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.
Is USPS or FedEx cheaper for overnight shipping?
USPS Priority Mail Express is significantly cheaper—typically 40-50% less than FedEx Priority Overnight. A 2 lb overnight package from New York to Chicago costs $28.75 via USPS vs $52.40 via FedEx.
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
1 lb overnight, Zone 4
FedEx Priority Overnight: $48.90 (+86%)
2 lb overnight, Zone 5
FedEx Priority Overnight: $58.20 (+79%)
5 lb overnight, Zone 3
FedEx Priority Overnight: $72.50 (+58%)
Flat Rate Envelope overnight
FedEx Envelope: $35.60 (+24%)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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USPS Priority Mail Express: Budget Overnight
Pros
- ✓40-50% cheaper than FedEx Priority Overnight
- ✓Money-back guarantee on delivery date
- ✓$100 insurance included
- ✓Flat Rate options for predictable pricing
- ✓Saturday and holiday delivery available
Cons
- ✗Later delivery times (noon-3 PM vs 10:30 AM)
- ✗Less coverage in very remote areas
- ✗No time-definite options
- ✗Tracking less real-time than FedEx
FedEx Priority Overnight: Premium Speed
Pros
- ✓Guaranteed delivery by 10:30 AM
- ✓Near-universal US coverage including remote areas
- ✓Multiple overnight tiers
- ✓Real-time GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗50-80% more expensive than USPS overnight
- ✗Residential surcharges add $6.50+
- ✗Fuel surcharges fluctuate
Pro Tips to Save More
Use USPS Flat Rate Express Envelopes
The Express Flat Rate Envelope ($28.75) ships anything under 0.5 lbs overnight.
Check USPS Overnight Coverage
Not all ZIP codes get USPS overnight. Check delivery commitments at usps.com before shipping.
Ship Saturday with USPS Free
USPS Priority Mail Express delivers Saturdays automatically. FedEx charges $18.50 extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, USPS Priority Mail Express offers overnight delivery to most ZIP codes. Check delivery commitment when creating your label.
- Yes, USPS Priority Mail Express includes a money-back guarantee if your package arrives after the guaranteed delivery date.
- USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope at $28.75 is the cheapest overnight option for items under 0.5 lbs.
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Related Shipping Guides
USPS typically saves 30-60% on packages under 5 lbs. See exactly when each carrier makes sense for your small package shipping needs.
UPS vs FedEx Overnight Shipping: Complete ComparisonBoth carriers offer excellent overnight service with delivery by 10:30 AM. Price differences are minimal—choose based on pickup convenience and negotiated rates.
How to Get the Cheapest USPS Shipping RatesCommercial USPS rates save 10-40% vs retail. Use the right service for each package and access commercial pricing through free platforms.
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