A few cents per litre may look insignificant on a regular route. Across a full tank and dozens of monthly trips, however, the difference can consume a substantial part of the margin.
Carriers often keep a quote valid for two or three weeks even though their input costs change. A shorter validity period or a fuel surcharge is more sensible, especially for long-term contracts.
Save the diesel price used in every calculation. If confirmation comes later, the difference is immediately visible and the job can be repriced before the vehicle is dispatched.
Model scenario: a tractor using 29 litres per 100 km on a 1,600 km round trip burns about 464 litres. A rise of €0.09 per litre adds €41.76 to the job; on a quote carrying an €80 margin, more than half the expected profit has disappeared before loading.
Official source: European Commission — Weekly Oil Bulletin
Found an error or have a comment about this article? Write to info@impress.media.