Energy surcharge
The “energy” surcharge is an additional fee charged by transport companies to compensate for fluctuations in energy prices (diesel, gas, electricity) that affect transport costs. As these three energy sources are essential components of the fuels used in vehicles required for parcel transport, price fluctuations directly impact transport costs. For calculating the energy surcharge, GLS uses the monthly figures published by the German Federal Statistical Office: the “Diesel Price Index for Professional Drivers”, the “Producer Price Index for Natural Gas (Commercial Use)” and the “Producer Price Index for Electricity (Special Contract Customers)”.
Why an energy surcharge?
This surcharge allows us to reflect sometimes considerable fluctuations in energy prices fairly and transparently in transport costs. We determine the surcharge for energy costs based on the indices published by the German Federal Statistical Office as soon as the latest figures become available. We place great importance on transparent communication and always show the applicable percentage separately on our invoices. This allows you to see to what extent energy costs affect transport costs.
How is the energy surcharge calculated?
Our dynamic monthly calculation is based on the indices of the German Federal Statistical Office. For an even more precise calculation, we also use our own GLS energy mix, which takes into account the proportions of the various energy sources. Once the latest indices have been published, we determine the current percentage and apply it from that point onwards to all newly issued invoices. This item is shown separately as “Energy”. Here you can check the current percentage of this surcharge at any time.
Our energy mix for transport
The GLS energy mix includes diesel, natural gas and electricity. The exact proportions are determined based on the index values provided by the German Federal Statistical Office and are updated regularly.
This is how our current energy mix is composed:
Become a GLS business customer now
GLS is your strong and reliable shipping partner – not only when it comes to keeping you transparently informed about the cost components on your invoice.
As a GLS business customer, you can take advantage of our many attractive GLS services. Find out more about our business partner programme – you can find all key information at a glance on our Business Customers overview page. We look forward to working with you!
