Choosing a suitable carrier can make a huge difference for your business. Whether you are shipping locally, nationwide, or internationally, selecting between UPS and USPS is a critical decision. Both carriers offer a range of services and pricing structures, but which one is the best fit for your needs?
This article will break down the key differences between UPS and USPS, helping you navigate the complexities of their offerings so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your budget and business goals.
Overview: UPS vs. USPS
UPS and USPS are two of the most prominent shipping carriers in the United States. Each offers a variety of services tailored to different shipping needs. Understanding the fundamental differences between these two carriers is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, as they impact everything from delivery speed to cost-effectiveness.
While both carriers have strengths, the best choice often depends on specific factors such as the nature of the shipment, budget constraints, and delivery timeframes.
About UPS
United Parcel Service (UPS) is an American logistics company that has been operating since 1907. It offers package delivery, supply chain management, and freight services. The company is privately owned.
UPS’s services include transportation, air freight, ground freight, contract logistics, and customs brokerage. They are tailored to suit business and individual customers and enable them to ship internationally and domestically to all US states.
As one of the leading logistics service providers in the USA, UPS has cemented its position with a reputation for embracing innovation by investing in advanced technologies, expanding delivery options, and adopting sustainable practices.
About USPS
The United States Postal Service, commonly referred to as USPS, is the official postal service operator in the USA. As an independent agency of the US federal government, USPS is responsible for providing mail delivery service to all commercial and residential addresses and PO boxes in the country.
USPS services include first-class mail, standard mail, package delivery, and international shipping. The company operates a vast network of post office locations throughout the US and connects with other postal services globally, enabling it to offer special services like Express Mail and Priority Mail.
What’s the Difference between UPS and USPS?
When comparing UPS and USPS, it’s essential to understand that these two carriers operate under different business models and serve varying customer needs.
UPS is a privately owned, for-profit company focused on logistics and package delivery services. It strongly emphasizes efficiency, reliability, and customer service. UPS’s extensive infrastructure supports a wide range of shipping services, including domestic and international delivery, freight services, and supply chain solutions.
UPS is mainly known for its time-definite delivery options, such as UPS Next Day Air and UPS 2nd Day Air. The carrier also provides advanced tracking capabilities and robust customer support, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require reliable, fast delivery.
On the other hand, USPS is a government-operated postal service mandated to provide universal mail and package delivery to every address in the United States. USPS’s primary mission is to ensure that mail and packages are delivered nationwide, regardless of location, at an affordable price.
USPS provides mailing and shipping services, including First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express. USPS is unique in its ability to deliver to PO boxes and rural areas, where private carriers like UPS may charge extra or not deliver.
UPS vs. USPS Shipping
Is UPS or USPS faster? The answer depends on the specific service you choose and your shipping needs. UPS and USPS offer various shipping options, including ground, express, and overnight services, each designed to cater to different delivery timelines and budgets.
In this section, we’ll examine each carrier’s shipping services in detail, comparing their speed, reliability, and price to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
UPS Services
UPS offers a comprehensive suite of shipping services designed to meet a wide range of delivery needs. Whether you’re looking for fast, time-definite delivery or cost-effective ground shipping, UPS has a service tailored to your requirements. Below is an overview of the key UPS services and their features.
| UPS Service | Price | Delivery Speed | Delivery/Operational Days | Note |
| UPS® Ground | From $10.70 | 4 days | Monday to Saturday | Cost-effective, day-definite delivery within 1-5 days to all 50 states and Puerto Rico. |
| UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.® | From $25.27 | 2 days | Monday to Friday | Delivers to all 48 contiguous states and limited addresses in Alaska and Hawaii. |
| UPS 2nd Day Air® | From $23.92 | 2 days | Monday to Saturday | Delivers to all 50 states and Puerto Rico with some limitations in Alaska and Hawaii. |
| UPS 3 Day Select® | From $15.25 | 3 days | Monday to Saturday | Delivers to all 48 contiguous states. |
| UPS Next Day Air® | From $40.40 | 1 day | Monday to Saturday | Delivers to all 50 states and Puerto Rico. |
Note: The rates listed are UPS daily rates and are subject to change.
USPS Services
USPS provides diverse shipping services, offering affordable and reliable options for everything from everyday mail to urgent, time-sensitive packages. As the nation’s postal service, USPS is known for its extensive delivery network, reaching every address in the United States. Below is a summary of the primary USPS services, highlighting their delivery speeds and key features.
| USPS Service | Price | Delivery Speed | Delivery/Operational Days | Note |
| USPS Ground Advantage® | From $5.00 | 2-5 business days | Monday to Friday | Ships to all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States. |
| USPS Priority Mail® |
Flat rate envelopes from $9.85 Flat rate USPS mailing box from $10.40 Your own box by weight/zone from $9.25 | 1-3 business days | Monday to Saturday (delivery on Saturdays that are national holidays attract additional fees) | Includes free package pickup, tracking, and insurance. |
| USPS Priority Mail Express® | From $30.45 | Next-day to 2-day by 6 PM | Monday to Sunday all year round with minimal exceptions. | Fastest domestic shipping service. Next-day delivery is available to most U.S. addresses and PO Box addresses with a money-back guarantee. |
| USPS First-Class Mail® |
From $0.56 (postcards) From $0.73 (letters) From $1.50 (large envelopes) | 1-5 business days. | Monday to Friday | Best-priced shipping for items up to 13oz. |
| USPS Media Mail® | From $4.63 | 1-8 business days | N/A | A cost-effective way to ship eligible books, media, and educational materials. |
UPS Ground® vs. USPS Priority®
UPS Ground® and USPS Priority® are two shipping services that provide the most comprehensive service coverage across all 50 states in the USA. Despite this similarity, both services also have their differences.
UPS Ground® typically delivers within 1-5 business days, depending on distance and location. The service is known for its consistent delivery times and robust tracking system. However, it is worth noting that UPS Ground® may be slower over longer distances than USPS Priority.
On the other hand, USPS Priority® delivers within 1-3 business days, especially for shorter distances. The service is generally reliable but can experience delays during peak seasons or in remote areas. Overall, UPS Priority® may be faster over shorter distances but can be more expensive for heavier packages.
UPS vs. USPS International Shipping
When it comes to international shipping, both UPS and USPS offer a range of services to meet various needs. Below is a comparison of UPS and USPS international shipping services, highlighting how quickly each can deliver packages to destinations worldwide.
| UPS | Shipping Time | USPS | Shipping Time |
| UPS Worldwide Express® | 1-3 business days, typically delivered by 10:30 am or noon. | USPS Global Express Guaranteed® | 1-3 business days. |
| UPS Worldwide Express Freight® | 1-3 business days, typically delivered by the end of the day. | USPS Priority Mail Express International® | 3-5 business days. |
| UPS Worldwide Express Saver® | 1-3 business days, typically delivered by the end of the day. | USPS Priority Mail International® | 6-10 business days. |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited® | 2-5 business days, typically delivered by the end of the day. | USPS First-Class Package International Service® | Varies by destination. |
UPS vs. USPS Tracking
Package tracking is crucial for businesses and individuals who need to monitor their shipments and ensure timely delivery. UPS and USPS offer tracking services, but they differ in detail, reliability, and overall user experience.
UPS is known for providing comprehensive tracking details at every stage of the shipment process. Customers can see the package’s journey from the moment it’s picked up to its final delivery, with updates provided in real-time. UPS also sends automatic notifications via email or text, updating customers on the status of their shipments. While UPS tracking is robust, it often comes at a higher cost, particularly for premium services.
USPS includes free tracking with most of its services, making it a cost-effective option for those who need basic tracking without additional fees. However, compared to UPS, USPS tracking is generally less detailed. Updates may be less frequent, and the information is often limited to critical milestones.
Businesses can integrate UPS and USPS tracking into their systems, providing customers seamless access to tracking information.
UPS vs. USPS Rates
Is UPS or USPS cheaper? UPS and USPS offer competitive shipping rates, making them viable options for businesses and individuals. However, the best choice largely depends on the package’s size and weight.
Generally, USPS tends to be more cost-effective for lighter packages. On the other hand, UPS provides significant discounts for larger and heavier items, making it a more economical choice for bulkier shipments.
For instance, UPS is often the better option when shipping heavy packages, especially those weighing over 150 pounds.
With UPS Next Day Air® Early, you can calculate the shipping cost by multiplying the package’s weight by the price per pound and adding $30.00. For all other UPS domestic services with packages exceeding 150 pounds, the cost is determined by multiplying the weight by the price per pound.
This pricing model makes UPS particularly advantageous for shipping heavy items, where the cost efficiency becomes increasingly evident compared to USPS.
UPS vs. USPS Ground Shipping Rates
Ground shipping is a go-to service for businesses and individuals looking to ship their packages cost-effectively. The table below compares the ground shipping rates of UPS and USPS and outlines the rates for different package weights, allowing you to decide which carrier to choose for your shipping needs.
| Package Weight | UPS Ground® | USPS Ground Advantage® |
| 1 lb | Starting at $10.70 | Starting at $8.00 |
| 5 lbs | Starting at $12.56 | Starting at $10.75 |
| 10 lbs | Starting at $14.29 | Starting at $13.40 |
| 20 lbs | Starting at $17.02 | Starting at $19.20 |
Note: The UPS rates listed are UPS daily rates and are subject to change.
UPS vs. USPS Express Shipping Rates
UPS and USPS offer fast shipping service for packages that need to reach their destination quickly. Knowing the going rates for both carriers can help you choose the best service. The table below provides a detailed comparison of UPS vs. USPS express shipping rates for the most common package weights.
| Package Weight | UPS Next Day Air® | USPS Priority Mail Express® |
| 1 lb | Starting at $40.40 | Starting at $30.95 |
| 5 lbs | Starting at $49.09 | Starting at $32.95 |
| 10 lbs | Starting at $58.04 | Starting at $49.55 |
| 20 lbs | Starting at $82.17 | Starting at $73.40 |
Note: The UPS rates listed are UPS daily rates and are subject to change.
Other Factors to Consider
Other factors besides the package’s weight will affect the final shipping rate UPS and USPS charge to transport a package.
These factors include various surcharges for add-on services such as residential, weekend, and rural delivery, fuel surcharges, and handling oversized packages. You may also have flexible room to negotiate lower rates if you are a high-volume shipper.
Shipping rates are also likely to increase when shipping fragile, hazardous, and perishable items that require specialized handling. International shipping rates vary significantly depending on the destination country and applicable customs duties and taxes.
UPS Pros and Cons
The following are the pros and cons of using United Postal Service (UPS) for domestic and international shipping needs.
Pros
- Vast national and global network.
- Real-time package tracking.
- UPS is known for its reliable and timely deliveries, especially in the US.
- Customers can access add-on services like customs clearance and shipping insurance.
- UPS integrates well with e-commerce platforms and shipping management systems.
- Affordable for shipping heavier packages.
Cons
- Expensive to ship smaller packages.
- UPS is notorious for charging various surcharges.
USPS Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of shipping with USPS include the following:
Pros
- USPS has lower rates for lighter packages.
- USPS delivers to all US addresses and PO Boxes, including rural areas.
- Flat-rate boxes make shipping more affordable.
- USPS provides free tracking on most of its services.
Cons
- Strict package size and volume rules.
- USPS has a limited service scope compared to other modern carriers.
Choosing the Right Carrier: UPS, USPS, or Others?
When comparing UPS vs. USPS, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific shipping needs, budget, and business priorities. UPS excels at reliability, speed, and detailed tracking. On the other hand, USPS offers more affordable options, particularly for smaller, lighter packages and local deliveries, while maintaining a broad delivery network that reaches every corner of the country, including remote areas.
However, it’s important to remember that UPS and USPS aren’t the only options available. FedEx is another strong player in the shipping industry, offering competitive rates, especially for express and international shipments. As you consider your business’s shipping strategy, consider factors such as delivery speed, package size, tracking capabilities, and customer service to help you make an informed decision that enhances your operational efficiency and meets your customers’ needs.
The TrackingMore team shares insights on logistics tracking technology, industry trends, and e-commerce logistics solutions to help businesses streamline shipment tracking and enhance customer post-purchase experience.
