Old Dominion is raising rates in December — rather than in January, as it had done previously— for the second year in a row.

The rate is rising by the same percentage as last year’s, and the increase is similar to the average rate hikes announced by competitors FedEx Freight (5.9%), ABF Freight (5.9%), and Saia (7.9%) this year.

Old Dominion’s increase is based on the carrier’s economic forecast and expectations for the operating environment, Polen said in the announcement.

“We must continue enhancing our high-quality service network and systems to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations and deliver on our promises,” Polen said. “At Old Dominion, we are committed to delivering our premium value proposition of on-time, claims-free service at a fair price.”

The rate increase will affect each customer differently based on specific shipment lanes and distance traveled, the carrier’s VP of pricing said.

“The GRI also provides for a nominal increase in minimum charges with respect to intrastate, interstate and cross border lanes,” Polen said.