Those of us who buy gasoline for our cars have felt the pinch of higher fuel prices over most of 1996. Like you, Airborne Express has been adversely impacted by the increase in cost we pay for all fuel. The cost of fuel has risen by almost 30 percent, compared to the same period a year ago.

Despite the increase, we've withheld taking any pricing action as long as possible in hope that this step wouldn't be necessary. Unfortunately, the continued high price of fuel and the adverse impact it has on Airborne Express' operating costs forces us to impose a temporary fuel surcharge.

• Effective February 17, 1997, a two percent fuel surcharge will be applied to all weights for shipments rated with Domestic, Canadian and International Express tariffs, including Flight-Ready. Customers using Airborne's International Freight services have already been notified of a similar surcharge on all international freight shipments which took effect November 13, 1996.

• The surcharge will apply to shipping charges only, and will not affect the cost of other services such as cargo insurance, weekend deliveries, or other related shipping services.

• For all invoiced shipments, the surcharge will appear as a separate line item on your billing.

Airborne shares your concern in this matter. We are keenly aware that our continued success depends upon our ability to provide you with superb service at the lowest possible cost. At this time, we do not know the duration of the fuel surcharge. However, we can tell you that as soon as prices return to historical levels we will eliminate the fuel surcharge.

Even with this adjustment, you'll find Airborne still provides the best value in air express shipping. We appreciate your understanding of this situation and look forward to serving you now and in the future.