UPS Ground vs FedEx Ground: Which Carrier Should You Choose?
UPS and FedEx Ground are nearly identical in price and speed. Your choice should depend on pickup convenience, account discounts, and destination coverage.
Is UPS or FedEx Ground cheaper?
UPS and FedEx Ground rates are within 5% of each other at retail prices. The real difference comes from negotiated discounts—both carriers will match competitors rates for business accounts.
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
5 lb package, Zone 4
FedEx Ground: $14.60 (-2%)
10 lb package, Zone 5
FedEx Ground: $21.85 (+2%)
20 lb package, Zone 6
FedEx Ground: $33.20 (+1%)
50 lb package, Zone 4
FedEx Ground: $53.45 (+1%)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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UPS Ground: Reliable Network, Consistent Service
Pros
- ✓Guaranteed delivery dates with money-back promise
- ✓Largest ground delivery network in US
- ✓Excellent tracking with GPS updates
- ✓Strong B2B delivery infrastructure
Cons
- ✗$6.55 residential delivery surcharge
- ✗$31.45 surcharge for packages over 50 lbs
- ✗Fuel surcharges fluctuate (~15% currently)
FedEx Ground: Contractor Model, Competitive Rates
Pros
- ✓Saturday delivery included (Home Delivery)
- ✓Often more aggressive with discounts
- ✓FedEx SmartPost option for lightweight packages
Cons
- ✗No guaranteed delivery dates on Ground
- ✗Contractor model can mean variable service quality
- ✗$6.75 residential surcharge
Pro Tips to Save More
Negotiate with Both Carriers
Open accounts with both UPS and FedEx, then negotiate. Both will typically match or beat competitor discounts.
Use Rate Shopping Software
Tools like Shippo, ShipStation, and Easyship compare real-time UPS and FedEx rates.
Consider FedEx for Saturday Residential
FedEx Home Delivery includes Saturday delivery free. UPS Saturday delivery costs $18.50 extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
- At retail prices, UPS and FedEx Ground are within 5% of each other—essentially the same. The real savings come from negotiated rates.
- Both carriers have similar on-time delivery rates (95-97%). UPS offers guaranteed delivery dates with money-back promise.
- Absolutely—many businesses use both carriers and rate-shop each shipment.
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Related Shipping Guides
Both carriers offer excellent overnight service with delivery by 10:30 AM. Price differences are minimal—choose based on pickup convenience and negotiated rates.
USPS vs UPS: Which Carrier Wins for Small Packages?USPS typically saves 30-60% on packages under 5 lbs. See exactly when each carrier makes sense for your small package shipping needs.
How to Get the Cheapest UPS Shipping RatesUPS retail rates are expensive, but negotiated discounts of 30-70% are common. Learn how to access discounted UPS rates.
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