“Prices are adjusted on an annual basis by DHL Express,” the company said in a news release, “taking into consideration inflation and currency dynamics such as administrative costs related to regulatory and security measures.”

“These measures are updated by national and international authorities on a regular basis in each of the more than 220 countries and territories that DHL Express serves.” The company added, “Depending on local conditions, price adjustments will vary from country to country and will apply to all customers where contracts allow.”

Meanwhile, Memphis, Tenn.-based FedEx Corp. said Sept. 16 its customers will see shipping rate increases and surcharges effective Jan. 6. The hikes will be in the Express, Ground and Freight divisions. However, FedEx said that for the third year in a row it will not apply additional residential surcharges during the holiday season, except for shipments that are oversize, unauthorized or that require additional handling.

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping rates will increase by an average of 4.9%, while FedEx Freight will rise by an average of 5.9%. UPS has not announced its 2020 rates.