Cheapest Overnight Shipping 2026: Compare USPS, UPS, FedEx
When you absolutely, positively need a package to arrive tomorrow, your first thought is probably speed, not cost. But what if you could have both? Finding the cheapest overnight shipping doesn’t have to be a complicated puzzle. While there’s no single “cheapest” carrier for every situation, understanding your options and the factors that drive costs can save you a surprising amount of money.
This guide will walk you through the services offered by USPS, UPS, and FedEx, explain the key pricing factors, and show you how to find the cheapest overnight shipping for any package you need to send.
Carrier Comparison: Who Offers the Cheapest Overnight Shipping?
The first step to saving money is realizing that the cheapest overnight shipping option changes based on your package’s size, weight, and destination. The big three carriers, USPS, UPS, and FedEx, each have unique strengths. If you’re deciding between the private carriers, our FedEx vs. UPS comparison breaks down where each wins on price and speed.
- USPS is often the price leader for lighter packages, especially documents and small items.
- UPS and FedEx tend to become more cost effective as packages get heavier and offer more service levels for specific morning delivery times.
The only way to know for sure is to compare them for each specific shipment. A quick carrier comparison can reveal significant savings, turning an expensive urgent shipment into a manageable one.
USPS Overnight Shipping Services
For many people, the United States Postal Service is a go to for affordable shipping, and their overnight service is no exception.
USPS Priority Mail Express
USPS Priority Mail Express is the fastest service the Postal Service offers, with a money back guarantee for overnight delivery to most U.S. addresses. It’s a popular choice because it includes features that other carriers often charge extra for, such as Saturday delivery and up to $100 of insurance. A huge advantage is that USPS delivers to virtually every address, including PO Boxes and military destinations, which private carriers sometimes cannot.
This service is a strong contender for the cheapest overnight shipping when you’re sending packages under about five pounds.
The USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope
One of the best tools for finding the cheapest overnight shipping for documents is the Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope (if you’re new to flat rate packaging, see our USPS Flat Rate boxes and envelopes guide). The rule is simple: if it fits, it ships for one price, regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds) or destination. This predictability is perfect for sending dense items like legal documents across the country without worrying about a high price tag. With a cost often in the low $30s, it’s a simple and affordable solution.
UPS Overnight Shipping Options
UPS offers a suite of three Next Day Air services, allowing you to choose a balance between delivery time and cost.
UPS Next Day Air Saver
If your package needs to arrive tomorrow but not necessarily first thing in the morning, UPS Next Day Air Saver is your most budget friendly choice. This service guarantees delivery by the end of the next business day, typically by 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM for commercial addresses. Because you are not paying a premium for a morning delivery slot, Next Day Air Saver is the cheapest UPS overnight service.
UPS Next Day Air
This is the standard, flagship overnight service from UPS. UPS Next Day Air guarantees delivery by mid morning, usually around 10:30 AM to most business addresses and by noon to residences. It comes with a money back guarantee if the delivery is late for any reason within UPS’s control. It’s a reliable workhorse for business shipments that need to arrive before lunch.
UPS Next Day Air Early A.M.
For the most critical shipments, UPS Next Day Air Early guarantees delivery as early as 8:00 AM to many major cities. This is the fastest service UPS offers, designed for things like urgent legal contracts or time sensitive medical supplies. That premium speed comes at a premium price, making it the most expensive of the UPS overnight options.
FedEx Overnight Shipping Services
FedEx is synonymous with overnight delivery and offers several services that compete directly with UPS.
FedEx Standard Overnight
Similar to UPS’s Saver option, FedEx Standard Overnight provides a more economical path to next day delivery. It guarantees arrival by 4:30 PM to businesses and 8:00 PM to residences. By choosing an afternoon delivery, you can still get your package there overnight while finding a cheaper price than the priority morning services. This makes it a great choice for the cheapest overnight shipping to residential customers.
FedEx Priority Overnight
When morning delivery is a must, FedEx Priority Overnight promises arrival by 10:30 AM to most U.S. addresses. This service is directly comparable to UPS Next Day Air in both speed and function. It includes a money back guarantee and robust tracking, making it a favorite for time sensitive business to business shipments.
Key Factors That Drive Overnight Shipping Costs
To truly find the cheapest overnight shipping, you need to understand what goes into the price. It’s more than just the service you pick.
Package Weight and Carrier Selection
Different carriers excel at different weights. If you’re shipping very heavy boxes, our 50 lb shipping cost comparison shows when UPS vs. USPS is cheaper. The general rule of thumb for weight based carrier selection is:
- Under 5 pounds: USPS Priority Mail Express is frequently the cheapest overnight shipping option.
- Over 5 pounds: UPS and FedEx often become more competitive. As packages get heavier, their rate increases can be less steep than USPS. For example, a 2 pound cross country shipment was quoted at about $49 via USPS, while UPS and FedEx were closer to $38. For a step‑by‑step example, see the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb box.
Package Size (Dimensional Weight)
Carriers don’t just care about how heavy your box is; they also care about how much space it takes up on a plane. This is where dimensional weight (DIM) calculations come in. If you ship a large but lightweight item, the carrier will calculate its weight based on its size using a formula like (Length × Width × Height) / 139. You will be charged for whichever is greater: the actual weight or the dimensional weight. To avoid surprise costs, always use the smallest box that will safely fit your item.
Shipping Distance (Shipping Zones)
Carriers use shipping zones to measure the distance a package travels from its origin to its destination. Zones are numbered, and a higher zone number means a greater distance and, therefore, a higher price. Sending a package from New York to California (a high zone shipment) will cost significantly more for overnight delivery than sending it from New York to New Jersey (a low zone shipment).
How to Unlock the Best Discounts on Overnight Shipping
Paying the retail price at a carrier store is almost never the cheapest way to ship. Here’s how to access lower, discounted rates.
Use a Rate Calculator for Instant Comparisons
Instead of checking each carrier’s website one by one, a multi carrier shipping rate calculator does the work for you. By entering your package details once, you can see the rates for all available overnight services side by side. Using a free tool like the Online Shipping Calculator makes this process simple and is the fastest way to spot the cheapest overnight shipping option for your exact package.
Get the USPS Click N Ship Discount
Buying your USPS postage online is always cheaper than paying at the post office counter. When you use the USPS Click N Ship portal, you automatically get access to lower Commercial Base Pricing. This can save you around 13% or more on services like Priority Mail Express, making an already affordable option even better.
Leverage Negotiated Rates and 3PL Discounts
Large companies negotiate directly with carriers for high volume discounts. But what about small businesses or individuals? You can access similar savings through third party logistics (3PL) providers and shipping software. These platforms pool the shipping volume of all their users to negotiate excellent rates with carriers like UPS and FedEx, often saving you 40% to 50% or more. Our site can help you find the cheapest option and then point you to partners where you can buy discounted shipping labels online with no monthly fees.
The Bottom Line
The secret to finding the cheapest overnight shipping is to know that the “best” carrier changes with every package. By understanding the different services, paying attention to weight and dimensions, and always comparing carriers, you can get your shipments there on time without overspending.
Before your next urgent shipment, take a moment to compare shipping rates. It’s the smartest, fastest way to ensure you’re getting the best deal every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the absolute cheapest overnight shipping option?
It depends heavily on the package. For documents or lightweight items (under 2 pounds), the USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope is often the cheapest overnight shipping method. For heavier packages, UPS Next Day Air Saver or FedEx Standard Overnight are typically more cost effective.
Is UPS Next Day Air Saver cheaper than FedEx Standard Overnight?
They are very competitive as both offer end of day, next day delivery. The cheaper option varies by the specific route, package size, and any available discounts. The only way to know for sure is to compare them for your specific shipment.
How can I avoid high overnight shipping costs?
To keep costs down, use the smallest box possible to avoid dimensional weight charges, compare rates from all major carriers before you ship, and always purchase your postage online to access commercial discounts instead of paying higher retail prices.
Does USPS deliver Priority Mail Express on weekends?
Yes. Saturday delivery is included with Priority Mail Express at no extra charge, which is a significant advantage over other carriers that add a surcharge for it. For details on Sunday options, see our USPS Sunday delivery guide; holiday delivery is also available to many destinations for an additional fee.
Is it always cheaper to buy overnight shipping labels online?
Yes. Buying labels online through USPS Click N Ship or a multi carrier shipping platform will give you access to commercial rates, which are significantly lower than the retail prices you would pay at a carrier’s physical store location.
Can I get UPS or FedEx discounts without a business account?
Absolutely. By using a free shipping platform, you can access their pre negotiated 3PL discounts. This allows even casual shippers to save up to 50% or more on services like UPS Next Day Air without needing to ship in high volume.