DHL, UPS announce 2014 rate increases

      UPS will increase its ground and air freight rates for shipments between the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico by an average of 4.9 percent starting Dec. 30, while DHL will raise its rates by 3.9 percent in the U.S. starting Jan. 2.
   In June, UPS implemented a general rate increase for its UPS Freight offerings between the U.S., Canada and Mexico of 5.9 percent.
   On Dec. 30, UPS will also increase surcharge fees, adding $1 to the hazardous materials charge for ground services within the U.S. and adding $2.50 when shipping hazardous materials by air. Internationally, the hazardous material surcharge will rise by $4. 
   For more about the rate changes, visit the UPS website.
   DHL is raising its dangerous goods surcharge by $5.50; the rest of its increases can be viewed in its rate guide.    
   “DHL Express adjusts its prices annually, taking into account inflation and rising costs in the more than 220 countries and territories that it serves,” according to a company press release. “Customers should refer to their current DHL agreement to determine the impact of these changes.”
   Earlier in November, FedEx said it would increase its U.S. package and freight rates for 2014 by an average of 3.9 percent beginning on Jan. 6.