UPS and ABF Increase LTL Rates

Tis the season for freight rate hikes. UPS Freight, a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, has announced a general rate increase averaging 5.9%, covering non-contractual shipments in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The rate adjustment takes effect on Oct. 18, 2010, and applies to minimum charge, LTL rates and accessorial charges.

UPS Freight, the over-the-road heavy freight division of UPS, offers regional, interregional and long-haul LTL and truckload capabilities in all 50 states, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam, along with cross-border service in Canada and Mexico.

FedEx Freight previously announced it will implement 6.9% general rate increases effective Nov. 1, 2010.

Another major LTL carrier, ABF Freight System Inc., is revising its general rates effective October 1, 2010. Typically rates will increase by about 5.9%, although the impact on specific lanes and shipments will vary.

ABF provides national and regional transportation of general commodities freight, involving primarily LTL shipments. General commodities include all freight except hazardous waste, dangerous explosives, commodities of exceptionally high value, commodities in bulk and those requiring special equipment.