Compare Overnight Shipping Rates: 2026 Carrier Guide

• 10 min read

The fastest way to compare overnight shipping rates is by using a multi-carrier shipping calculator. This allows you to see the discounted prices from USPS, UPS, and FedEx side-by-side in a single search. This approach is superior to checking carrier websites individually because it instantly accounts for variables like dimensional weight and surcharges, showing you the true cost for your specific package.

This guide breaks down everything else you need to know to confidently compare overnight shipping rates. We will explore the differences between USPS, UPS, and FedEx, decode what actually goes into the price, and show you the smartest way to find the best deal for your specific shipment.

USPS vs. UPS vs. FedEx: The Main Event

When you need to ship something overnight, you’re usually choosing between three main players. Each has its own strengths, and the best choice when you compare overnight shipping rates often depends on your package’s weight, destination, and your budget.

USPS Priority Mail Express: The Value Option

The United States Postal Service offers Priority Mail Express, its fastest domestic service. It’s often the go to choice for individuals and small businesses looking for a balance of speed and affordability.

  • Cost and Coverage: USPS is frequently the most affordable overnight option, especially for small, lightweight packages. A Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope, for instance, offers a fantastic deal for sending documents or small items anywhere in the U.S. for a single price. USPS guarantees overnight delivery to most U.S. destinations, with a 2 day guarantee for more remote areas.
  • Key Features: One of the biggest perks is that Saturday delivery is included at no extra charge. While UPS and FedEx add a hefty fee for weekend service, USPS considers it a standard delivery day. They also don’t tack on residential or fuel surcharges, so the price you see is generally the price you pay. Plus, every shipment includes tracking and $100 of insurance.

UPS Next Day Air: The Reliable Workhorse

UPS is a giant in the logistics world, known for its reliability and detailed tracking. Their overnight service, UPS Next Day Air, comes in three main flavors to let you balance speed and cost.

  • Service Tiers: You can choose Next Day Air Early for delivery as early as 8:00 AM, the standard Next Day Air for a 10:30 AM delivery, or the more economical Next Day Air Saver for guaranteed delivery by the end of the next day.
  • Best For: UPS often shines when you need to compare overnight shipping rates for heavier packages. While USPS has a 70 lb limit, UPS can handle parcels up to 150 lbs. For very heavy boxes, check our 50 lb UPS vs. USPS comparison. Their rates can be more competitive than FedEx for packages in the 5 lb to 20 lb range and up. If you’re shipping around 20 lbs, see our 20 lb UPS vs. USPS comparison to spot the cheapest option. Keep in mind that UPS adds surcharges for things like fuel and residential delivery, which can increase the final cost.

FedEx Overnight: The Speed Specialist

FedEx built its reputation on express shipping, and it’s often the top choice for time critical deliveries. Like UPS, FedEx Overnight is a suite of services with different delivery times.

  • Service Tiers: The options include FedEx First Overnight for delivery by 8:00 or 8:30 AM, FedEx Priority Overnight for mid morning delivery by 10:30 AM, and FedEx Standard Overnight for afternoon delivery by 4:30 PM.
  • Best For: FedEx is widely considered the leader for shipments that absolutely must arrive first thing in the morning. They are a premier carrier for business to business deliveries and specialized shipments that require careful handling. While its list prices can be slightly higher than UPS, deep discounts available through shipping software can sometimes make FedEx the cheaper option.

Beyond the Label: What Really Drives Overnight Costs?

The carrier is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly compare overnight shipping rates, you need to understand the key factors that determine your final price.

Rate by Weight and Zone

The two most basic factors are your package’s weight and the distance it has to travel.

  • Weight: Heavier packages cost more because they take up more capacity and require more fuel. A 10 lb package will have a significantly higher base rate than a 1 lb package going to the same place.
  • Zone: Carriers use shipping zones to measure distance. A shipment from New York to New Jersey might be Zone 2, while New York to California is Zone 8. The higher the zone, the higher the cost. The “starting at” prices you see advertised are almost always for a lightweight package going to a nearby zone.

The Dimensional Weight Effect

Have you ever shipped a large, light box and been shocked by the bill? That’s likely due to dimensional weight (or DIM weight). Carriers use this formula to charge for the space a package takes up, a critical factor to understand as you compare overnight shipping rates.

The calculation is typically (Length x Width x Height) / Divisor. For UPS and FedEx, that divisor is 139. For example, a 12x12x12 inch box that weighs only 5 pounds will be billed as if it weighs 13 pounds because of its size. To avoid surprise charges, always use the smallest box that will safely fit your item. For a full walkthrough of DIM weight, zones, and fees, see how to calculate shipping costs.

The Big Impact of Surcharges and Discounts

The sticker price is rarely the final price, especially with UPS and FedEx.

  • Surcharges: These are extra fees added on top of the base rate. Common ones include fuel surcharges (which hovered around 20% in late 2025), residential delivery fees (about $4), and Saturday delivery fees (around $16). These can add up quickly.
  • Discounts: On the other hand, almost nobody should pay full retail price. Printing postage online automatically unlocks commercial pricing from USPS, saving you up to 15% on Priority Mail Express. Using free shipping software can give you access to even deeper shipping discounts, with savings of up to 90% off FedEx list rates in some cases.

Choosing Your Service Level

Once you understand the costs, you need to match a service to your specific needs.

The Speed vs. Cost Trade Off

How early tomorrow does your package really need to arrive? The answer has a big impact on your wallet when you compare overnight shipping rates.

  • Early AM Delivery: Services like FedEx First Overnight and UPS Next Day Air Early get your package there by 8:30 AM but command the highest prices.
  • Mid Morning Delivery: Options like FedEx Priority Overnight and UPS Next Day Air (Standard) deliver by 10:30 AM for a more moderate premium.
  • End of Day Delivery: The most economical overnight choices are FedEx Standard Overnight and UPS Next Day Air Saver, which guarantee delivery by the end of the business day. If your recipient doesn’t need the item first thing, choosing an end of day service can save you a significant amount of money.

Who Is the Absolute Fastest?

When every minute counts, FedEx First Overnight and UPS Next Day Air Early are the top contenders, both promising delivery as early as 8:00 AM to many major cities. Industry analysis often gives FedEx a slight edge for its performance and coverage on these ultra urgent shipments.

The Saturday Delivery Question

If you ship on a Friday, will your package arrive on Saturday or Monday? If you can’t make it to the post office, you can schedule a free USPS pickup to meet the deadline.

  • USPS: Includes Saturday delivery automatically with Priority Mail Express at no extra cost.
  • UPS & FedEx: Treat Saturday as a special service. You must select and pay an extra fee (often around $16) for Saturday delivery on overnight packages. If you don’t, your Friday shipment will arrive on Monday.

What’s New? 2026 Overnight Rate Changes

Shipping rates aren’t static. Each year, carriers adjust their prices. For 2026, both UPS and FedEx announced an average rate increase of 5.9% for their services. USPS followed with a slightly smaller average increase of 5.1% for Priority Mail Express. For carrier-by-carrier examples, see our USPS shipping rates chart and calculator. These changes mean that the carrier that was cheapest for you last year might not be the cheapest this year, making it more important than ever to compare overnight shipping rates for every shipment.

The Secret Weapon: Using a Multi Carrier Rate Calculator

Jumping between carrier websites to manually compare overnight shipping rates is slow and inefficient. A multi carrier shipping rate calculator is a tool that does the hard work for you. By entering your package details once, you can see all your options from USPS, UPS, and FedEx on a single screen.

These tools not only save time but also money. They often display the discounted commercial rates you can get by printing labels online, not the expensive retail rates you’d pay at the counter. The best way to compare overnight shipping rates is to use a free tool that shows you these real world costs. An online shipping calculator can instantly show you the cheapest and fastest options, so you can ship smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to ship a small package overnight?

For lightweight packages (under 5 lbs), USPS Priority Mail Express is often the cheapest option. Its Flat Rate Envelope is particularly cost effective for documents and small items, and it includes Saturday delivery for free. For more detail, read Is Priority Mail Express the best overnight shipping service?

Which is faster, FedEx Overnight or UPS Next Day Air?

Both offer premium services (FedEx First Overnight and UPS Next Day Air Early) that deliver as early as 8:00 AM. FedEx is often cited as having a slight edge for the absolute earliest, most time critical deliveries.

Do overnight packages get delivered on Saturdays?

Yes, but the cost varies. USPS includes Saturday delivery at no extra charge with Priority Mail Express. UPS and FedEx offer it as an add on service for an extra fee, typically around $16.

Why is my overnight shipping so expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high cost. You’re paying for speed, which involves premium air transport. The cost is also determined by your package’s weight, dimensions (dimensional weight), and the distance it’s traveling (shipping zone). Finally, surcharges for fuel and residential delivery can add 20% or more to the base rate.

How can I compare overnight shipping rates from all carriers at once?

The easiest method is to use a multi carrier rate comparison tool. Websites like the Online Shipping Calculator allow you to enter your shipment details once and see estimates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx side by side, saving you time and helping you find the best price.

Did overnight shipping rates go up in 2026?

Yes. In 2026, UPS and FedEx implemented an average rate increase of 5.9%, while USPS increased its Priority Mail Express rates by an average of 5.1%.