June 30, 2023 •Deyman Doolittle
UPS and USPS are two major parcel carriers in the United States. Both companies offer an attractive range of small parcel shipping services, from speedy same-day shipping to standard 5-day ground shipping and bespoke shipping solutions.
So which of the two has cheaper rates for sending small boxes? Read on to get your answer.
Is UPS or USPS Cheaper for Small Packages?
UPS is a privately owned courier company, while USPS is a government agency, so their prices and offerings are bound to differ. Generally, USPS is cheaper than UPS but is slower in delivering packages.
For an accurate comparison, let's look at UPS and USPS small box delivery rates. We consider any box weighing 70 lbs and under a 'small box.'
| UPS Small Parcel Service |
|||||||
Weight |
UPS Next Day Air Early |
UPS Next Day Air |
UPS Next Day Air Saver |
UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. |
UPS 2nd Day Air |
UPS 3-Day Select |
UPS Ground |
| 1–10 pounds |
$65.00–$241.38 |
$35.00–$220.81 |
$31.71–$166.88 |
$23.64–$125.26 |
$21.64–$122.21 |
$13.66–$81.74 |
$10.10–$112.33 |
| 11–20 pounds |
$87.74–$336.20 |
$57.74–$334.89 |
$51.04–$244.25 |
$34.07–$204.68 |
$30.87–$185.36 |
$24.10–$131.10 |
$14.10–$166.06 |
| 21–30 pounds |
$104.81–$407.52 |
$74.81–$401.18 |
$68.28–$323.01 |
$52.04–$280.59 |
$46.53–$259.15 |
$33.51–$180.11 |
$16.69–$219.32 |
| 31–40 pounds |
$122.69–$489.82 |
$92.69–$473.74 |
$85.35–$391.28 |
$68.58–$368.28 |
$58.69–$335.80 |
$44.84–$226.57 |
$20.19–$265.35 |
| 41–50 pounds |
$145.49–$572.75 |
$115.49–$553.61 |
$104.26–$468.37 |
$85.90–$435.70 |
$76.65–$370.88 |
$54.94–$269.82 |
$23.03–$316.11 |
| 51–60 pounds |
$173.79–$698.48 |
$143.79–$681.86 |
$123.26–$571.10 |
$104.82–$511.04 |
$86.54–$440.32 |
$65.10–$315.87 |
$24.79–$366.36 |
| 61–70 pounds |
$200.53–$782.36 |
$170.53–$768.24 |
$144.21–$656.79 |
$116.75–$597.70 |
$101.07–$495.98 |
$73.06–$374.64 |
$26.03–$422.73 |
| USPS Service |
|||
| Weight |
Priority Mail Express |
Priority Mail |
USPS Retail Ground |
| 1–10 pounds |
$29.20–$158.55 |
$9.35–$104.50 |
$8.95–$40.90 |
| 11–20 pounds |
$49.05–$221.95 |
$15.95–$177.55 |
$15.20–$68.60 |
| 21–30 pounds |
$71.95–$308.15 |
$24.00–$231.75 |
$23.00–$95.60 |
| 31–40 pounds |
$98.55–$398.25 |
$34.25–$277.40 |
$34.05–$113.65 |
| 41–50 pounds |
$125.35–$494.15 |
$39.65–$314.90 |
$37.95–$127.85 |
| 51–60 pounds |
$151.70–$593.30 |
$43.15–$350.55 |
$40.85–$141.20 |
| 61–70 pounds |
$179.85–$688.20 |
$48.45–$401.35 |
$47.35–$161.75 |
We need to compare UPS' and USPS' similar services to determine which carrier is cheaper. Let's compare UPS Ground and USPS Retail Ground.
| Weight |
USPS Retail Ground |
UPS Ground |
| 1–10 pounds |
$8.95–$40.90 |
$10.10–$112.33 |
| 11–20 pounds |
$15.20–$68.60 |
$14.10–$166.06 |
| 21–30 pounds |
$23.00–$95.60 |
$16.69–$219.32 |
| 31–40 pounds |
$34.05–$113.65 |
$20.19–$265.35 |
| 41–50 pounds |
$37.95–$127.85 |
$23.03–$316.11 |
| 51–60 pounds |
$40.85–$141.20 |
$24.79–$366.36 |
| 61–70 pounds |
$47.35–$161.75 |
$26.03–$422.73 |
The data above shows that USPS Retail Ground has higher starting prices than UPS but lower prices on the upper end. From this, we can say that UPS is cheaper for sending small boxes to close destinations, but USPS is cheaper for sending small boxes to further away destinations.
For example, shipping a 41-pound box to the nearest zone will cost you $37.95 with USPS Ground and only $23.03 with UPS Ground. To ship the same box to the farthest zone, UPS will charge you $183.20, while USPS will charge you $115.45.
Is UPS or FedEx Faster For Shipping Small Boxes?
Regarding speed, the choice between FedEx and UPS depends on various factors such as package size, destination, and service level selected.
FedEx generally excels in express overnight and time-definite deliveries, while UPS offers a wider range of shipping options, including ground, air, and international services. In terms of transit times, both companies provide estimated delivery windows based on distance and service type.
For example, FedEx Express offers options like Priority Overnight, which guarantees next-day delivery by 10:30 a.m. in most areas, and Standard Overnight, promising delivery by the end of the next business day. UPS offers similar expedited services, such as Next Day Air and Next Day Air Saver, with similar delivery windows.
However, it is important to note that specific transit times and service availability can vary depending on the origin and destination of the shipment, as well as any potential disruptions like weather conditions or customs delays. It is advisable to check with each carrier directly or consult their websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on delivery times and option
Is UPS, USPS, or FedEx Faster For Shipping Small Packages?
When comparing shipping speed between UPS, USPS, and FedEx, it generally depends on the specific service chosen. UPS and FedEx, while having slightly different specialties and offerings, both primarily focus on express and time-definite deliveries. Together, UPS and FedEx offer faster options for expedited shipments in comparison to USPS.
However, USPS provides a range of services, including priority and first-class mail, which can have varying delivery times. While UPS and FedEx are often perceived as faster due to their emphasis on speed and reliability, USPS can offer competitive delivery speeds, especially for small parcel and certain domestic services.
Ultimately, the choice between the carriers should be based on the specific needs of your shipment, including destination, urgency, and budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions About UPS and USPS Small Box Shipping
Does package weight affect whether UPS or USPS is cheaper for small boxes?
USPS Retail Ground has higher starting rates than UPS Ground but lower rates at the upper end of the weight range. For packages in the 1-to-10-pound range, USPS Retail Ground starts at $8.95 versus $10.10 for UPS Ground, making USPS the lower-cost option at lighter weights. At heavier weights shipped to distant zones, USPS Retail Ground's upper-end rates remain lower than UPS Ground's upper-end rates.
Does shipping distance affect whether UPS Ground or USPS Retail Ground is cheaper for small boxes?
Yes, destination zone is a key factor. For short-distance shipments, UPS Ground is cheaper: a 41-pound box to the nearest zone costs $23.03 via UPS versus $37.95 via USPS. For the same box shipped to the farthest zone, USPS charges $115.45 compared to $183.20 for UPS, making USPS the lower-cost option for long-distance ground shipments.
What is the least expensive USPS shipping option for small boxes under 10 pounds?
USPS Retail Ground is the lowest-priced USPS service for small boxes, with rates starting at $8.95 for packages in the 1-to-10-pound range. Priority Mail Express, the fastest USPS option, starts at $29.20 for the same weight range. Shippers prioritizing the lowest cost over delivery speed should select Retail Ground.
What UPS shipping services are available for small boxes weighing under 10 pounds?
UPS offers seven service levels for small boxes in the 1-to-10-pound range: Next Day Air Early, Next Day Air, Next Day Air Saver, 2nd Day Air A.M., 2nd Day Air, 3-Day Select, and Ground. Rates across these services range from $10.10 for UPS Ground to $241.38 for Next Day Air Early in that weight tier. Ground is the most affordable UPS option for non-time-sensitive small box shipments.
What are the next-day delivery service options for small boxes from major carriers?
FedEx Priority Overnight and Standard Overnight target next-day delivery by 10:30 AM or end of business day, respectively, while UPS Next Day Air and Next Day Air Saver cover the same windows. Both services calculate transit times based on origin-to-destination zone and service level. Shippers can match their urgency and budget by selecting the appropriate tier from either carrier.