by 3 percent on most domestic and international shipments, following a similar move by rival UPS.

FDX Corp., the parent of FedEx, blamed rising fuel costs for the increase, which starts February 1. Last month, the company said fuel prices contributed to a 6 percent decline in quarterly profits.

United Parcel Service announced Wednesday that its shipping rates will increase February 7. UPS commercial rates for air service will increase 3.5 percent while commercial rates for ground services will rise by 3.1 percent.

UPS said its rate increases were unconnected to high fuel costs.