Courier & Fuel Cost Increase
Query!!?? suppose a question on many members minds Sellers/Buyers, because now ping payments & T/M prefer we add courier quotes (if pos) so no delay in sending or receiving, at this time with now fuel cost changing hourly/daily the courier companies (Via T/M Book A Courier) are pos now put in a predicament to change there quotes???? so saying when I put up a quote via T/M Book A Courier Quote last week & auction Ends this coming week, I go to book a courier & there is a major change in quote given, (Higher) will the courier company ie NZ Courier Post Or Aramex stand by the quote given at the time in good faith?? Or (in layman's terms) do the seller suck it up, I would not expect a buyer to hear from me & say sorry because of the courier increase you now owe??? & visa versa! is there a form of contract between T/M & the courier companies!!?? Has T/M had any correspondence from said courier companies?? Thank You :) This query is in no way a negative reflection to (on) T/M or the courier companies involved via, just a general query in this sad predicament to all possibly effected :(
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Callum Community SuperuserI don't think the increase (if there is one) will be huge ptchevy. I know NZPost publish their fuel surcharge at the beginning of each month based on diesel price 2 months previously. So there won't be a change there until 1st May for me. Currently its 3.5% So a shipping charge of $10 has a 35c fuel surcharge.
I don't use BAC, but I think the sensible advice is to add a bit extra on to the estimated price. Many do this anyway to allow for packaging materials or slight variations in the dimensions / weights given.
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Thank you, feedback is much appreciated.
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flossy63 Community SuperuserAs a general rule, when the Courier prices are going to be increased on Trade Me, we get notification with new prices weeks before it happens via E-Mail, so we can update our auctions so do not get left out of pocket, and it is also gets notified on the community boards some one generally shares the E-Mails. so just keep an eye on your Trade Me E-Mails, if you have opted out of receiving them you better opt back in, as this is why people get caught out, as get no E-Mails and do not visit the community boards,and if you use My Products and have your own shipping templates, easy to update them in bulk before the new pricing comes into effect,
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**Thank You** Appreciate the good advice :)
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this email came in today - I am going to guess the rest will likely follow suit and will end up effecting everyone which depending on the item to be shipped could have an impact
Dear Customer
As you may be aware, fuel prices have experienced significant volatility in recent weeks, resulting in rapid increases in underlying fuel costs.
Under the current Variable Fuel Factor (VFF) mechanism, a two-month lag is applied between fuel price movements and surcharge adjustments. In the current environment, this lag may no longer adequately reflect actual fuel costs.
To address this, New Zealand Couriers will be updating the way the VFF is calculated, in accordance with our standard terms and conditions.
What is changing:
- Effective Monday 30 March 2026, the VFF will be based on a two-week average fuel price, replacing the current two-month lag.
- Updated VFF rates will be published weekly, with at least one week’s notice prior to taking effect, to support customers in managing cost changes.
- Due to the suspension of MBIE fuel price data, we will use independently sourced fuel pricing data available through our primary supply arrangements as the reference index.
Additional cost pressures:While the VFF is primarily linked to diesel pricing, we are also experiencing significant cost increases in aviation fuel, which have risen more rapidly in the current environment.
Aviation fuel is a critical component of our network and because our air and road services operate as an integrated system, changes in aviation fuel costs influence overall network operating costs, including the operation and efficiency of the broader delivery network.
To help manage these unexpected cost pressures and maintain service continuity across our network, New Zealand Couriers will apply the Temporary Service Continuity Surcharge (TSCS). The TSCS, currently set at 0%, will initially be set at 1.2% of total freight charges effective 30 March 2026, to help offset a portion of these additional costs. This surcharge will be reviewed regularly in line with fuel market conditions and adjusted as appropriate.
What is not changing:
- The underlying VFF framework and pricing table remain unchanged.
- Updates will continue to be published on our website (but now weekly), along with supporting reference information where available.
These changes are intended to improve the responsiveness of our fuel-related surcharges, while also providing customers with appropriate notice to manage cost impacts. We may review and adjust these mechanisms as market conditions evolve, in line with our standard terms and conditions.
We remain committed to maintaining reliable service while working to minimise the impact of cost pressures wherever possible – we understand these are challenging times.
We appreciate your continued support and understanding.
Kind regards,
The Team at New Zealand Couriers
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