FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service are the three primary options available to transport packages in the United States. Individuals in addition to small enterprises may greatly benefit from the services provided by all three of them. One of these options can be superior to the others in light of the requirements that are specific to both you and your company. To that end, we should learn more about whether it is better to send a package through the post office.

send a package

UPS

You may be familiar with UPS because of its recognizable brown trucks and widespread network of shipping offices. UPS, which stands for “United Parcel Service,” is a prominent participant in the shipping sector that specializes in the efficient and safe delivery of packages. You may know them by another name. UPS is particularly well-liked by eCommerce retailers because of the company’s dependability and its thorough tracking system.

In spite of all of these positive aspects, however, UPS is not without its drawbacks. UPS’s services could come with a larger price tag than those of the United States Postal Service (USPS), depending on the size of the cargo.

UPS’s shipping rates and service fees are among the highest in the industry, yet this is not always the case. Among them is the fact that UPS imposes extra taxes and surcharges on top of its already high prices. Surcharges for things like gas and extra-long-range travel fall into this category. These costs are something to think about, particularly when shipping overseas.

USPS

The United States Postal Service is unique among these transport companies since it is a government department unto itself. USPS has the unenviable task of delivering mail to every home in the country. Of course, it’s vital to pay attention to the details regarding USPS holidays 2023 since mail will not be delivered or sent on the specified dates. On certain days, your postal carrier will not collect or deliver parcels. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a wonderful option for individuals on a tight budget who need to transport tiny, light packages.

Even though the US Postal Service has become more reliable in recent years, parcels still sometimes disappear. When packages are late or go missing, the USPS’s imperfect tracking system isn’t a comfort. If you need greater tracking capabilities for your packages, you’ll have to look into more expensive shipping options.

FedEx

If you’re a business owner searching for a speedy and reliable delivery solution, FedEx is your best bet. FedEx is highly recommended for overnight and next-day delivery. FedEx offers a wide range of international shipping services at a variety of pricing points and transit timeframes to meet your needs. FedEx excels in expedited delivery, bulky packages, and providing retailers with shipment tracking information.

FedEx’s rates look to be higher than USPS’s, however. Obviously, there will be exceptions, but this seems to be the general tendency. Possible contributors to this trend include delivery area levies and gas price hikes.

What is considered a package?

When it comes to shipping, the phrase “package” may be used to refer to any form of cargo, which can include tubes, envelopes, and packages of any size and weight. It is possible for packages to contain almost any kind of cargo, and they may be transported for almost any reason, including the following examples:

  • Individuals sending letters, packages, or other documents to their loved ones, friends, or enterprises located in other parts of the nation.
  • Long-distance movers who pack their belongings into enormous boxes and transport them to their new house.
  • Owners of businesses who transport things to consumers or to other areas from customers’ purchases.

item you are shipping

Special considerations

The item you are shipping

Whether you send your things in an envelope or a box will be determined by the size and weight of your cargo. This, in turn, will have an effect on the amount that you spend on shipping. Envelopes are a good option for shipping products that are light and not easily damaged, but for items that are delicate, precious, or heavy, boxes with the appropriate cushioning are the best option for ensuring that they remain undamaged during the voyage.

Weight

When sending heavy things, envelopes and padded mailers are not the best options; instead, heavy items should be placed inside boxes. Nevertheless, packages of any weight, but particularly those that are hefty, present a higher potential for damage and may be prohibitively costly to send by mail or through parcel delivery services. If it is at all practicable, dividing a large shipment into two or smaller shipments may help you save expenses and improve the safety of your freight. Make sure that you verify the specifications of your boxes; the bottom of each one ought to have a maximum weight restriction written on it.

Dimensional weight

You’ll need to be familiar with a concept known as “dimensional weight” in order to send enormous products that are relatively light in weight. If your shipment is subject to dimensional weight pricing, the anticipated weight of the box will be used to calculate the shipping charges rather than the actual weight of the product. This means that the length, breadth, and height of the package will be taken into account. When evaluating your shipping expenses, be sure to take into account the “dimensional weight factor” of each carrier. Dimensional weight is priced differently by each carrier.

 

There are three major players in the delivery industry: the United States Postal Service (USPS), the United Parcel Service (UPS), and Federal Express (FedEx). While assessing the services, keep in mind the following three factors: quickness, cost, and dependability. You may use this to settle on the best course of action and stick with it.