Press Release

PUC Extends Fuel Surcharge for Tristate Household Goods Carriers

Published on 4/14/2011

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – As the cost of diesel fuel has remained high, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved an extension to the Fuel Cost Recovery Surcharge for members of the Tristate Household Goods Conference Inc (Tristate).  The surcharge has been extended to April 18, 2012.

The current surcharge grants approval to temporarily increase the Tristate tariff to recover increased fuel costs when transporting household goods for moves more than 40 miles (weight and distance) and moves that are 40 miles or less (hourly) by the use of a Fuel Cost Recovery Surcharge.   Tristate filed a request on Feb. 3, 2011, to permit members of its conference to continue assessing a fuel cost recovery surcharge to defray the high cost of diesel fuel.  The surcharge is determined by a formula which estimates the amount of fuel used on a particular trip and multiplies that amount by the increased cost of fuel, allowing the carrier to recover only the additional fuel charges incurred.

Members of Tristate are authorized to continue the current surcharges through April 17, 2011, with the new fuel surcharge rate beginning April 18, 2011.  Carriers are required to notify the public of the current fuel surcharge by placing a notice in all vehicles stating the current charge.  Tristate is a tariff publishing agency representing approximately 275 PUC household goods carriers.  Carriers and customers with questions regarding the fuel surcharge may contact the PUC’s Motor Carrier Division at (717) 783-5933.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-2009-2094616

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov