United Parcel Service says its rates for next year will rise 4.9 percent for ground and air-express shipments.

UPS says that ground rates will increase 5.9 percent but will be partly offset by a 1 percent reduction in the fuel surcharge.

It’s a similar story with air-express and international shipments, with a 6.9 percent base rate increase combined with a 2 percent decline in the fuel surcharge.

The new rates will take effect Jan. 3.

Copyright, 2010. The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.