Published: 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
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.
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@tgal.us
- Phone: (972) 602-1670
- Website: tgal.us
All diesel price data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Retail Gasoline and Diesel Prices report.
Aldo Flores
Founder & CEO, Trans Global Auto Logistics
Licensed NVOCC • FMC Regulated • 30+ Years in International Vehicle Logistics
Aldo Flores is the founder and CEO of Trans Global Auto Logistics, a licensed NVOCC and FMC-regulated freight forwarder based in Arlington, Texas. With over 30 years in international vehicle logistics, Aldo has overseen the shipping of more than 100,000 vehicles worldwide — from military PCS moves and classic cars to commercial fleet exports and boat shipments. He founded TGAL in the early 1990s and has built it into one of the most trusted names in overseas vehicle transport.
