Which is the Best Shipping Carrier? USPS vs UPS vs FedEx

Wondering which is the best shipping carrier? Just about every e-commerce business faces a challenging dilemma when it comes to shipping. It can be difficult to determine which service to choose for your shipments when there are three major shipping companies to select from, and each carrier offers unique express mail and standard shipping alternatives. Which option is the simplest, quickest, and most affordable? Aside from that, Are the distinctions between UPS, FedEx, and USPS really that significant?

Choosing The Best Shipping Carrier For Your Business by Comparing UPS, USPS, and FedEx

Let’s begin by saying that there is no such thing as the best or an ideal shipping company. In the end, you’ll have to consider your organizational goals and objectives, requirements, and finances to choose which option is best for you. Most companies find that combining delivery choices is the best way to go. You may profit from a combination of USPS, UPS, and FedEx based on your average number of shipments, shipping service type, and volumetric weight of your shipments.

We looked into the benefits and drawbacks of each of the three major shipping providers to help you make an informed decision with every shipment. Continue reading to compare shipping costs and discover which is the best shipping carrier among UPS, USPS, and FedEx for your specific requirements.  

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Shipping Carrier

• Shipping Speed

The speed at which your packages are delivered can significantly influence customer satisfaction. Consider carriers that offer a range of options from same-day to standard ground shipping. UPS and FedEx are known for their express and next-day services, while USPS offers cost-effective, albeit slower, options for non-urgent deliveries.

• Cost & Pricing Structure

Shipping costs can vary widely depending on weight, dimensions, delivery zones, and speed. While USPS typically provides the lowest rates for small, lightweight packages, UPS and FedEx may offer better deals on bulk or heavy shipments. Be sure to analyze rate calculators and consider any available business discounts or negotiated rates.

• Package Types & Sizes

The type and size of products you ship matter. Carriers have different maximum size and weight limits. USPS is ideal for small parcels and flat-rate envelopes, while UPS and FedEx are better suited for large or irregular-sized packages. Understanding these restrictions helps avoid unexpected surcharges.

• Domestic vs. International Shipping

If you serve international customers, ensure your carrier supports reliable and affordable global shipping. FedEx and UPS offer extensive international networks with customs support and tracking. USPS provides international options too but may lack the speed and tracking visibility of the private carriers.

• Tracking & Insurance

Real-time tracking and insurance coverage give both businesses and customers peace of mind. FedEx and UPS offer robust tracking systems and standard insurance on most shipments. USPS includes tracking and limited insurance on some services, with the option to purchase additional coverage.

• Customer Service

A responsive and helpful support team can make a big difference when issues arise. UPS and FedEx generally offer more dedicated business support, while USPS may have longer wait times and limited resolution flexibility. Consider how easy it is to file claims or reschedule deliveries when choosing a carrier.

• Integration with eCommerce Platforms

Seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce can save time and streamline fulfillment. Many carriers provide official plugins or third-party apps for label printing, order tracking, and rate calculation. Ensure your carrier supports your tech stack for a smoother workflow.

• Pickup & Drop-off Convenience

Convenience plays a key role, especially for high-volume shippers. UPS and FedEx allow for scheduled pickups, which is ideal for businesses with large shipments. USPS offers daily mail pickup and broad accessibility through local post offices and drop-off boxes.

What Are the Advantages of UPS and Why Do You Need It?

UPS’s famous brown trucks and innumerable shipping offices are probably familiar to you. UPS (United Parcel Service) is a key participant in the shipping sector, specializing in safe and reliable service. UPS’s dependability and advanced shipment tracking system are particularly appealing to e-commerce businesses. UPS, despite all of its benefits, has certain drawbacks. UPS’s services can be more expensive than those offered by USPS, depending on the quantity of the shipment.  

Benefits of using UPS

Express Deliveries: UPS is an excellent option for getting an item delivered quickly. Same-day and next-day delivery options are available through UPS. Reliable express delivery ensures that your products arrive on schedule, managing to keep your customer satisfaction high and your business running smoothly.

Best rates for large shipments: If your packages weigh more than two pounds, you should look into UPS’s shipping charges. Although USPS is the most affordable alternative for small packages, prices skyrocket for larger shipments.  Additionally, you should be able to reap the benefits of volume discounts if you send significant quantities with UPS.

UPS has unmatched tracking capabilities: UPS provides a full range of tracking options. From beginning to end, customers may track their packages. UPS can inform you of the precise location of your shipments at any time. It’s improbable that a parcel will go missing while being shipped with UPS.

Drawbacks Of UPS 

High shipping rates: UPS’s services and delivery fees might be prohibitively expensive. The service charges and additional fees that UPS adds to its basic rates are two of the key reasons. Fuel costs, long-distance surcharges, and other fees are among them. These fees should be considered, especially if you’re exporting overseas, because they might be rather high.

UPS will not pick up your packages for you for free: Despite the fact that USPS provides free scheduled pickups, UPS charges a fixed fee for the same service.

Weekend delivery is not available for free: The only shipping carrier on this list that does not have Saturday delivery as part of its standard services is UPS. Your shipments may be delayed by up to two days as a result of this. Weekend delivery, on the other hand, is marketed as a “value-added service.” 

When Should UPS Be Used?

UPS Next Day service, which sends your product on the first available flight and very often delivers the very same day, is one of the fastest delivery alternatives available.  UPS also offers low-cost ground shipment that is often speedy and dependable. 

UPS is the best option in general for:

• Businesses are looking for discounted prices on large packages.
• eCommerce stores that cater to an international audience and fulfill international orders quickly.

What Are the Advantages of USPS and Why Do You Need It?

Because it is an autonomous federal entity, the United States Postal Service stands out as a shipping carrier on this list. USPS is great for smaller, lightweight packages and is an excellent option for businesses looking for low-cost shipping. Even though USPS isn’t the best shipping alternative for every business or every package, it’s still worth considering as part of your shipping process. Businesses that ship a lot of smaller shipments under 13 ounces should use USPS. USPS is also a fantastic option for shipping to domestic mailboxes and P.O. boxes.  

Benefits of using USPS

USPS Is The Most Economical Option For Smaller Packages: When it comes to shipping, e-commerce businesses frequently question which is the most cost-effective: USPS, UPS, or FedEx. For companies shipping small products, USPS is generally always the most cost-effective delivery choice. For many items weighing less than two pounds, USPS offers the most cost-effective delivery option, with prices even lower for shipments weighing less than 13 ounces. USPS might be the best option if you’re looking for a solution to save money.

It delivers to Post Office Boxes and Mailboxes: USPS is the only shipping company that doesn’t have to deliver packages to people’s homes. Furthermore, because USPS sends parcels throughout the country regularly, it excels at delivering packages to remote locations.

Drawbacks Of USPS 

The Tracking System Isn’t Very Good: Even though USPS has increased its dependability in the past few years, parcels still go missing on occasion.  

Poor service quality: Lost shipments, the inability of customers to understand the tracking system, and long hold times are some of the customer service problems businesses usually face with USPS. It appears that in order to avail the low shipping rates offered by USPS, you’ll have to make some compromises in terms of customer service.

When Should USPS Be Used?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the most cost-effective shipping option, especially for shipments weighing less than 2 lbs. Because it provides free shipment pickup, free Priority and Express Mail packaging, and a variety of delivery services, USPS is one of the best shipping solutions for most small business owners. Shipping with USPS Priority Mail is generally less expensive and faster than the other shipping alternatives. 

USPS is the best option in general for:

• Orders within the United States are to be shipped domestically.
• Companies that require cost-effective pricing.
• Merchants who specialize in selling smaller products.

What Are the Advantages of FedEx and Why Do You Need It?

For e-commerce businesses that need speedy, trustworthy shipment, FedEx is a fantastic choice. FedEx is extremely effective with air freight and same-day and next-day deliveries. FedEx also offers a wide range of international shipping solutions to accommodate a wide range of budgets and delivery schedules.  

Benefits of using FedEx

A Highly Accurate Shipment Tracking System: FedEx provides a powerful tracking system to customers. You may track the progress of your shipments at any time. Weekend delivery is available: When you ship using FedEx, Saturday delivery is included at no additional cost. Customer satisfaction can be significantly improved by delivering products two days early via FedEx.

Drawbacks Of FedEx

Shipping costs are comparatively higher: FedEx shipments frequently cost more than USPS shipments. It is the extra price you pay for their precise shipment tracking systems and on-time, efficient deliveries.

There isn’t a service that will pick up your packages for you for free: FedEx does not provide a free package pickup service, with the exception of its regular Express pickups. The majority of pickup services are charged.

Fewer post office locations: FedEx Offices can be found in over 2,000 locations throughout the world. UPS, on the other hand, has roughly 5,000 UPS Stores across the United States. For many small business owners, this makes FedEx a less appealing alternative.

When Should FedEx Be Used?

FedEx is a fantastic option for larger eCommerce companies that can negotiate volume reductions or need global shipping services, as well as smaller and lightweight products. FedEx can also deliver things seven days a week, so consider it if you need something delivered on the Weekend.

FedEx is the best option in general for:

• eCommerce businesses that require fast delivery alternatives, which are particularly useful for delivering perishable goods.
• Shippers of huge packages.
• Sellers and shippers of alcoholic beverages.

What role does ReachShip play while choosing between UPS, USPS, and FedEx?

You mustn’t limit yourself to just one shipping service when selecting shipping providers for your business. Most eCommerce businesses combine two or even three delivery providers to provide their customers with the quickest and most convenient shipping carrier possible. When you’re shipping a range of products across the country or even internationally, a shipping solution like ReachShip helps you to provide the best shipping service to your customers by filling orders with the most suitable shipping carrier, allowing you to satisfy customers’ expectations while keeping shipping rates in check.  

The Last Shot

Depending on the type of product you’re shipping, the distance it must travel, and a variety of other considerations, the best shipping carrier for your shipment may change. For example, it may be best to ship large packages using UPS, smaller packages using USPS, and time-sensitive shipments using FedEx.

You don’t want to be tied down to a single shipping carrier. ReachShip simplifies the multi-carrier selection procedure for all of its customers, no matter how large or small the package is.  

FAQs

Further Reading

• How Fast Is Ground Shipping?
• Alternative Options for UPS, FedEx, and DHL Explained
• Ultimate Comparison of Shipping Rates and Carriers