Avis - Avis Fuel Surcharge charges higher rate than CHM fuel rate

While it isn't even worth arguing over a couple bucks I have noticed this on two of my previous rentals in Denver.

So generally as a CHM the gas rate for rental return is about 18-20 cents per mile (actual cost). However, er I have been charged the higher $13.99 rate (+13.25% tax) instead of the actual cost for gas on a 31 and 61 mile rental. In theory (can't remember the exact rates) I should have been only charged about $6 and $12 respectfully. Why is this other fuel service fee overriding the normal fuel rate for CHM?

In addition, as a CHM when I am charged my fuel rate it is normally an untaxable item.

While it isn't even worth arguing over a couple bucks I have noticed this on two of my previous rentals in Denver.

So generally as a CHM the gas rate for rental return is about 18-20 cents per mile (actual cost). However, er I have been charged the higher $13.99 rate (+13.25% tax) instead of the actual cost for gas on a 31 and 61 mile rental. In theory (can't remember the exact rates) I should have been only charged about $6 and $12 respectfully. Why is this other fuel service fee overriding the normal fuel rate for CHM?

In addition, as a CHM when I am charged my fuel rate it is normally an untaxable item.

For CHM, does the "$/mile" fuel fee override the $13.99 rate for under 75 miles? I didn't think so and haven't seen any documentation to prove otherwise.

One time I was late for a flight at PHL due to traffic and I didn't fill up the gas. I got charged $7.99 per gallon plus tax. Biggest rip off ever!

One time I was late for a flight at PHL due to traffic and I didn't fill up the gas. I got charged $7.99 per gallon plus tax. Biggest rip off ever!

That's what the contract states, unfortunately. You're paying for much more than the gas in that case. You're either paying for:
1. Someone at Avis to drive to the nearest gas station and filling it up. In this case, you've got to include the cost of the employee/benefits and their time, along with miles on the car to get to a station, or
2. Avis to fill it up at their own tank on-site. In this case, you've still got the labor to do so, plus the logistics/overhead with storing fuel on-site.

Yeah the fees are very high, but that's their way to try to prevent one from not returning full.

That's what the contract states, unfortunately. You're paying for much more than the gas in that case. You're either paying for:
1. Someone at Avis to drive to the nearest gas station and filling it up. In this case, you've got to include the cost of the employee/benefits and their time, along with miles on the car to get to a station, or
2. Avis to fill it up at their own tank on-site. In this case, you've still got the labor to do so, plus the logistics/overhead with storing fuel on-site.

Yeah the fees are very high, but that's their way to try to prevent one from not returning full.

In the case with PHL, they have their on site gas station and I see the workers vacuum and fill up the gas there. I can understand the extra costs associated with the fill up of gas at their location, but next door National only charges me $5. :confused:

That's what the contract states, unfortunately. You're paying for much more than the gas in that case. You're either paying for:
1. Someone at Avis to drive to the nearest gas station and filling it up. In this case, you've got to include the cost of the employee/benefits and their time, along with miles on the car to get to a station, or
2. Avis to fill it up at their own tank on-site. In this case, you've still got the labor to do so, plus the logistics/overhead with storing fuel on-site.

Yeah the fees are very high, but that's their way to try to prevent one from not returning full.

See IAH traveler if that is the case then why am I not charged the 18-20 cents per mile vs the 13.99 rate? When I look on my contract it is clear gas is this price. How can this other rate supersede my published gas rate? And I can't buy the fact that it is posted on the rental counter, b/c the higher 8/gallon rate is also posted. My contracted rate supersede's that rate.

See IAH traveler if that is the case then why am I not charged the 18-20 cents per mile vs the 13.99 rate? When I look on my contract it is clear gas is this price. How can this other rate supersede my published gas rate? And I can't buy the fact that it is posted on the rental counter, b/c the higher 8/gallon rate is also posted. My contracted rate supersede's that rate.

From Avis.com (http://redirect.avis.com/services/fso/index.html):
If you don't choose the Fuel Service Option and you bring the car back less than full, you'll pay a fuel service charge. If you drive 75 miles or more, depending on whether you bought fuel during your rental, this charge will be a per-mile or per-gallon rate and will be stated on your rental agreement.

Since you're under 75 miles, the $13.99 applies. If you're over 75 miles, one of two items applies:
1. if you bought fuel anytime, they will charge you $/mile.
2. if you didn't buy any fuel, they will charge you $/gallon

I also noticed that different AWDs and prepay vs. at return are affecting my gas rates.