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.
Is USPS or UPS cheaper for small packages?
USPS is almost always cheaper for small packages under 5 lbs. A 2 lb package shipping from New York to Los Angeles costs $9.50 via USPS Ground Advantage vs $16.85 via UPS Ground—a 44% savings. UPS only becomes competitive at 10+ lbs or when you need guaranteed delivery dates.
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
1 lb package, Zone 5 (coast to coast)
UPS Ground: $12.45 (+104%)
2 lb package, Zone 3 (regional)
UPS Ground: $11.20 (+44%)
3 lb Priority Mail Flat Rate
UPS Ground: $14.30 (+44%)
5 lb package, Zone 4
UPS Ground: $15.80 (+40%)
10 lb package, Zone 5
UPS Ground: $21.50 (+17%)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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When USPS Beats UPS for Small Packages
Pros
- ✓No residential delivery surcharge (saves $6.55/package)
- ✓Saturday delivery included at no extra cost
- ✓More favorable dimensional weight calculations
- ✓Free package pickup from your mailbox
- ✓Flat Rate options eliminate weight guessing
Cons
- ✗No guaranteed delivery dates on Ground Advantage
- ✗Tracking less detailed than UPS
- ✗Customer service harder to reach
- ✗No evening/weekend pickup options
When UPS Makes Sense for Small Packages
Pros
- ✓Guaranteed delivery dates with money-back promise
- ✓Superior tracking with real-time GPS
- ✓Easier claims process for lost/damaged packages
- ✓Better B2B delivery network
- ✓More pickup time flexibility
Cons
- ✗$6.55 residential surcharge on every home delivery
- ✗Dimensional weight hits smaller packages harder
- ✗No weekend delivery without expensive upgrades
- ✗Minimum $10-12 effective floor even for tiny packages
Real Cost Comparison: 1-10 lb Packages
Pro Tips to Save More
Use USPS Flat Rate for Dense Items
If your item weighs 5+ lbs but fits in a Small Flat Rate Box ($10.40), you beat both USPS and UPS weight-based rates.
Consider UPS for Business Addresses
Without the $6.55 residential surcharge, UPS becomes much more competitive for B2B shipping, especially at 5+ lbs.
Get USPS Commercial Rates
Commercial rates (via Pirate Ship, Shippo, etc.) save 10-20% off USPS retail. UPS rarely offers meaningful discounts without high volume.
Check Dimensional Weight
UPS uses 139 divisor, USPS uses 166. A 12x12x12 box is billed as 12.4 lbs by UPS but only 10.4 lbs by USPS.
Use Saturday Delivery Free
USPS delivers Saturdays automatically. UPS charges $18.50 for Saturday delivery.
Combine Carriers Strategically
Use USPS for residential small packages, UPS for B2B and 15+ lb shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS is significantly cheaper for 1 lb packages. USPS Ground Advantage costs $5.50-$8.50 depending on distance, while UPS Ground costs $12-$15+ after residential surcharges.
- UPS typically becomes competitive around 10-15 lbs and can be cheaper above 15-20 lbs, especially for long distances.
- UPS adds a $6.55 residential delivery surcharge to every home delivery, plus their base rates are higher for lightweight packages.
- UPS tracking is more detailed with real-time GPS updates. USPS tracking shows scans at facilities but less frequently.
- For packages under 5 lbs, USPS almost always. Both eBay and Amazon offer commercial USPS rates through their platforms.
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Related Shipping Guides
USPS Priority Mail Express offers overnight delivery at nearly half the cost of FedEx. Compare rates, guarantees, and coverage for your urgent shipments.
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.
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.
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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