UPS Rates Set to Climb in 2015

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The cost of using a number of UPS shipping services is going up but, fortunately, not until the holidays are over.

The Atlanta-based package delivery service announced its planned rate hikes Monday.

On average, rates will jump 4.9 percent for UPS ground, air, international and freight services in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. According to The Wall Street Journal:

The pricing change, which is expected to go into effect Dec. 29, comes as consumers are increasingly buying lightweight items online that had once been purchased in brick-and-mortar stores. Those items often come with free shipping and are sent out in large packaging. With box size now a consideration in pricing, e-tailers may choose smaller boxes, easing the burden on UPS.

Reuters said UPS-rival FedEx announced last month that it was hiking rates by 4.9 percent beginning Jan. 5.

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