VIKING FREIGHT PLANS RATE HIKE

VIKING FREIGHT PLANS RATE HIKE    Viking Freight Inc., the western less-than-truckload subsidiary of FedEx Corp., said Thursday it will implement a general rate increase of 5.9 percent, effective Oct. 2.
   The increase will apply to Viking's intra- and interstate traffic, including transborder shipments to Canada and Mexico, as well as to minimum and accessorial charges. Selected lanes and service areas will also see price adjustments, the San Jose, Calif.-based carrier said.
   Revenue generated from the rate hike will go toward investments in service centers, equipment and technology, as well as employee training, said Keith E. Lovetro, vice president of marketing.
   Viking covers 11 western states through a network of 66 service centers.