USPS vs UPS
Compare rates, delivery times, and services. Find the best carrier for your shipment.
USPS
Best for: Small, lightweight packages and Media Mail
✓ Pros
- •Cheapest option for lightweight packages under 1 lb
- •Free package pickup from your mailbox
- •Saturday and Sunday delivery options
- •Best rates for Media Mail (books, DVDs)
- •No fuel surcharges
✗ Cons
- •Less reliable tracking updates
- •Slower ground shipping (3-8 days)
- •Limited customer service hours
- •No guaranteed delivery times for standard services
UPS
Best for: Heavier packages and time-sensitive shipments
✓ Pros
- •More reliable and consistent delivery times
- •Better tracking with real-time updates
- •Stronger damage protection
- •Weekend and evening delivery options
- •Better for heavy packages (over 5 lbs)
✗ Cons
- •Higher base rates for small packages
- •Fuel surcharges can add 10-15%
- •No mailbox pickup
- •More expensive for rural deliveries
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | USPS | UPS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Package (1 lb, Zone 4) | $4.50 | $9.25 | USPS |
| Medium Package (5 lbs, Zone 4) | $12.50 | $14.75 | USPS |
| Large Package (20 lbs, Zone 4) | $28.00 | $24.50 | UPS |
| Tracking Quality | Basic | Detailed | UPS |
| Ground Delivery Time | 3-8 days | 1-5 days | UPS |
| Weekend Delivery | Available | Available | Tie |
| Fuel Surcharges | None | 12.5% | USPS |
| Free Pickup | Yes (mailbox) | Yes (scheduled) | Tie |
Our Verdict
USPS wins for packages under 5 lbs, while UPS is better for heavier packages and when delivery reliability matters most.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is USPS or UPS cheaper?
USPS is typically cheaper for lightweight packages under 5 lbs, while UPS often has better rates for heavier packages over 10 lbs. Through ShipWave, you can save up to 54% on both carriers.
Which is faster, USPS or UPS?
UPS Ground (1-5 days) is generally faster than USPS Ground (3-8 days). For express shipping, both offer overnight and 2-day options at similar speeds but different prices.
Is UPS more reliable than USPS?
UPS has slightly better on-time delivery rates and more detailed tracking. However, USPS has improved significantly and is reliable for most shipments.