UPS has followed FedEx by announcing higher rates for US international express exports despite theslow US economy and weak US dollar.
UPS announced on Friday that it will increase all air express and U.S. origin Internationalshipments by 4.9% on average (net) and increase Ground rates by the same figure with effect fromDecember 31.
In a statement, UPS said that the increase for air express and international shipments isbased on a 6.9% increase in the base rate, less a 2% reduction in the current fuel surcharge.
Updated rate and service information would be posted on the UPS website from November 16 forcustomers to preview UPS Ground, Air and International express rates. UPS will release a 2008 Rateand Service Guide for download on December 31.
FedEx had announced on October 29 that it will increase the net average shipping rates exportexpress package and freight shipments by 4.9% effective January 7, 2008. It has not yet disclosedGround rate increases for 2008.
Both of two leading US express operators have said that they expect record year-end volumesagain in the USA despite the slowdown in the US economy.
