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August 16, 1999 5:47 PM, EDT

Roadway Express, Akron, Ohio, said it will implement a general rate increase of 5.2% on Sept. 12.

The announcement follows an announcement by Overnite Transportation Co. of Richmond, Va., that it will raise rates on all noncontract freight shipments in the United States and Canada by 4.9% on Sept. 27.

A year ago, most less-than-truckload general freight carriers raised tariffs between 5.5% and 5.9%.

SMC (formerly Southern Motor Carriers), a motor carrier rate bureau, is floating a proposal for a smaller rate hike -- 3.57% -- in return for a pledge from shippers not to seek additional discounts. The rate increase would take effect Oct. 1 for approximately 120 LTL carriers operating mostly in the East and South.

The SMC proposal also features an across-the-board 20% discount for shippers who currently pay undiscounted class rates.

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