International Shipping and Packaging

Fedex, UPS and US Post office will be raising their shipping rates effective January 4th 2010.
"FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) said Thursday it will raise shipping rates for its Ground and Home Delivery units by an average of 4.9 percent in 2010, 1 percentage point less than this year's rate hike, according to Associated Press.

FedEx announced in September it will increase shipping rates for Express packages shipped within or from the U.S. by an average of 5.9 percent in 2010, also 1 percentage point lower than FedEx's rate increase this year. That rate is partially offset by a lower fuel surcharge" http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=145595&cat=8

"UPS (NYSE:UPS) today released new list rates for 2010, including an average increase of 4.9 percent for UPS Ground packages and an average net increase of 4.9 percent on all air express and U.S. origin international shipments.

The rate increase for air express and international shipments is based on a 6.9 percent increase in the base rate, less a 2 percent reduction in the air and international fuel surcharge index.

Updated rate and service information will be posted on ups.com/rates beginning Nov. 20. On Dec. 18, customers can download the 2010 Rate and Service Guide. The new rates take effect on Jan. 4, 2010" Rest Of store: http://www.ups.com/pressroom/us/press_releases/press_release/Press+Releases/Current+Press+Releases/ci.UPS+Sets+2010+Rates.syndication

"WASHINGTON—The simpler way to ship — with convenient Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes from the U.S. Postal Service — will be just as simple in the New Year, when new prices take effect.

Prices for Priority Mail, a product familiar across America through popular television and online advertisements featuring Al the Letter Carrier, will change on Jan. 4, 2010. Customers also can look forward to several Priority Mail innovations.

In a first for the shipping industry, the Postal Service is introducing cubic volume-based pricing for large volume commercial Priority Mail shippers. Customers who ship small dense, space-efficient packages will receive a financial incentive through a new, tiered pricing option. This encourages greener, more efficient shipping and is one more way the Postal Service is eco friendly.

Other benefits for Priority Mail customers effective in January include a decrease in the domestic Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope retail price from $4.95 to $4.90. The popular Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box will continue to be one of the best consumer values in the domestic shipping market at under $5. Its 2010 price will remain at $4.95"
Rest of store: http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_092.htm