FedEx Corp. on Nov. 20 announced that its air and ground rates will increase on Jan. 6. FedEx Ground rates will rise an average of 3.9%. Air/express list rates will increase an average of 3.5% for domestic and export shipments. Those rates include a $0.25 increase in the delivery area surcharge to $1.75 and a $2.50 increase in the Saturday pickup and delivery surcharge to $12.50.
Like rival United Parcel Service, which on Nov. 8 announced it would raise rates 3.9% on Jan. 6, FedEx offers little more than a company line in explaining for the need for the rate hikes. “It’s a matter of making sure we can provide customers with the best service possible and cutting-edge technology,” says spokesperson Steve Barber. “And it helps us offset the normal increase in yearly operating costs, which are just general costs.”