FedEx to raise LTL rates

Freight rates for FedEx Freight and FedEx National LTL, the less-than-truckload subsidiaries of FedEx Corp., are increasing 5.59% as of April 2 this year.

The increase applies to interstate and intrastate traffic, along with selected shipments between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Additional adjustments will include minimum and accessorial charges, as well as changes in select lanes and service areas, noted Dennie Carey, senior vp-marketing for FedEx Freight.

One reason for the freight rate increase is to cover expansion costs, he said. Over the past year, FedEx Freight improved service in almost 3,000 lanes, added safety features to new, environmentally compliant tractors and made it easier to access both its regional and long-haul service via the Internet. Since acquiring the business assets of Watkins Motor Lines in September 2006, FedEx National LTL has restructured its operations to focus on the long-haul market, similar to FedEx Freight’s operations in the regional market, noted Carey.

Carey added that the new base rate and rules tariffs for FedEx Freight and FedEx National LTL would be available at www.fedex.com/us/freight/main/ and http://fedex.com/us/national/main/ after April 2.