It’s time to ship your products and you’re trying to decide which shipping carrier is the best option for your business. In this article, we’ll compare FedEx, UPS, and USPS so that you can make an informed decision about which carrier is right for you. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each shipping service provider and help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business. Let’s get started!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
CONTENT
Which is better USPS, UPS, or FedEx?
Is It Cheaper to Ship UPS, USPS or FedEx?
Things to Consider in Choosing UPS vs USPS vs FedEx
Where to Find Cheap Shipping Labels for UPS, USPS, and FedEx
Which is better USPS, UPS, or FedEx?
When finding the better shipping service in the US, you probably would consider the speed, cost, and reliability that fits best for your business. Definitely, each has advantages over the other, so we’ll break these differences down for you.
(a) USPS vs UPS vs FedEx Highlights
USPS
UPS
FedEx
- Best for small and lightweight parcels
- Best for shipping within the US
- Ideal for large packages (appliances, furniture, etc.)
- Good for fast international shipping
- Best shipping option for larger businesses with higher volume
- Also ideal for large packages
- Customers favor FedEx for shipping special goods like food and other perishable items
(b) Speed: USPS vs UPS vs FedEx
In terms of speed of delivery, you can opt for the fastest services from these shipping couriers. All of these shipping carriers provide overnight shipping services and priority shipping, so you can choose according to the availability and the speed you need your package delivered.
USPS
UPS
FedEx
Overnight Shipping Services
Priority Mail Express
Delivery date: Next day to two-day by 6 pm
UPS Next Day Air Early
Delivery date: Next business day (8:00 am – 9:30 am)
UPS Next Day Air
Delivery date: Next business day (10:30 am – 12:00 pm)
UPS Next Day Air Saver
Delivery date: Next business day (by 3:00 pm)
FedEx First Overnight
Delivery date: Next day delivery (8:00 am – 9:30 am)
FedEx Priority Overnight
Delivery date: Next day (to business addresses by 10:30 am and residences by 4:30 pm)
Priority Shipping
Priority Mail Express
Delivery date: One to two day delivery by 3:00 pm
UPS Next Day Air Shipping
Delivery date: Next day 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Monday to Friday
FedEx 2Day AM
Delivery date: Two business days by 10:30 am, Monday to Friday
FedEx 2Day
Delivery date: Two business days by 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Is It Cheaper to Ship UPS, USPS or FedEx?
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In a nutshell, in terms of affordability, it is cheapest to ship with USPS, especially for small packages. To illustrate, let’s say you have to ship a package to be shipped by April 1 from Iowa to California. The package weighs 2 pounds and measures 10 x 5 x 3 in. Using the shipping calculator for UPS, USPS, and FedEx yields us these cost estimates:
Shipping Service
USPS Priority Mail 2-Day
USPS Priority Mail Express 2-Day
UPS Next Day Air Early
UPS Next Day Air
UPS Next Day Air Saver
UPS 2nd Day Air
UPS Ground
FedEx First Overnight
FedEx Standard Overnight
FedEx 2Day
Delivery Date
Tuesday, April 5
Monday, April 4
Saturday, April 2
Saturday, April 2
Monday, April 4
Tuesday, April 5
Thursday, April 7
Saturday, April 2
Monday, April 4
Tuesday, April 5
Cost
$9.45
$50.35
$152.82
$117.87
$93.03
$45.45
$13.66
$155.99
$99.33
$48.37
You can see that USPS provides the most affordable shipping with their USPS Priority Mail 2-Day for $9.45. The next in line for affordability is UPS Ground, which costs $13.66, but has a later date of delivery on April 7.
The only thing that holds USPS back is its lower weight limit of 70 pounds per package. UPS and FedEx, on the other hand, have their weight limit at 150 pounds. But as stated earlier, when you aren’t shipping large and heavy packages, USPS may be the way to go.
To find the ideal shipping service for you, you can try out the shipping calculations online from these shipping providers: UPS Calculate Time and Cost, USPS Retail Postage Price Calculator, FedEx Calculate Shipping Rates
Things to Consider in Choosing UPS vs USPS vs FedEx
Photo Credits: Unsplash
Aside from pricing and delivery speed, here are other things you should take consider:
1.
Tracking
USPS, UPS, and FedEx all provide competitive tracking features, making it simple to ship items. FedEx and UPS provide real-time tracking and notify consumers in the event of a service interruption.
On the other hand, The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently overhauled its package tracking system, which is now regarded as the industry standard, although UPS and FedEx still provide better tracking. If you or your customer want the precise tracking for your package’s movement, you may want to go with either FedEx or UPS.
But all differences aside, if you are unable to locate your package, all three companies provide customer service.
2.
Insurance premiums are calculated depending on the declared worth of the contents of the package. Unless otherwise requested, courier services may provide standard insurance coverage. Damages and misplaced packages during the shipping procedure can be covered by insurance.
- FedEx: Standard insurance provides $100 of coverage. For additional coverage, the declaration of the product value is needed.
- UPS: Same with FedEx, UPS can cover $100 for your package. Additional insurance coverage of up to $50,000 is also available at additional costs.
- USPS: USPS provides up to $5,000 in coverage for packages that are damaged or lost under their custody. Additionally, USPS can insure registered mail for up to $50,000.
3.
Operating hours
Of course, choosing a courier that can match your operating hours can be crucial. USPS stands out from the three in case you need a shipping service that’s available all the time.
- UPS: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Weekend operation is available in some areas.
- USPS: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- FedEx: Open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, 7 days a week
Pick Up options and Drop Off
- USPS: Packages can be dropped off at the nearest post office, but you can also have it pick up from your address free of charge.
- FedEx: FedEx pick-ups and drop-offs are accessible at each retail location during business hours. Pick-ups and drop-offs come with additional costs, however.
- UPS: Self-service UPS drop boxes are available 24/7. Customers can drop off packages at UPS Access Points, UPS Stores, or Customer Counters, all of which provide for simple package dropoffs.
Where to Find Cheap Shipping Labels for UPS, USPS, and FedEx
For reliable, yet affordable shipping label supplies, you can check out enKo Products! Compatible with your UPS, USPS, or FedEx shipping labels, available in sheets, rolls, and stacks.
Labels
Label Specifications
Compatible Printer Brand
220 Labels Per Roll
Datamax, Sato, Zebra
2000 Labels Per Stack
Datamax, Intermac, Sato, Zebra
100 Sheets Per Pack
2 Labels Per Sheet
Laser and InkJet Printers
200 Labels Per Roll
Brother QL-1050
Brother QL-1050N
Brother QL-1060N
Brother QL-1100
Brother QL-1110NWB
250 Labels Per Roll
Datamax, Sato, Zebra Printers
220 Labels Per Roll
Dymo LabelWriter 4XL
Datamax, Intermac, Sato, Zebra
1000 Labels Per Roll
Datamax, Intermac, Sato, Zebra
500 Labels Per Stack
Datamax, Intermac, Sato, Zebra
100 Sheets Per Pack
1 Label Per Sheet
Laser and InkJet Printers
100 Sheets Per Pack
4 Labels Per Sheet
Laser and InkJet Printers
Brother QL-1050
Brother QL-1060N
Brother QL-1110NWB
Fedex vs UPS vs USPS
So, what’s the verdict? In our opinion, USPS is the best shipping carrier for small businesses. They offer the most competitive rates and they have a wide reach across the United States. If you need to ship internationally, FedEx is your best bet, but be prepared to pay a bit more for that service.
UPS is great for larger packages and offers some of the fastest delivery speeds out there. Whatever route you decide to go, make sure you take advantage of shipping labels from enKo Products!
Related Articles:
- How to Print USPS Labels on a Dymo LabelWriter 450
- Creating PayPal Shipping Label Using a Rollo Printer
- How to Print Shipping Labels on eBay with a Dymo 4XL LabelWriter
I'm a shipping and logistics enthusiast with extensive expertise in the field, having delved into the intricacies of various shipping carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and USPS. I've closely monitored industry trends, analyzed shipping strategies, and kept a pulse on the latest developments in the shipping and e-commerce landscape. My insights are grounded in hands-on experience, making informed decisions about shipping carriers for businesses a forte.
Now, let's dive into the concepts discussed in the article:
USPS, UPS, and FedEx Comparison:
1. Best For:
- USPS:
- Best for small and lightweight parcels.
- Ideal for fast international shipping.
- UPS:
- Best for shipping within the US.
- Suitable for larger businesses with higher volume.
- FedEx:
- Ideal for large packages (appliances, furniture, etc.).
- Customers favor FedEx for shipping special goods like food and perishable items.
2. Speed Comparison:
- All three carriers provide overnight shipping services and priority shipping.
- Detailed breakdown of overnight and priority services for USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
3. Cost Comparison:
- USPS is generally the most affordable, especially for small packages.
- Weight limits: USPS (70 pounds), UPS, and FedEx (150 pounds).
- Affordability example: Cost estimates for shipping a 2-pound package from Iowa to California with different services.
4. Additional Considerations:
- Tracking:
- FedEx and UPS offer real-time tracking, while USPS recently improved its tracking system.
- Insurance:
- USPS, UPS, and FedEx provide insurance coverage with varying limits and additional costs.
- Operating Hours:
- USPS is available 24/7, UPS operates Monday to Friday, and FedEx is open seven days a week.
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off Options:
- Different options and associated costs for each carrier.
5. Where to Find Cheap Shipping Labels:
- Recommendation: enKo Products for affordable shipping label supplies compatible with UPS, USPS, and FedEx.
6. Verdict:
- USPS is considered the best for small businesses due to competitive rates and wide reach.
- FedEx is recommended for international shipping, albeit at a higher cost.
- UPS excels in handling larger packages and offers fast delivery speeds.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the right shipping carrier involves weighing factors such as speed, cost, package size, and additional services offered. The verdict leans towards USPS for small businesses, FedEx for international shipping, and UPS for larger packages. Remember to consider specific needs and take advantage of cost-effective shipping label solutions for a streamlined shipping process.
