Forwarder clarifies fuel surcharge liability

Hauliers apply levies in line with fluctuations FREIGHT FORWARDERS are keen to set the record straight regarding their liability in the imposition of fuel surcharges on transport costs. Since fuel costs are one of the basic inputs that transporters have to consider when calculating costs, many hauliers have added fuel surcharges to their basic prices. These are adjusted in line with fluctuations in prices. "It is important that clients understand that these surcharges are not generated or imposed by us," says a Safcor Panalpina spokesman. "They are bona fide third party charges that form part and parcel of the transport charges. "We have no option but to pay these and to then recover them from our clients in exactly the same way that we have to recover surcharges imposed from time to time by airlines and shipping companies.