The most reliable New Year's tradition is the annual rate increase from the private carriers, and 2012 is no expection. Today new rates go live for UPS, FedEx and DHL.

You can read more about these increases here:

UPS rate increase

DHL rate increase

And here is an excellent article analyzing the UPS/FedEx increases: Rate Increase Analysis

USPS will also be raising their rates, including package services and rates for their flat rate boxes, on Jan 22. As always, AuctionInc will be prepared.