FedEx Freight, Memphis, Tenn., will implement a 5.9% general rate increase effective June 14, 2004.

The increase will apply to interstate and intrastate traffic, and selected shipments between the United States and Mexico and Canada. Various additional adjustments will include select minimum and accessorial charges as well as some select lanes and service areas.
"During the past year, we made significant investments in our technology, added strategic service centers, and expanded our fleet with more than 1,800 new tractors and trailers," said Dennie Carey, senior vice president, marketing, FedEx Freight.
Carey noted that some of these investments carry higher costs than in the past. In particular, the EPA-compliant engines of today are more expensive to acquire and operate than their predecessors. Further, with additional EPA requirements slated for 2006, 2007 and 2010, this trend is likely to continue.
Carey also cited rising health care costs, insurance premiums and liability requirements, as well as greater costs for security, as factors affecting the company's costs.
Customers may access rate quotes online at www.fedexfreight.fedex.com .