What is the energy surcharge?
The energy surcharge is a variable surcharge per collo to cover rising fuel and energy costs. These are costs for diesel, HVO 100, gas and electricity involved in the parcel delivery process. When the current prices for fuel and energy increase or decrease the energy surcharge will increase or decrease along with it.
How is the energy surcharge calculated?
We combine the current pump price of diesel and average energy rates from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) to calculate the amount of the energy surcharge.
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CBS as a reliable source
We use a combination of pump price of diesel and average energy rates, because these prices have skyrocketed since the second half of 2021. CBS is a reliable external source that can be viewed by anyone.
PostNL energy index
We use the PostNL energy index to calculate the energy surcharge. The index figure is based on the combination of the pump price of diesel and average energy rates. The ratio we use here is based on our current expenditure on fuel (including HVO 100) and energy/electricity. We will include this in the calculation of the index figure if this ratio changes in the future.
Calculated on a monthly basis
The index figure on the PostNL energy index is linked to an energy surcharge per collo. This index figure falls within a certain bandwidth. If this falls within a different bandwidth than the figure of the previous month, we will automatically adjust the amount of the Energy Surcharge.
When is the energy surcharge billed for a specific month?
The CBS rates for the previous month will be available during the following month. We then have to calculate the energy surcharge. This is why the index and associated energy surcharge of a specific month is invoiced on parcels that are sent two months later. This means that the index and associated energy surcharge from November will be used for parcels sent in January.
How high is the energy surcharge?
The PostNL energy index for the month of February 2023 is 141. This falls in the bandwidth 140-150 with an associated energy surcharge of €0.09 per collo. This surcharge will be invoiced for the month of April 2023. See also the question “When is the energy surcharge billed for a specific month?” for more information about billing the energy surcharge.
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We do not charge a surcharge for an index figure of up to 130. We believe that this poses a commercial risk to us and we will bear these costs ourselves.
We impose an energy surcharge from the PostNL energy index 130. The amount of the energy surcharge can vary and is dependent on the index. For example, if the index is set at 163 in a particular month, then this falls in the range 160-170 with an associated energy surcharge of €0.15.
We will reduce the energy surcharge once again if the PostNL energy index reduces to a lower bandwidth. Please view the complete PostNL energy index in the chart on this webpage.
What was the index figure and energy surcharge in previous months?
| Month and year | Index figure | Energy surcharge per collo | Billing in month and year |
| November 2022 | 158 | €0,12 per collo | January 2023 |
| December 2022 | 145 | €0,09 per collo | February 2023 |
| January 2023 | 143 | €0,09 per collo | March 2023 |
| February 2023 | 141 | €0,09 per collo | April 2023 |
To which products does the energy surcharge apply?
The energy surcharge applies to business parcels both in the Netherlands and in Europe.
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These are the following products and associated product codes:
- 15000 – Parcels Netherlands
- 15002 – Parcels to Business Reply Number
- 16002 – EU Parcels (EPS)
- 16003 – Benelux Parcels
- 16004 – Parcel returns Europe (ERS)
- 16009 – International returns
How do I see the surcharge on my invoice?
You will see the energy surcharge per collo on your invoice.
Why is there an energy surcharge on my invoice for shipping non-EU parcels?
We are changing the name 'transport surcharge' for non-EU parcels to energy surcharge. The surcharge for destinations outside the EU is determined by air transport costs.
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We base the costs of air transport on the weight of a parcel. This is why we impose the surcharge per kilo for non-EU parcels. The exact surcharge varies per country of destination. We always quote the existing rates in the table below. We will also inform you by e-mail or via your account manager as soon as this changes.
| Destination country | Surcharge per kilo |
| Europe | No surcharge |
| United States | € 2.40 |
| Japan | € 4.30 |
| Australia | € 5.20 |
| New Zealand | € 5.20 |
| Rest of the world/other countries | € 1.75 |
Does this energy surcharge apply to me?
The energy surcharge applies to customers who send business parcels within the Netherlands and Europe. See an overview of the products and product codes stated in question To which products does the energy surcharge apply?
How will I be informed if the energy surcharge increases or decreases?
You will always find the energy surcharge per collo on your invoice. There you will also find whether it has increased or decreased compared to the previous month. We also post a monthly update of the PostNL energy index on this webpage.
What are you doing to limit rising energy costs?
We continue to invest in sustainable activities such as the use of solar panels, renewable fuels and electric vehicles.
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We aim to deliver all mail and parcels in the Benelux free from emissions in the last mile no later than by 2030. We want to deliver emission-free in 25 city centres by 2025 as an intermediate measure. It is currently not possible to predict what impact this will have on the rates of our products and services. See an overview of all of our sustainable activities.
Is electricity not already included in the NEA and am I not paying double now?
We are going to calculate the annual NEA price adjustments without fuel. This means that we can ensure that we do not charge any costs for fuel and electricity in the distribution via the NEA price adjustment.
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We are introducing the energy surcharge because NEA is no longer sufficient if fuel and energy prices fluctuate to such an extent. We can include the costs in the rates for both rising and falling prices by including these now in the PostNL energy index.
The rates for the pick up and delivery service were increased in July 2022 due to rising energy costs. Am I not paying double now?
The rates for the pick up and delivery service were increased in July 2022 due to rising energy costs. The energy surcharge relates to increased energy costs for parcel deliveries and is separate from this.
For how long will the energy surcharge apply?
The energy surcharge will apply for as long as the PostNL energy index is above 130.
PostNL energy index
View the PostNL energy index here. The associated energy surcharge is specified from January 2023 and from an index of 130.
