UPS to raise rates by 5.9 percent

? United Parcel Service Inc. on Friday announced a general rate increase of 5.9 percent for 2009.

UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company will raise ground shipment rates by an average of 5.9 percent and increase rates on air express and international shipments bound from the U.S. by an average of 4.9 percent.

The rate hikes take effect Jan. 5.