Navigating the world of parcel shipping carriers to find the best shipping options for your needs can seem daunting. In the search for best choices – USPS, UPS or FedEx – the more specific your needs are, the better results you will find.
We did the research for you and pulled together a summary of each so you can find the best shipping carrier option for you and your business.
USPS
When shipping small items, check with USPS. USPS provides the least expensive shipping rates for most items less than two pounds with little competition from UPS or FedEx for packages under 13 ounces. USPS also offers free shipment tracking and delivery confirmation on all parcel shipments. Their tracking and delivery confirmation may not be as detailed as UPS or FedEx, but it gets the job done.
UPS and FedEx
For shipping larger, heavier items in the USPS, UPS or FedEx shipping carrier world, UPS and FedEx tend to have better rates than USPS. If your package is heavier than two pounds, UPS might be able to deliver it faster and less expensively.
Also, UPS and FedEx guarantee delivery days and they can handle and ship packages weighing up to 150 lbs.
For more best practices on shipping with UPS, check out our post from the experts at Refund Retriever: 4 Best Practices When Shipping With UPS.
Best Shipping Carrier Options For Small Businesses
For small businesses, USPS, UPS and FedEx shipping carriers each cover a range of useful choices including rates, services and options.
However, USPS is a more comprehensive shipping carrier for small business owners that don’t necessarily have an excess of time or resources on their hands.
USPS offers free pick up, competitive rates, and free priority and express mail packaging, while including a full range of standard and expedited delivery options.
USPS also offers flat rate shipping, while UPS and FedEx do not. These features make them a great choice for small businesses.
For more small business shipping tips, check out our guide: Box It Up: A Small Business Guide to Shipping Boxes.
Best Shipping Carriers Options for Medium to Large Businesses
If your business plans to ship in volume, consider using the power of negotiation to get lower rates with UPS and FedEx. Keep in mind, though, that UPS does not offer free package pick up or free Saturday delivery.
FedEx, on the other hand, does offer free Saturday delivery, but no free package pickup. Should your shipment become lost, UPS and FedEx are well equipped to handle and resolve issues.
For fast delivery, UPS is a great choice because they provide same-day delivery and next day delivery. FedEx delivers on Saturday, while UPS does not, and this could be a game-changer for a two-day delivery timeframe. Knowing your package will arrive on time will provide peace of mind for you and keep your customers happy.
So What Are My Best Shipping Carrier Options?
It comes down to your needs as an individual or a business. When looking at USPS, UPS or FedEx shipping carriers and considering the many options available, you might find that using more than one carrier works best depending on your shipping needs.
If you are shipping several small packages and are already short on time, perhaps calling USPS for a free pickup is the best option.
If you’re shipping large heavy parcels that need to arrive fast, call UPS or FedEx. Whatever your needs, USPS, UPS or FedEx shipping carriers are great options that will get your package to your customer.
Need boxes to ship your products in? Brandable Box provides custom boxes branded with your logo on it – at the lowest price on the market.
This was written by our content freelancer, Dana Pentes.