11/18/2011, Atlanta-based UPS -- the world's largest package delivery company -- announced a rate hike for most of its shipping services, which will take effect Jan. 2, 2012, according to Reuters. The new rates represent a net increase of 4.9% over 2011 rates for ground and air shipments, according to UPS. Ground package rates will increase 5.9% less a 1% decrease in the fuel surcharge, and Air services and U.S.-originated international shipments will increase 5.9%, less a 2% fuel surcharge decrease.
UPS also increased its Next Day Air Freight and UPS 2nd Day Air Freight rates for shipments within and between the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico by 5.9 percent, with UPS 3 Day Freight rates remaining unchanged.
In September, Memphis-based FedEx announced it would increase shipping rates for FedEx Express by a net average of 3.9% for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services effective January 2, 2012.
In Octobor, the US Postal Service (USPS) also announced stamp prices will rise by one cent – to 45 cents – starting January 22, 2012