • April 6, 2026: $5.64/gal (latest DOE weekly report)
  • EIA forecast: Diesel prices expected to peak above $5.80/gal in April before any relief

This isn’t a regional blip. Every carrier running diesel across the country is dealing with the same cost increase.

What Changed

Our fuel surcharge has been updated from 12% to 16% of the transport rate, effective April 7, 2026.

Previous Updated
Surcharge Rate 12% 16%
DOE Diesel Reference $4.86/gal $5.64/gal
Effective Date March 15 April 7

Example: On a $900 shipment, the surcharge goes from $108 to $144 — a $36 difference.

The surcharge continues to appear as a separate line item on every quote and invoice. No hidden fees, no surprises.

How We Set the Surcharge

We use the U.S. Department of Energy’s weekly retail diesel price report as our benchmark. When diesel moves significantly in either direction, we adjust. The surcharge is reviewed every week.

When diesel prices stabilize below $4.50/gal, we remove the surcharge entirely.

Why a Surcharge Instead of Raising Rates

Two reasons. First, it’s transparent — you can see exactly how much of your cost is fuel-related versus the base transport rate. Second, it’s temporary. When diesel comes back down, the surcharge comes down with it. Baking fuel volatility into permanent rate increases would mean you’d keep paying elevated prices long after the market corrects.

Auto transport on highway

For Military Families on PCS Orders

Summer PCS season is right around the corner. We know you’re juggling orders, timelines, housing, and schools on top of everything else. The surcharge is real, but it’s temporary. We review it every week and adjust the moment prices move.

If your move is coming up and you want to lock in a quote at current rates, reach out now. We’ll walk you through exactly what you’re paying and why.

What Happens Next

We’re watching diesel prices weekly. The moment they trend down, we reduce the surcharge. If the Strait of Hormuz situation resolves and supply normalizes, we expect a meaningful correction in fuel costs — and the surcharge will reflect that immediately.

Questions about your shipment? Contact us directly:

  • Email: info@transcar.com
  • Phone: (682) 252-4654
  • Website: transcar.com

All diesel price data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Retail Gasoline and Diesel Prices report.

Aldo Flores

About The Author

Aldo Flores

Aldo Flores is the founder and CEO of Trans Global Auto Logistics (TGAL) and Transcar Auto Shippers. With over 25 years in international vehicle shipping and domestic auto transport, he oversees operations across five logistics companies based in Arlington, Texas.

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