Finding the Best Price: Which Is Cheaper UPS or USPS?
When asking the question, which is cheaper: UPS or USPS? The simple answer depends on a number of factors. What do you want to send? A letter, a small or large package? Where are you sending it and how quickly do you want it to get there? With any service, heavier packages or quicker services will mean paying more. One of the easiest ways to always pick the cheapest shipping is to use a multi-carrier software like EasyShip. It shows you prices from all the carriers and you can pick the cheapest carrier for your particular shipment.
How important is shipping cost to customers?
Whether you want to send a parcel to a friend or are an online business, finding the best rates and a reliable, cost-effective shipping company is important. If you shop around, you will most definitely get the best rates, especially if you can ship at high volumes.
Shipping costs are a very important part of any e-commerce business, so getting the best rates can be the difference between making a profit or loss in a highly competitive environment. As a business, you want to find the cheapest way to ship packages. So, to help you in getting the best rates, we did some digging to find out: which is cheaper UPS or USPS?
In 2020 Forbes reported that UPS, in terms of stock value, was the top dividend of the Dow Transports. This demonstrates its strength as a company. Unlike USPS, UPS is an independent company. USPS on the other hand is not a corporation but an independent agency of the US federal government. As a government agency bound by a universal service obligation (USO), the USPS is required to provide mail services to everyone, regardless of where they live. Often times, UPS won’t deliver to a place you need and they will end up having the USPS take over on the last leg of delivery. Take a look at the table below to give you a quick overview of what we have found in terms of UPS vs. USPS Pro’s and Con’s.
| UPS PROS | UPS CONS | USPS PROS | USPS CONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent Tracking | Costs extra for Saturday delivery | Known for its better value | Known to be less reliable than UPS especially in relation to tracking information |
| Good rates for packages over 20 lbs | Pickup is not free | On time delivery (& delivers on Saturdays) | Known for poor customer service |
| Volume discounts | Extra fees and charges | Has Click-n-Ship option on website (to send from office or home) | |
| Excellent reputation for quick delivery | Generally, more expensive than USPS for lighter packages | 3 different pick-up options | |
| Known for being very reliable | Free shipping supplies for varying size letters and packages | ||
| Can deliver to PO Boxes |
Finding the cheapest shipping option is of utmost importance. However, you also want to get value for your money while getting the best service. This includes delivery times, not being penalized for heavier parcels, and reliable tracking and delivery.
To be fair, there is a lot to consider when choosing the best shipping partner. Is a speedy delivery important for you as well as accurate tracking, customer service, and on time delivery?
The following tables will give you some pricing examples to help you in deciding what route is best for you. With so many options now available, getting accurate pricing depends on a lot of factors. There is no one size fits all especially in terms of shipping companies. However, this will give you an overview of the pricing landscape between UPS and USPS.
USPS Pricing Examples
| Service | Delivery | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail | 1-3 Business Days | Prices start at $7.70 |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate | 1-3 Business Days | Prices start at $7.70 |
| Priority Mail Express | Overnight – 2 Business Days | Prices start at $26.35 |
| Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope | Overnight – 2 Business Days | Prices start at $26.35 |
| Priority Mail Express International | 3–5 Business Days | Prices start at $45.95 |
| Global Express Guaranteed | 1–3 Business Days | Prices start at $67.80 |
| Priority Mail International | 6–10 Business Days | Prices start at $28.50 |
| First-Class Package International Service | Varies | Prices start at $14.25 |
UPS PRICING Examples
| Service | Delivery | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic UPS Next Day Air® Early Letters | Overnight delivery | Cheapest prices start at $56.59 - $92.14This will increase depending on zones. |
| Domestic UPS Next Day Air® Early Packages up to 36lbs | Next day delivery | Prices start at$126.49 - $403.16This will increase depending on zones. |
| Domestic UPS Next Day Air® Early packages up to 76lbs | Next day delivery | Prices start at $222.12 - $751.67This will increase depending on zones. |
| UPS Worldwide Express®Letter | Next day delivery | Prices start at$49.02 - $71.02 |
| UPS Worldwide Express®Packages starting at 26lbs | Varies | Prices start at $303.87 - $550.42 |
When you take all the variables into account there are a number of aspects that may surpass the final price. For example, Do you need next day service? Are there service restrictions on the products or items you need to send? Or are you shipping lighter items (you’ll save a lot with USPS First Class Parcel) or are they 2lbs or heavier?
In terms of price and to answer our main question, who is the cheapest, USPS vs UPS?
Ultimately, UPS is more expensive but provides more services in terms of time sensitive deliveries. Also known for their extremely accurate tracking, this is one of their major benefits over USPS.
Small businesses are also offered such advantages as efficient ordering, free self adhesive labels, and tracking, as well as UPS access points. This is an authorized site where packages can be delivered if online shoppers are not home. Places include the UPS Store, Advance Auto Parts, CVS, and Michael’s. It prevents the inefficient process of multiple delivery attempts and can save all parties involved time and money. UPS is also your best bet if you want something delivered by the next day.
However, if you want a cheaper option, USPS offer cheaper shipping for international options and they also have the added benefit of free flat rate boxes and free pick-ups. These supplies are available to order online. This is a wonderful service, especially if you are a small business and want to cut costs as much as possible. A huge bonus if you ask us!
Our advice is to check shipping prices against delivery times and choose what works best for you from there. An easy way to do that is to use a multi-carrier shipping software like EasyShip. Don’t get dismayed with all the different options. Once you find the best fit for you, it will most definitely save you in the long run.