Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?

Posted by Damian Roberti on

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?

 Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?

 

 Which shipping company is the most suitable for your online store's needs?

When shipping products weighing less than 13 pounds, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is typically the more cost-effective alternative. but UPS is a more cost-effective option when sending larger and heavier products. Because it also provides tracking updates in real time, UPS is an excellent option for businesses who are transporting items worldwide.

 

 

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?


When it comes down to it, e-commerce businesses need to carefully consider their requirements in order to select either UPS or USPS as their shipping provider. These requirements include their budget, their ideal delivery timeframes, and whether or not they are shipping locally or worldwide.

Online merchants may understand how UPS and USPS compare by comparing the characteristics of both companies and taking a close look at the costs offered by each company. Based on this information, online merchants can choose which shipping method is the superior choice for their particular company.

 

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?



Here is a quick look at the differences between them, including how two of their most popular services compare to one another, information on rates and delivery times, what they offer, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and which one would be best for your eCommerce firm.

What sets UPS and the United States Postal Service apart from one another?

In general, USPS is superior to UPS when it comes to rapidly and affordably transporting smaller packages and mail, however UPS is more cost effective when it comes to sending larger packages all over the world.

Both UPS and the USPS are distinct companies in their own right. Their highly different upbringings are the primary source of disagreement between them.

United Parcel Service, also known simply as UPS, is the publicly traded firm that holds the title of being the largest parcel delivery service in the world. The United Parcel Service (UPS) was founded in 1907 and currently has its headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. In addition to that, it offers logistics and freight forwarding services.

The United States Postal Service, sometimes known as USPS, is not a private enterprise but rather an autonomous department of the federal government in the United States. Its primary function is that of the United States' postal service, and it is tasked with the delivery of mail items such as letters and smaller packages, both within the United States and abroad. The United States Postal Service (USPS) was formed in 1775 and reorganized into its current form in 1971. Its headquarters are located in Washington, District of Columbia.

UPS Ground versus Priority Mail from the United States Postal Service

Both UPS Ground and USPS Priority Mail are among the most frequently used services offered by their respective competitors, the other courier. The following is a brief comparison of the two options:


Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?


Tracking a customer's package during international delivery is a highly significant function because it not only provides the consumer with peace of mind but also boosts the reliability of the courier. In the past, the United States Postal Service had a reputation for being less than reliable in this area; however, it has improved its reliability through the use of improved tracking methods. On the other hand, UPS has an impeccable track record when it comes to the tracking of shipments during their whole existence.
USPS Priority is commonly considered to be superior to UPS® Ground in terms of delivery time because it can typically deliver packages in two to three business days, but UPS® Ground can take up to two weeks for packages to arrive at their destination.
If you are delivering packages that weigh two pounds or less, mailing them via USPS Priority Mail is significantly more cost-effective than shipping them via UPS Ground. This is especially true when comparing the rates of USPS and UPS. In addition, USPS Priority Mail has flat-rate boxes, which make it possible to mail many things at the same time.
USPS vs. UPS prices

When it comes to mailing smaller products, the overall cost of shipping via UPS is typically more than shipping via USPS due to fees and surcharges.

When delivering smaller packages weighing less than two pounds, the US Postal Service (USPS) typically provides significantly reduced prices. When sending larger and heavier products, UPS is often the superior alternative due to the fact that they offer better value.

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?


Rate Adjustments Made by the United States Postal Service in 2022

Courier Service offers competitive shipping rates for packages weighing up to 5 pounds.

UPS's Lead Time and Cost for Deliveries

1–5 business days for UPS® Ground delivery.

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?


$21.87
UPS
service provided by UPS Next Day Air®
1 business day.
USPS Priority Mail 2-Day costs $140.84 and delivers packages within two business days.
Priority Mail Express (USPS) for $22.80 and delivery in 1-2 business days.
$78.60


*Prices are for a package traveling from New York to Los Angeles and measuring 5 by 5 by 5. The prices that are displayed are UPS's daily prices, and they are subject to change at any time.

Easyship provides a promotional price break for packages that weigh 5 pounds.
Courier Service
UPS's Lead Time and Cost for Deliveries
1–5 business days for UPS® Ground delivery.
$14.31
UPS
service provided by UPS Next Day Air®
1 day of actual business.
USPS Priority Mail 2-Day Service costs $55.86.
2-3 days, counting business days
Priority Mail Express (USPS) takes between one and two business days and costs $10.43.


Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?


The prices listed are for a five-by-five-by-five package departing from New jersey  and arriving in Washington state . The prices that are displayed are UPS's daily prices, and they are subject to change at any time.



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Which Is Quicker: UPS or the Postal Service?

USPS is the better choice when speed is of the essence because, according to Stamps.com, the average total delivery days for USPS Priority Mail was just 1.79 days while UPS Ground clocked in at 3 days. Both UPS and USPS offer overnight delivery; however, according to Stamps.com, the average total delivery days for USPS Priority Mail was just 2 days.

The US Postal Service (USPS) typically comes out on top when it comes to delivery speed in the context of eCommerce. Notably, the USPS has somewhat more stringent standards regarding the weight and size of goods, which means that UPS is frequently the superior choice when it comes to transporting larger packages in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The Services of UPS

UPS provides a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of its customers in the shipping industry. Please click here if you would want to view further information regarding the services.

As its name suggests, UPS Express Critical® is the courier service's option for the fastest possible shipping speed. This service is offered around the clock, 365 days a year. It is predicted that the optimum route for shipping will be taken based on where the package is going, and any mode of shipment that is even remotely possible will be employed. The issue is that the cost of shipping via this method is typically higher than the cost of sending via the majority of UPS's other choices.
UPS is well-known for its next-day delivery service, which enables items to be delivered on the following business day. This service is known as UPS Next Day Air®.
There is the choice of Early delivery, which takes place in the afternoon, and Saver delivery, which takes place after 4 o'clock in the afternoon in the local time zone.
Both UPS 2nd Day Air® and UPS 3 Day Select® are examples of shipping alternatives that are not considered urgent and have delivery times that are measured in business days.
If you choose the 2nd Day Select delivery option, your shipment will be delivered on the second upcoming business day, and if you choose the 3rd Day Select delivery option, it will be delivered on the third upcoming business day.
UPS® Ground is the most fundamental and cost-effective delivery service that is currently offered. It is not a particularly good choice for time-sensitive deliveries despite the fact that it is often quite economical. There is a range of shipping periods, from one business day up to five business days, however the vast majority of deliveries are made within three days or less.
The Services of the USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides a variety of services that can be tailored to meet the needs of eCommerce firms as well as people who need to ship personal goods and mail. Click this link to view further information regarding the services that they have available.

Priority Mail Express is the United States Postal Service's quickest service; packages sent through this method are delivered the following business day, seven days a week.
The Priority Mail service promises to deliver packages within one to three business days, depending on their destination. In addition to that, it provides a flat charge for packages weighing less than seventy pounds.
First-Class Mail is a type of postal delivery service that is reserved exclusively for single envelopes and parcels that weigh no more than 13 pounds combined. The delivery time is between one and three days during normal business hours.
Retail Ground is a delivery option that is more cost-effective when there is no urgency attached to the delivery of the shipment and it is a service that handles big items.
The term "Media Mail" refers to a specialized form of mail that is used for the transmission of media and instructional audio and video files. Shippers are required to adhere to ethical norms and adhere to limits regarding the kind of media that they can send. There is a cap of 70 pounds on the weight, and delivery might take anywhere from two to eight business days.
UPS Advantages and disadvantages

UPS, like every other kind of delivery service, comes with both positives and negatives of its own. Take a look at some of the following to get an idea of what I mean:

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?


UPS Pros:

It is quite reliable, and it has an outstanding tracking system. It is known for delivering packages quickly and securely.
There are delivery options available for the following day as well as the same day.
provides rapid shipping with a warranty and a stellar record for on-time delivery.
prices that are more cheap if your package weighs more than two pounds.
If you ship a significant amount of items with them on a regular basis, you may qualify for volume discounts.
UPS provides commercial and residential delivery services on Saturdays.

UPS Drawbacks:

Their shipping rates are more expensive than those of the United States Postal Service, and the fees and surcharges that are added upon their services can drive up the total price.
There is no such thing as a free pickup; rather, a flat payment is charged for this service.
The Pros and Cons of the United States Postal Service

Both UPS and the United States Postal Service (USPS) have their own distinct benefits and drawbacks to offer. Listed below are some of them:

USPS Pros:

The best value and most inexpensive choice for products that are quite small, particularly ones that weigh less than 13 pounds.
has a lengthy history of maintaining a reputation for meeting delivery deadlines in spite of adverse weather conditions.
provides boxes at a set rate as part of their Priority Mail service, which helps to make it a cost-effective choice.
There is no charge for the use of the post office's packing supplies, and they will even send you some if you ask.
The only service that can deliver to mailboxes and post office boxes is a courier service.

Cons of the USPS:

When compared to UPS and other couriers, FedEx is typically viewed as having a lower level of reliability when it comes to tracking shipments.
The department that handles customers has a reputation that is less than excellent.
How Easyship May Be Able to Help

Both UPS and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are excellent delivery systems, but in quite different ways. Because each has its own advantages and disadvantages, you need to give serious consideration to each of them before selecting one as the ideal option for your online retail store.

Easyship has formed partnerships with both of these companies in order to provide you with the optimal hybrid solution for your company. You may also use the Easyship prices calculator to compare several rates, which will assist you in selecting the one that is most appropriate for the requirements of your eCommerce business.

Sign up now for free to find out how both UPS and USPS can assist your organization with international shipping needs!



The shipping technique that offers the most savings for online businesses.

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UPS vs. USPS FAQ

Which service, UPS or USPS, is superior for shipping packages ranging from medium to large in size?

When sending things of higher value or larger packages, UPS is the most reliable delivery service to choose.

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?


How do I compare the shipping rates offered by UPS and the United States Postal Service?

Easyship facilitates the comparison of hundreds of different courier services by providing discounted shipping costs of up to 91% off for more than 250 different carriers.

Does UPS or USPS deliver faster?

Both United States Postal Service and United Parcel Service (UPS) provide an accelerated shipping option for packages that are time-sensitive.