UPS vs FedEx Overnight Shipping: Complete Comparison
Both carriers offer excellent overnight service with delivery by 10:30 AM. Price differences are minimal—choose based on pickup convenience and negotiated rates.
Is UPS or FedEx overnight shipping cheaper?
UPS Next Day Air and FedEx Priority Overnight are priced within 3-5% of each other at retail rates. Both deliver by 10:30 AM to businesses with money-back guarantees.
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
1 lb overnight, Zone 3
FedEx Priority Overnight: $44.85 (-2%)
2 lb overnight, Zone 5
FedEx Priority Overnight: $56.80 (+3%)
5 lb overnight, Zone 4
FedEx Priority Overnight: $74.15 (+2%)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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UPS Next Day Air Services
Pros
- ✓Three overnight tiers for different urgency levels
- ✓Guaranteed delivery times with money-back promise
- ✓Largest overnight air network
- ✓Excellent tracking with real-time GPS
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing
- ✗Residential surcharge adds $6.55
- ✗Saturday delivery costs extra ($18.50)
FedEx Priority Overnight Services
Pros
- ✓Pioneer of overnight shipping
- ✓Three overnight tiers matching UPS
- ✓Often more aggressive discounts
- ✓Strong international express options
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing comparable to UPS
- ✗Residential surcharge ($6.75)
- ✗Saturday delivery extra cost
Pro Tips to Save More
Use Saver Services When Possible
UPS Next Day Air Saver and FedEx Standard Overnight (by 3 PM) cost 10-15% less than morning delivery options.
Compare USPS Priority Mail Express
USPS overnight shipping costs 40-50% less than UPS/FedEx when afternoon delivery is acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- At retail prices, both cost within 3-5% of each other. The real difference comes from negotiated rates.
- Both guarantee delivery by 10:30 AM to most business addresses. Saver/Standard options deliver by 3 PM.
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Related Shipping Guides
UPS and FedEx Ground are nearly identical in price and speed. Your choice should depend on pickup convenience, account discounts, and destination coverage.
USPS vs FedEx Overnight: Which Delivers Best Value?USPS Priority Mail Express offers overnight delivery at nearly half the cost of FedEx. Compare rates, guarantees, and coverage for your urgent shipments.
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.
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