Airborne cuts fuel surcharge

Seattle-based Airborne said it will reduce its fuel surcharge from 4% to 2.9% effective January 14 for air express shipments moving through its network. The surcharge currently applies to all U.S., Canadian, and international express shipments. Airborne said it will also be reducing the fuel surcharge for Ground Delivery Service and airborne@home from 1.2% to 1%.

Fuel prices, while still volatile, have moderated from year ago levels, said Carl Donaway, president and COO of Airborne. Fuel prices rose significantly in the latter half of 1999, leading the company to implement a 3% surcharge in February 2000. The company raised that rate to 4% in October 2000 as fuel prices continued to rise. Now Airborne will continue to monitor fuel trends, making further changes as warranted, he said.