What's the Differences Between UPS and USPS? A Complete Comparison
Reliable shipping is important for both individuals and businesses. The right carrier can make it easier to send packages on time while keeping shipping costs under control.
In the United States, UPS and USPS are two widely used shipping options. But they differ in delivery options, pricing, package limits, and other features. Understanding these differences can help you choose the service that better fits your shipping needs.
Know UPS and USPS Before You Choose
Whether you use UPS or USPS with a thermal printer for shipping labels or for everyday personal and business shipping, it helps to understand how each carrier works. Before comparing them, let's first look at what UPS and USPS are.
What is UPS?
United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global shipping and logistics company founded in Seattle in 1907. It started as a small messenger service and has since developed into a major carrier serving both domestic and international shipping needs. It offers services ranging from ground and express delivery to freight and international shipping.
Key features include:
- Detailed package tracking
- Time-definite express delivery options
- Pickup and delivery services
- Domestic and international shipping
- Additional options such as declared value coverage and delivery confirmation
What is USPS?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that provides mail and package delivery services across the country. Its current structure was established under the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970.
Key features include:
- Nationwide mail and package delivery
- Multiple mailing and shipping service options
- Priority Mail Flat Rate options
- PO Box and mail forwarding services
- Online shipping tools and postage options
- Saturday delivery for many services
Differences between UPS and USPS: Which is Right for You?
Here are some key aspects to consider.
UPS vs USPS: Shipping Services
UPS offers domestic package delivery services with different options based on delivery speed and shipping needs:
UPS Ground
UPS Ground is an economical option for domestic packages that do not require expedited delivery. Delivery generally takes 1–5 business days. Packages can weigh up to 150 lbs.
UPS 3 Day Select®
UPS 3 Day Select is designed for shipments that need to arrive within three business days but do not require overnight or two-day delivery. It is available across the 48 contiguous states.
UPS 2nd Day Air®
UPS 2nd Day Air is designed for packages that need second-business-day delivery. It is available across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, although some limitations apply in Alaska and Hawaii.
UPS Next Day Air®
UPS Next Day Air is designed for urgent packages that need next-business-day delivery. UPS provides different options based on the required delivery time, including Next Day Air Early, Next Day Air, and Next Day Air Saver.
Localized Same-Day Delivery with Roadie
Provides local same-day delivery for a wide range of items, including oversized and bulky goods, with 2-hour, 4-hour, and end-of-day delivery options.
UPS Express Critical®
Provides UPS's fastest service for urgent and time-sensitive freight shipments, with customized transportation solutions available 24/7/365.
UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Provides freight and logistics services for shipments over 150 lbs., including air and ocean freight, warehousing, fulfillment, customs brokerage, and transportation management.
UPS Ground with Freight Pricing
Offers a cost-saving ground option for qualifying business shipments, with day-definite delivery and no need to enter package dimensions.
USPS offers a range of domestic shipping services for different delivery speeds, package types, and budgets:
First-Class Mail®
First-Class Mail is mainly used for postcards, letters, and large envelopes. Letters can weigh up to 3.5 oz, while large envelopes can weigh up to 13 oz. Delivery generally takes 1–5 business days.
USPS Ground Advantage®
USPS Ground Advantage is an affordable option for domestic packages. It offers expected delivery in 2–5 days, includes USPS Tracking®, and accepts packages weighing up to 70 lbs.
Priority Mail®
Priority Mail is designed for faster domestic package delivery. It generally provides expected delivery in 2–3 days, supports packages up to 70 lbs, and offers Flat Rate options.
Priority Mail Express®
Priority Mail Express is USPS's fastest domestic shipping service, with 1–3 day delivery. It includes tracking and up to $100 of insurance coverage, with a money-back guarantee subject to applicable terms.
Media Mail®
Media Mail is a lower-cost option for eligible educational and media materials. Expected delivery is generally 2–8 days, and restrictions apply to what can be shipped.
UPS vs USPS: Which is Cheaper?
USPS is generally more cost-effective for smaller and lighter packages, while UPS can offer cheaper services for larger or heavier shipments, especially for businesses shipping in volume. However, the cheaper option depends on the specific package and service.
For this part, weight and size are important factors in shipping costs. USPS generally limits domestic packages to 70 lbs, while UPS accepts packages up to 150 lbs, with a maximum length of 108 inches and up to 165 inches in length and girth combined. Package dimensions can also affect the price, as both carriers may use dimensional-weight pricing for qualifying shipments.
For businesses that ship regularly, controlling costs also goes beyond choosing a carrier. Using a shipping label printer to print standard 4 × 6 shipping labels can simplify package preparation and improve the efficiency of a growing shipping workflow.
UPS vs USPS: Which is Faster?
UPS and USPS delivery times depend on the shipping service, origin, and destination. Weather and shipping volume can also affect the actual delivery date. Here's a general comparison of their delivery times:
| Service Level | UPS | USPS |
| Overnight / Urgent Delivery |
UPS Next Day Air®: Time-definite next-day delivery; Local same-day delivery through Roadie and UPS Express Critical® for time-sensitive freight. |
Priority Mail Express®: 1–3 days, with date-certain delivery and a money-back guarantee subject to USPS terms. |
| 2-Day Delivery | UPS 2nd Day Air®: Designed for delivery on the second business day. Saturday delivery is available. | Priority Mail Express®: 1–3 days, with date-certain delivery and a money-back guarantee subject to USPS terms. |
| 3-Day Delivery | UPS 3 Day Select®: Designed for shipments that need delivery within three business days. Saturday delivery is available. | Priority Mail®: Expected delivery in 2–3 business days. |
| Economy Ground | UPS Ground: Delivery in 1–5 business days. | USPS Ground Advantage®: Expected delivery in 2–5 business days. |
| Small Packages & Envelopes | UPS Ground or UPS 3-Day Select | First-Class Mail®: 1–5 business days for eligible postcards, letters, and large envelopes. |
| Media & Educational Materials | UPS Ground can be used for eligible packaged items. | Media Mail®: 2–8 days for eligible books, media, and educational materials. |
So which is faster? UPS provides fast delivery options for larger packages, including Next Day Air and other time-definite express services. It also provides same-day delivery through Roadie and UPS Express Critical® for urgent shipments.
USPS offers fast domestic shipping through Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, making it a practical option for letters and smaller packages that need to arrive quickly.
UPS vs USPS: Tracking and Delivery Options
Both carriers provide package tracking, but their pickup and delivery options differ.
UPS provides detailed tracking with frequent shipment updates, making it useful for time-sensitive deliveries. USPS also includes tracking with major services such as Priority Mail Express, but tracking details may be more limited for some USPS services than UPS.
However, tracking detail and update frequency can vary by service. For important shipments, compare the tracking features and delivery commitments included with the specific UPS or USPS service you choose.
UPS vs USPS: Insurance and Extra Services
UPS offers declared value coverage and signature services, while USPS includes up to $100 of insurance with Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and Ground Advantage. USPS also offers additional insurance and signature services for eligible shipments.
For valuable or fragile products, businesses can also use secure packaging to help protect items from damage during transit.
UPS vs USPS for International Shipping
Both UPS and USPS offer international shipping services, but they provide different options depending on how quickly you need the shipment to arrive.
| Shipping Need | UPS | USPS |
| Urgent Delivery | UPS Express Critical®: same-day options for urgent shipments | Priority Mail Express International®: 3–5 business days |
| Fast International Shipping | UPS Worldwide Express® / Worldwide Saver®: 1–3 business days | Priority Mail Express International®: 3–5 business days |
| Standard International Shipping | UPS Worldwide Expedited®: 2–5 business days | Priority Mail International®: 6–10 business days |
| Economy / Less Urgent | UPS Standard: 2–7 business days for eligible destinations | First-Class Package International Service®: delivery time varies by destination |
Wrap Up
Both UPS and USPS offer a wide range of shipping services, but the right choice depends on your specific needs. Package size and weight, delivery speed, destination, shipping cost, and additional services can all affect which carrier works better for a particular shipment.
Before shipping, compare the available services and current rates from both carriers. Once you choose the right option, a shipping label printer can make it easier to print clear shipping labels and prepare packages efficiently, especially if you handle regular business orders.
FAQs
Can I Ship With Both UPS and USPS for My Business?
Yes. A business does not have to use the same carrier for every order. You can choose UPS or USPS based on each shipment's package size, destination, delivery requirements, and cost.
This can be especially useful for e-commerce businesses handling different types of orders.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing UPS or USPS?
Start with the package itself and your delivery requirements. Consider its weight and dimensions, destination, required arrival time, tracking needs, and total shipping cost.
Businesses should compare the available services for each shipment rather than choosing a carrier based on price alone.
Is UPS or USPS Better for Medium and Large Packages?
UPS can be a practical choice for medium and large packages, especially when the shipment is heavier. Services such as UPS Ground® provide tracking and reliable ground delivery. USPS is often more economical for smaller and lighter packages, so it is worth comparing both carriers as package weight and size increase.
Which Has Faster Delivery, UPS or USPS?
Delivery speed depends on the service you select. USPS Priority Mail offers fast delivery for many domestic packages, while UPS provides time-definite express options such as UPS Next Day Air® and UPS 2nd Day Air®. If delivery time is important, compare the specific services available for your shipment rather than the carriers alone.
Can I Use Both UPS and USPS with Shopify?
Yes. Shopify supports shipping with both UPS and USPS, as well as other carriers for domestic and international orders.