LTL shipping rate increases are killing small shippers

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Short but fascinating insight into how small, less-than-truckload (LTL) shippers in the US are suffering due to a series of freight rate increases introduced by carriers such as FedEx, Con-way and YRC during the summer. In short, while the increase were around the 5% mark, it has damaged small shippers who have had their competitive edge diminished – because of their small volumes they have had to pay the increases, while larger shippers with more volume leverage have been able to negotiate discounts.