Measure the observed change in each charge category, then reconcile the categories to the same invoice population. Explaining why they changed also requires the freight profile and pricing basis.
Reconcile the component movement
In a synthetic comparison, linehaul moves from $400 to $430, fuel from $100 to $120, and accessorials from $25 to $65. The invoice rises from $525 to $615. The $90 increase reconciles as $30 plus $20 plus $40. That bridge identifies where the extra dollars appeared; it does not yet establish whether a tariff, freight profile or delivery requirement caused the difference.
Check the fuel assessment basis
A fuel amount can change because the assessed base changes, because the surcharge percentage changes, or both. TForce Freight’s published class-based fuel guidance applies a percentage to an applicable linehaul amount. The exact agreement and fuel program govern the shipment. Do not infer a percentage increase from fuel dollars alone. If linehaul rises from $400 to $430 at a constant 25% fuel rate, fuel becomes $107.50 without a higher fuel percentage.
Separate service frequency from service price
Accessorial spend can rise when more shipments require an extra service, when that service’s charge changes, or when both occur. Report the number of affected shipments, the service type, the unit charge and total dollars. Confirm that pickup and delivery requirements were captured correctly before deciding that every extra charge represents a pricing problem.
Add profile detail without double counting
Dimensions, class, weight and distance can influence linehaul; linehaul can influence a percentage-based fuel charge. Those relationships matter, but they are not automatically separate amounts that can be summed with the invoice bridge. Ask the analysis to state its grouping, matching and attribution approach, including how it treats interactions and incomplete records.
Fuel dollars and fuel percentage are different measures.
For a synthetic example, a 25% fuel charge on $400 of applicable linehaul is $100. The same 25% applied to $440 is $110. Fuel dollars rose by $10 even though the percentage did not move. Confirm the actual carrier’s fuel basis and schedule before applying this relationship to an invoice.
Reconcile the components to the total.
Use the same category definitions and inclusion rules in both periods. Keep additional charges visible. If a credit, adjustment or service appears outside the three chosen categories, document it rather than forcing the report to reconcile by hiding the amount.
Published coverage and product references
Company LinkedIn post
How MyMGN helps you avoid freight surprises ↗
MGN Logistics Inc · August 29, 2025
MGN describes itemized linehaul, fuel and accessorial charges alongside direct-carrier and 3PL comparisons.