ATLANTA, GA (BRAIN)—United Parcel Service will follow FedEx's lead, raising its shipping rates for ground to 5.9 percent and air to 4.9 percent.
The rate increase for air express and international shipments in 2009 is based on a 6.9 percent increase in the base rate, less a 2 percent reduction in the air and international fuel surcharge index.
FedEx just last month said it was raising its rates by an average of 6.9 percent, with a 2 percent cut to its surcharges.
Both companies' rate hikes start January 5.
Tomorrow on on the Web, Bicycle Retailer & Industry News will get distributors' reactions to these price hikes, which have been some of the steepest in the last decade.
