There are a lot of significant carrier companies operating currently. However, choosing the one which suits you best can be challenging. If you hopped on the web to search for the best carrier company to deliver your packages, then we are sure you must have come across three names. Which ones are those? FedEx, UPS, and USPS, of course!
Each of the three companies is exceptional in its work; however, there are some significant points on which it differs. In this guide on FedEx vs UPS vs USPS, we will break down each of these points and help you choose which one might be the best for you.
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Part 1. FedEx vs UPS vs USPS: Overview
Three major carrier companies lead the U.S. parcel shipping market: FedEx vs UPS vs USPS. Though each of the three offers similar rates and services, several advantages give each lead over the other. So, the question is which one should you choose.
Choosing UPS, FedEx, and USPS depends on factors like shipment destination, size, weight, speed, and budget. Each of the three major carriers is a well-established company. However, the most significant difference is that UPS and FedEx are public companies. At the same time, the USPS is an independent entity within the executive branch of the U.S. government. The federal government operates it and offers low-cost services to both consumers and businesses.
The USPS is required to provide delivery six days a week to every post office box and address in the U.S. The service is only one of three major carriers that do this. It also treats deliveries to all U.S. possessions, territories, military bases, and diplomatic posts for domestic shipments. The service is also the only domestic carrier that offers Saturday delivery free of charge.
In contrast, UPS and FedEx are more of a for-profit corporation that is business-oriented. These two companies, hence, differentiate themselves from USPS with faster speeds, specialized services, and a more customizable approach. Both, however, add a surcharge for residential and Saturday deliveries.
Part 2. FedEx vs UPS vs USPS – Rates Comparison
Now that you have a brief overview of the three best carriers—FedEx, UPS, and USPS—we are sure your next concern would be the budgeting aspect of each shipment carrier. All three carrier companies offer several different means of shipment. The rates of each shipment would hence differ based on the company you select and the means of shipment you choose.
Here is a rate comparison of different carrier companies based on the means of shipment that you choose:
– Flat Rate
Every courier offers a different version of flat-rate shipping for packages in comparable price points and sizes. For example, USPS offers a free flat rate for all packages that weigh below 20 pounds. These packages can be delivered within 1-3 business days around the U.S.
FedEx, in comparison, offers flat-rate service to parcels that weigh up to 50 pounds. UPS comes in with its simple 5-flat-rate option for up to 50 pounds, followed by ground, 2nd-day air, and 3-day select options.
| Starting Rates | UPS | FedEx | USPS |
| Small Box | $12.40 | $12.05 | $9.45 |
| Medium Box | $14.95 | $15.70 | $16.10 |
| Large Box | $19.60 | $24.20 | $21.50 |
| Extra Large Box | $24.30 | $39.10 | N/A |
– Overnight
If you have to send an urgent delivery overnight, you can trust all three of these carrier companies to do the job for you. FedEx offers a 2Day AM option, USPS has a priority mail express delivery by 10 am, and USP comes in with its Next Day Air services.
| Service | Cost |
| USPS Priority Mail Express | $50.35 |
| UPS Next Day Air | $102.86 |
| FedEx First Overnight | $140.79 |
– Ground
Both FedEx and UPS offer competitive ground services and real-time tracking updates for users at every transit point during the shipment process. The two services also provide an off alert in case of service disruptions.
USPS Retail Ground service, on the other hand, is for thicker envelopes and packages, all of which weigh up to 70 pounds. The USPS tracking service is included in all deliveries without any additional charge.
| Courier | Cost | Surcharge |
| UPS | Starts at $7.57/1lb | $3.60 residential surcharge |
| USPS | Starts at $7.35/1lb | N/A |
| FedEx | Starts at $8.23/1lb | $4 surcharge for home delivery |
– Priority
Priority mail refers to services that need to be delivered fast and at the top of the priority list. Hence, it means one would have to pay extra money for it. USPS Priority Mail delivers within 1-3 days, while USPS Priority Express delivers overnight or within two days. In comparison, FedEx 2 Day AM and UPS Next Day Air are two competitive services in the priority regime.
| Service | Cost |
| USPS Priority Mail | $12.65 |
| FedEx 2 Day AM | $57.98 |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | $47.11 |
– Small Package
All three shipment companies have reasonable rates for small package delivery. Here is the rate breakdown for each:
| Courier | Cost |
| USPS | $3.82 |
| FedEx | $13.85 |
| UPS | $10.72 |
– Large Package
Each courier offers competitive prices when it comes to shipping large packages. Below is the cost shipment from Brooklyn, New York, all the way to Miami, Florida, for you to gain an insight into what your cost might be:
| Courier | Cost |
| UPS Ground | $131.46 |
| FedEx Home Delivery | $127.43 |
| USPS Retail Ground | $111.40 |
Part 3. FedEx vs UPS vs USPS: Which One Suits Me?
Here is a breakdown on several factors which would help determine which between FedEx vs UPS vs USPS rates would suit you best:
– Flat Rate Shipping
FedEx and UPS offer savings, free packaging, and a choice of delivery speed. In comparison, USPS also offers low rates and a delivery speed of 1-3 days, which is satisfactory in many cases. Customers can select from a variety of different package options, each of which is free of charge.
– Small Packages
USPS offers speedy delivery and low rates six days a week, making it ideal for small packages. However, FedEx and UPS offer considerable savings options for shippers with their flat-rate shipping quotes.
– Large packages
UPSPS charges non-standard fees for packages measuring more than 14 inches in length and more than two cubic feet in volume. FedEx and UPS also have the same standard. However, the two companies apply a set of special handling charges and oversize package surcharges on their deliveries. They waive special handling fees when adding the oversized surcharge to your bill.
– Heavy packages
When shipping heavier packages, you might want to look into the pros and cons of each carrier company. When shipping heavy packages weighing 70 lbs or less, you may get good rates from USPS. However, this company may not deliver as quickly.
FedEx and UPS both accept packages as high as 150 lbs in weight. However, the cost of getting them delivered overnight is very high. However, if you can get your package fit into one of the carriers’ free flat shipping rates, then you may get reduced shipping costs, which compromises delivery speed.
– Overnight shipping
When it comes to the FedEx vs UPS vs USPS rates for overnight shipping, UPS and FedEx offer almost similar rates and guarantee next-day delivery. They also will issue you a refund in case of any late deliveries for events not attributable beyond their control.
USPS rates tend to be lower than those of these two companies; however, this shipping company does not guarantee next-day or overnight deliveries.
– High-value Shipping
USPS offers users a declared value of $ 50,000 for every package and an enhanced option of up to $ 70,000 for a few domestic packages, depending on the subject, specific terms, and conditions. FedEx also provides shippers with a Declared Value Advantage program, which allows frequent shippers of jewelry, precious metals, and gemstones for a value of up to $ 100’000 per shipment.
– Shipping Hazardous materials
USPS allows shippers to send many common hazardous materials, such as hand sanitizers, lithium batteries, and fragrances, provided they are properly packaged and labeled. FedEx and UPS, on the other hand, require one to open an account to ship hazardous materials.
Part 4. Get the Best Shipping Rate with NextSmartShip
Now that you know about the three best shipping carriers, we would like to talk about another excellent e-commerce fulfillment center that you should know about. Which one is it? Well, NextSmartShip, of course!
When it comes to picking up your orders, packing them safely, and then shipping them to the desired place where your customers are, there is no service better than it.
The company offers its services to those with limited budgets and those who do not have time to manage their own fulfillment team. So, trust NextSmartShip for once, as many people have before, and let them safely deliver your goods to their desired destinations.
Part 5. FedEx vs UPS vs USPS FAQs
Why is UPS better than FedEx?
UPS takes the lead from FedEx in ground transportation. The company offers more trucks and a faster average delivery time than FedEx.
What is the most reliable shipping service?
When it comes to comparing FedEx, UPS, and USPS, each service is long-standing, trusted, and reliable. Hence, you can pick any of these after assessing their services and rules.
What is best for international shipping?
The best option for international shipping is NextSmartShip!
Conclusion
If you were searching for the differences between FedEx vs UPS vs USPS to choose the best one, then we hope this article was helpful for you. While these three services are great, we suggest you take a look at NextSmartShip as well. The company is great and would convince you why trusting it would be the best choice.
