Beginning January 2, 2012, the cost of envelope and small package shipping via FedEx or UPS is going up.

Ground shipping rates for both will increase by a net average 4.9 percent, according to PartnerShip [5], the manager of the American Booksellers Association’s discount shipping program. The full average rate increase for both FedEx and UPS is 5.9 percent, but the rate is partially offset by a one percent adjustment to each company’s fuel surcharge.

The cost to ship an overnight envelope with FedEx Express is increasing by a net average of 3.9 percent. The full average rate increase of 5.9 percent is partially offset by a two percent reduction in the fuel surcharge.

Air packages shipped with UPS will increase by a net average 4.9 percent. The rate increase for UPS air and international shipments is based on a 6.9 percent increase in the base rate, less a two percent reduction to the fuel surcharge.

UPS Next Day Air Freight and UPS 2nd Day Air Freight rates for shipments within and between the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico will increase 5.9 percent. UPS Three-Day Freight rates will remain unchanged.

The ABA Discount Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip, offers discounts that help counter annual carrier rate increases and allow members to recoup at least a portion of their shipping costs. PartnerShip will also help ABA members understand the complexities of shipping rates, accessorial charges, dimensional weighting, and more.

Booksellers can call PartnerShip (800) 599-2902 to speak with a shipping logistics professional. Additional information about the ABA Discount Shipping Program is available at partnership.com/07ABA [6].