UPS vs FedEx
Compare rates, delivery times, and services. Find the best carrier for your shipment.
UPS
Best for: Heavy packages and e-commerce businesses
✓ Pros
- •Extensive global network
- •Excellent for heavy packages
- •My Choice notifications
- •Strong business services
- •Consistent delivery times
✗ Cons
- •Higher rates for express shipping
- •Fuel surcharges (12.5%)
- •Residential surcharges
- •Complex pricing tiers
FedEx
Best for: Express shipping and fragile items
✓ Pros
- •Faster ground shipping
- •Best overnight express rates
- •Money-back guarantee
- •FedEx Home Delivery for weekends
- •Excellent for fragile items
✗ Cons
- •Higher residential surcharges
- •Fuel surcharges (10-15%)
- •Limited drop-off hours at some locations
- •Can be pricey for small packages
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | UPS | FedEx | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground (5 lbs, Zone 4) | $14.75 | $15.25 | UPS |
| Ground (20 lbs, Zone 4) | $24.50 | $23.75 | FedEx |
| Overnight (2 lbs) | $32.50 | $28.50 | FedEx |
| 2-Day (5 lbs) | $18.25 | $17.50 | FedEx |
| Ground Transit Time | 1-5 days | 1-5 days | Tie |
| Tracking Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Saturday Delivery | Extra fee | Included (Home) | FedEx |
| Package Insurance | $100 free | $100 free | Tie |
Our Verdict
UPS and FedEx are closely matched. UPS edges out for regular ground shipping and heavy packages, while FedEx wins for express and overnight services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is UPS or FedEx cheaper?
They're very close in price. UPS tends to be slightly cheaper for ground shipping, while FedEx often has better express rates. ShipWave shows you both so you can pick the best deal.
Which is better for overnight shipping?
FedEx Priority Overnight is typically $2-5 cheaper than UPS Next Day Air, though both are reliable. FedEx also offers a money-back guarantee.
UPS or FedEx for fragile items?
FedEx is often preferred for fragile items due to their slightly gentler handling reputation, but both offer similar declared value coverage.