Is it cheaper to send a 20 lb box with UPS or USPS?
Shipping a 20 lb Box: UPS vs. USPS vs FedEx (Domestic)
When shipping a 20-pound box, both UPS and USPS offer reliable services with tracking. The best choice depends on whether you’re shipping domestically within the U.S. or to an international destination, and on how important cost vs. speed is.
Many other sites will claim USPS is cheapest, but it really depends on size of shipment and distance. Not only that, many sites will not take into account the discounts online shipping software provides. If you want the best deal, it is often best to check each carrier’s prices.
Current Rates Comparison of Domestic Shipping (Within the U.S.):
Below is a detailed comparison of shipping costs, included services, and key considerations for each carrier, with an emphasis on the cheapest reliable options.
The prices in the table below show the shipping rates of a 20 pound package that is being shipped from Seattle, WA to Key West, FL. We chose those cities as they are pretty close to being the cities on the farthest corners of the United States. Distance a shipment has to travel factors into the price of shipping.
The dimensions of the box we used in this scenario is a large 18” x 18” x 24”. This large box seems like a reasonable size to hold a 20 pound item. Smaller boxes will get you lower rates, while larger boxes will result in higher rates.
You can see, in the table below, that UPS Ground Saver is the cheapest in this case. FedEx comes in second place, while USPS Ground Advantage is quite a bit more expensive.
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Days | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | Ground (cheapest) | 6 | $67.41 |
| FedEx | Ground | 5 | $89.39 |
| UPS | Ground Saver | 6 | $85.36 |
| UPS | 3 Day Select® (best deal) | 3 | $98.37 |
| UPS | 2nd Day Air® | 2 | $141.26 |
| USPS | Ground Advantage | 5 | $143.76 |
| USPS | Priority Mail | 2 | $178.29 |
| UPS | Next Day Air® | 1 | $221.19 |
| UPS | Next Day Air Early | 1 | $251.19 |
| FedEx | Express Saver® | 4 | $332.52 |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express | 2 | $383.15 |
| FedEx | 2Day® | 1 | $386.31 |
| FedEx | 2Day® A.M. | 2 | $453.43 |
| FedEx | Standard Overnight® | 0 | $496.86 |
| FedEx | Priority Overnight® | 0 | $511.86 |
| FedEx | First Overnight® (fastest) | 0 | $767.80 |
How Did We Get These Prices?
Using discount postage services like Stamps.com, you can purchase and print shipping labels from home at savings of up to 80% or more. Retail prices you get directly from USPS and UPS are never the cheapest. Stamps.com offers both discounts on USPS and UPS. For FedEx prices, apply the FedEx Advantage discount to your individual account.
Which is Cheaper?
UPS Ground ($67.41) is the most affordable option, making it the clear winner in terms of cost.
The cheapest USPS option, Ground Advantage ($143.76), is more than $75 expensive than UPS Ground. Not a good deal if you have UPS as an option near you.
USPS Priority Mail ($178.29) is even pricier, costing more than twice as much as UPS Ground, but it will get your shipment there in less than half the time. Though, if you need faster delivery times, but are okay with 3-day delivery instead of 2-day delivery, UPS 3-Day Select will get your package there under $100.
If you need guaranteed delivery times, USPS Priority Mail Express ($383.15) is an option, but is significantly higher-priced.
Other Considerations
Delivery Speed – UPS Ground Saver takes about 7 days, whereas USPS Ground Advantage takes about 5 days. If you prioritize speed, USPS is the best deal as it combines 2 day shipping that is about 45% cheaper than FedEx’s 3 day shopping option.
Reliability & Tracking – Both UPS and USPS offer tracking, but UPS Ground Saver may have limited tracking compared to other UPS services.
Insurance & Extra Services – USPS includes some built-in insurance, while UPS may charge additional fees.
Getting online quotes during the weekend may result in higher rates. Adjust the delivery dates to see if rates change.
Final Verdict
For a 20 lb package shipped from Seattle to Key West, UPS Ground ($67.41) is the cheapest option, making it the best choice for cost-conscious shippers. If you need faster shipping, UPS 3-day Select is a viable alternative but at a higher cost, but still below $100.
For the most up-to-date rates and estimated delivery times, always check with OnlineShippingCalculator before shipping.