UPS raises 2009 shipping rates

UPS raises 2009 shipping rates UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company and a big player in the domestic trucking market, on Friday announced annual increases in its 2009 list rates.
   The Atlanta-based integrated logistics company said package rates for UPS Ground service would rise 5.9 percent on average, while air express and international shipments originating in the United States would be subject to a net increase of 4.9 percent after a 2 percent fuel surcharge is backed out.
   Less-than-truckload carrier UPS Freight took a general rate increase of 5.9 percent.
   The new rates will take effect Jan. 5.
   The express and export rates are in line with last year’s rate increase, but the UPS Ground rate is 1 percent higher than the 2008 rate.
   Industry analyst and consultant Satish Jindel criticized UPS and FedEx on Thursday for not tying their rate increases for Ground service to announcements of transit improvements during the past few years. The delivery companies could command even higher rates if customers clearly linked performance and price, he said at the Express Delivery and Logistics Association conference in Arlington, Va.
   Updated rate and service information will be posted on www.ups.com/rates beginning Oct. 24, 2008. On Dec. 18, customers can download the 2009 Rate and Service Guide on the site. ' Eric Kulisch