United Parcel Service (UPS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are the two largest domestic shipping carriers in the United States.
Both companies provide package delivery services within the U.S. and to over 200 countries internationally.
UPS specializes in time-definite express package delivery, while USPS offers more affordable standard ground shipping.
This article will compare UPS and USPS across key factors, including cost, speed, tracking capabilities, pickup/delivery, and additional services.
By evaluating the pros and cons of each carrier, you can determine the best option for a specific shipping need based on your budget.
Whether you need quick shipping or low-cost domestic ground delivery, UPS and USPS both have certain advantages you can explore.
UPS vs USPS: In A Nutshell
Before we go into the details, here is a quick comparison between UPS vs USPS.
| Category | UPS | USPS |
| Packages Delivery | Express, ground, freight | First-Class, Priority Mail, Parcel Select |
| Letters and Documents Delivery | N/A | First-Class Mail, Standard Mail |
| Speed | 1-3 days express, 1-5 days ground | 1-3 days Priority, 2-8 days First-Class |
| Tracking | Yes, detailed online tracking | Yes, basic tracking |
| Insurance | Up to $50,000 coverage | Up to $5,000 coverage |
| Pickup Options | Daily scheduled pickups, on-call pickups, drop-off locations | Residential or PO box pickup only |
| Cost | Expensive express, affordable ground | Affordable Priority Mail, cheap First-Class |
| Fuel Surcharges | Yes | No |
| Delivery Times | Weekdays only before 7 pm | Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays |
| Customer Service | 24/7 phone, chat, and email support | Phone support, limited hours |
| International Shipping | Over 220 countries | Some restrictions apply |
UPS vs USPS: Overview
Now let’s have an in-depth overview of each of the services.
What Is UPS?
UPS (United Parcel Service) is the world’s largest package delivery company.
It was founded in 1907 as a messenger service in Seattle, Washington.
Today, UPS delivers over 21 million packages and documents per day to more than 220 countries and territories around the world.
UPS operates a massive private fleet of vehicles for shipping. This includes planes, trucks, freight containers, and more.
UPS is recognized by its signature brown delivery trucks and uniformed drivers. You can choose UPS for domestic and international shipping.
Delivery options include ground, air, freight, and supply chain management services.
What Is USPS?
USPS, or United States Postal Service, is an independent government agency. It is the only delivery service in the country that offers delivery to every address.
The Post Office Department, established in 1775, was replaced by USPS in 1971. Today, 47% of the world’s mail is delivered by USPS, which also receives 40% of all international postal income.
It provides package and envelope delivery. This comprises media mail, parcel select, first-class mail, priority mail express, and other specialized services like certified mail. Freight shipment is not something the USPS does.
Customers can get USPS deliveries to homes, PO boxes, businesses, and APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
UPS vs USPS: Shipping Speed and Transit Times
Both UPS and USPS provide a variety of delivery choices at various pricing when it comes to shipment speed.
Express shipping from UPS guarantees arrival in most places within 1-3 days. Also available is ground shipment, which takes 1 to 5 days. Weekend and holiday deliveries are not made by UPS.
With Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, USPS offers 1-3 day delivery. Delivery of First-Class packages takes 2 to 8 days. Including Saturdays and Sundays, USPS delivers all year round.
So UPS delivers on weekends but is slower for rapid service. USPS is a little slower but will deliver every day of the year.
Overnight shipping is offered by both. UPS guarantees next business day delivery to most zip codes if sent by 8-9 PM local time, while USPS only guarantees overnight to select major cities.
So UPS has faster delivery times for express domestic and international shipping, but USPS offers more flexibility with weekend and holiday deliveries.
UPS vs USPS: Which Is Cost Effective
When it comes to affordability, USPS tends to have lower rates compared to UPS:
- USPS Priority Mail starts at around $8, while UPS Ground shipping ranges from $10-$15 for nearby zones.
- USPS’s First-Class package service offers the most budget-friendly rates for lightweight packages up to 16oz.
- UPS offers volume discounts for high-volume shippers that USPS does not provide.
- USPS has flat-rate boxes and envelopes that provide value for shipping heavy items across long distances.
- UPS charges fuel surcharges on top of base rates, while USPS does not.
- USPS charges zone-based rates based on weight and distance traveled, while UPS rates are primarily weight and service-level-based.
Overall, USPS provides affordable shipping for light packages and envelopes. UPS is cost-effective for frequent shippers who can capitalize on volume discounts.
For individuals and small businesses sending occasional packages, USPS is likely the more budget-friendly option.
UPS vs USPS: Pros and Cons
Now that you understand the difference between both services, let’s look at the pros and cons of the same.
UPS: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Faster delivery times and more express/overnight options. | More expensive, especially for small/medium shippers. |
| Offers pickup services for added convenience. | No weekend or holiday deliveries. |
| A more robust tracking system with frequent updates. | Fuel surcharges add to costs. |
| Later daily cut-off times for same-day pickup. | Limited access in rural areas. |
| Excellent customer service reputation. |
USPS: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| More affordable shipping rates overall. | Not as fast as UPS for express shipments. |
| Delivers to every address in the U.S. | Only basic tracking information was provided. |
| Offers special services like collection on delivery. | Long hold times to speak to customer service. |
| The recipient does not need to be present to receive packages. | Strict size and weight restrictions for cheaper options. |
| Letter and document delivery. |
UPS vs USPS: Which Is Better?
There is no definitive winner in the UPS vs. USPS debate – it depends on your specific needs as a shipper. Here are some general guidelines on which service is better for different use cases:
- UPS is better for heavy shippers, with volume discounts and daily pickup services.
- UPS is better for express domestic and international door-to-door deliveries within 1-3 days.
- USPS is cheaper for individual consumers and small businesses sending lightweight packages.
- USPS offers to collect on delivery, scan forms, and other niche services UPS does not provide.
- USPS offers more accessibility to remote areas that lack UPS service.
- USPS is the only option for delivery on Sundays and holidays.
UPS vs USPS: My Experience
In my experience shipping packages for both business and personal reasons, I have found benefits to using both UPS and USPS depending on the situation:
For time-sensitive overnight and 2nd-day air deliveries, I use UPS because of their faster and more reliable express service. The ability to schedule a pickup or drop off a package right before the daily cutoff time is a huge plus.
When I’m not on a tight deadline, USPS Priority Mail is my go-to for domestic packages under 2 lbs. The tracking is decent enough, and the price can’t be beaten.
For international shipments, I use UPS because USPS can be inconsistent with customs and has more restrictive size limits.
I use USPS Flat Rate boxes whenever they make sense for heavy/bulky items, but UPS standard rates based on weight are better for light packages going long distances.
USPS pickup limitations and lackluster customer service are pain points I’ve experienced firsthand. But their sheer accessibility and scope of services are unparalleled.
All in all, evaluating each shipment’s needs on a case-by-case basis and choosing the right carrier always proves to be the best solution. Having access to both UPS and USPS gives small businesses and consumers the most flexibility.
Related Read:
Final Verdict: UPS vs USPS (2024)
UPS and USPS each have their strengths and weaknesses that make them preferable for certain shipping situations.
Businesses with high order volumes would benefit from the discounts and supply chain options with UPS. Individuals and small companies on a tight budget will likely maximize value using USPS.
For express delivery, UPS has faster transit times and more reliable overnight service. USPS beats UPS on cost for slower ground shipments and offers more services catered to residential recipients.
There is no one size fits all provider – evaluating the pickup/delivery requirements, budget, and service options for each package is key to getting the best rates.
Utilizing both carriers strategically can yield optimal results and savings.
So what are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comment section below.
FAQs
UPS has more robust tracking with frequent progress updates and precise delivery ETAs. USPS provides basic tracking with delivery confirmation.
Yes, USPS is the only service that can deliver both letters and packages to PO boxes. UPS does not deliver to PO boxes.
UPS allows up to $50,000 in coverage, whereas USPS caps insurance at $5,000. However, USPS insurance rates are lower for coverage under $200 in value.
USPS only offers pickup services for commercial clients, unlike UPS, which allows all customers to schedule a pickup for a fee.
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