UPS vs USPS: Which Shipping Service Is Best in 2025?

Although UPS and USPS differ by just one letter “s”, they are two of the biggest names in US shipping. Both offer a wide range of services, but they operate differently, which makes choosing between them a bit tricky. Some people prioritize cost, while others focus on speed, reliability, or special features.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between UPS and USPS, comparing their pricing, delivery speed, and shipping options. We’ll also help you figure out which one is the best fit for different shipping needs—whether you’re sending small packages, bulk shipments, or urgent deliveries.

Overview of UPS and USPS

Let’s start with a quick look at what each company offers.

UPS shipping

UPS, short for United Parcel Service, was founded in 1907. Today, it’s one of the world’s largest package delivery companies, operating in over 200 countries. In 2023, UPS generated about $91 billion in revenue. They offer a range of services—from UPS Ground and UPS 3-Day Select to UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS Next Day Air—to meet a variety of customer needs.

USPS shipping

USPS, the United States Postal Service, has been around since 1775 and is government-run. It provides postal services throughout the US and covers some international routes. In 2023, the USPS handled 116.2 billion pieces of mail, contributing around $78.2 billion in operating revenue. Its range of services includes options such as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, Media Mail and First-Class Mail.

Deep comparison between UPS and USPS

Let’s get straight to it—how do UPS and USPS compare? We’ll break down the key factors that matter most: pricing, delivery speed, and special features. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Price: UPS vs USPS

Shipping costs can make or break your decision. So, which is cheaper—UPS or USPS? In general, USPS offers lower rates for lightweight packages, while UPS is often the better choice for heavier shipments. However, the exact pricing depends on multiple factors, including weight, dimensions, distance, and delivery speed.

To give you a clearer picture, let’s compare real-world shipping costs. Below, we’ll look at shipping rates for standard-sized parcels using both UPS and USPS.

Domestic shipping price (U.S.)

For this comparison, we’re looking at shipments from New York to Los Angeles. The table below shows the rates for different services at various weights. 

Shipping company	Shipping Service	Price (2 lbs)	Price (10 lbs)	Price (30 lbs)
UPS	UPS Ground	23.39 USD	36.91 USD	98.07 USD
	UPS 3 Day Select	55.79 USD	98.21 USD	210.96 USD
	UPS 2nd Day Air	67.94 USD	133.42 USD	300.99 USD
	UPS Next Day Air	146.43 USD	212.99 USD	454.19 USD
USPS	USPS Ground Advantage	16.65 USD	34.5 USD	98.65 USD
	Priority Mail	18.95 USD	54.70 USD	129.55 USD
	Priority Mail Express	65.2 USD	134.30 USD	260.15 USD

Looking at the numbers, USPS is generally cheaper than UPS for packages up to 10 lbs. But once you hit 30 lbs, UPS starts to become more competitive. Also, keep in mind that USPS has a 70-lb weight limit, meaning if your package exceeds that, UPS is your only option between the two.

International shipping price 

Now, let’s take a look at international shipping rates from the U.S. to the U.K. We’re comparing three package weights: 2 lbs, 10 lbs, and 70 lbs to give you a better idea of how costs change as the weight increases.

Shipping company	Shipping Service	Parcel of 2 lbs	Parcel of 10 lbs	Parcel of 70 lbs
UPS	UPS Worldwide Expedited	241.14 USD	347.37 USD	1118.23 USD
	UPS Worldwide Saver	270.90 USD	366.79 USD	1368.67 USD
	UPS Worldwide Express	320.50 USD	376.60 USD	1411.70 USD
USPS	Priority Mail International	73 USD	117.25 USD	×
	Priority Mail Express International	94.2 USD	134.65 USD	×

For international shipping, USPS is the clear winner in terms of affordability, whether you’re sending small or medium-sized packages. However, if you need to ship an oversized parcel, USPS may not be an option.

Flat Rate Shipping Options

Beyond weight-based pricing, both UPS and USPS offer flat rate shipping for those who prefer predictable costs.

• UPS Ground Flat Rate starts at $10.20 for an extra-small package within the contiguous U.S.
• USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate allows shipments up to 70 lbs, with prices starting at $9.65 for envelopes and $17.10 for medium boxes.

Wrap-Up:

If you’re shipping small to medium packages and want to save money, USPS is the way to go. But for heavier or oversized shipments, UPS (or another carrier) may be a better fit. It all depends on your shipping needs and budget.

Read more: Is Your Package Stuck? Understanding USPS “In Transit” Status and How to Handle It

Speed: UPS vs USPS

Next, let’s talk about speed. Whether you need your package delivered ASAP or you can afford to wait a few days, understanding UPS and USPS delivery times is key.

Domestic shipping time (U.S.)

The table below gives a quick breakdown of how fast each carrier delivers within the U.S.:

Shipping company	Shipping Service	Shipping time
UPS	UPS Next Day Air	1 business day
	UPS 2nd Day Air	2 business days
	UPS 3 Day Select	3 business days
	UPS Ground	2-5 business days
USPS	Priority Mail Express	1 or 2 business days
	Priority Mail	1 to 3 business days
	USPS Ground Advantage	4 to 8 business days

Looking at the numbers, UPS tends to be slightly faster than USPS, and it offers guaranteed express options for urgent deliveries (1, 2, or 3-day shipping). If speed is your top priority, UPS is often the better choice.

International shipping time 

With global shopping booming on platforms like Amazon, Temu, Shein, and TikTok, international shipping speed has never been more important. Here’s how UPS and USPS compare:

Shipping company	Shipping Service	Shipping time
UPS	UPS Worldwide Express	1-3 business days
	UPS Worldwide Expedited	2-5 business days
USPS	Priority Mail Express International	3 – 5 business days
	Priority Mail International	6 – 10 business days

For international shipping, UPS is the faster option. It guarantees delivery within 1-3 business days for express shipments and 2-5 business days for standard international shipping. Meanwhile, USPS takes 3-5 days for express services and up to 10 days for standard international shipping.

Wrap-Up:

No matter if you’re shipping domestically or internationally, UPS generally delivers faster than USPS. If time is of the essence, UPS is your best bet.

More Shipping Features: UPS vs USPS

Shipping isn’t just about cost and speed—there are plenty of extra features that can make a difference. From package weight limits to tracking and insurance, these perks help determine which carrier best suits your needs.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key shipping features:

Feature	UPS	USPS
Shipping Limits	Handles heavier packages (up to 150 lbs)	Won’t ship packages over 70 lbs
Tracking	Detailed tracking with updates at multiple checkpoints	Basic tracking with fewer updates compared to UPS
Overnight Delivery	Offers UPS Next Day Air for 1-day delivery	Priority Mail Express delivers in 1–2 days
Pickups	Flexible pickup & drop-off at UPS stores, with scheduled pickup options	Local post office pickups; some scheduled pickup options
Insurance & Claims	Comprehensive insurance with a streamlined claims process	Basic insurance; The claims process may take longer
Packaging & Handling	Strict packaging guidelines with additional services available	Standard postal guidelines with fewer packaging services

Wrap-Up:

If you need detailed tracking, higher weight limits, or extra insurance, UPS is the way to go. But if you’re looking for affordable, no-fuss shipping, USPS covers the basics efficiently at a lower cost—perfect for everyday shipments.

UPS Ground vs USPS Ground Advantage

Both UPS Ground and USPS Ground Advantage are budget-friendly shipping options, but which one is better for you? Here’s a detailed comparison covering pricing, speed, tracking, weight limits, and extra fees:

Feature	UPS Ground	USPS Ground Advantage
Pricing	Generally higher; better for heavy shipments	Lower rates for lightweight to mid-weight packages
Delivery Time	Typically 1-5 business days (often on the faster side)	Generally 2-5 business days; may be slower in rural areas
Tracking	Detailed, real-time tracking updates	Basic tracking; less frequent updates
Package Weight Limit	Can handle up to 150 lbs or more	Limited to packages under 70 lbs
Additional Fees	May include fuel surcharges and extra handling fees	Fewer additional fees; pricing structure is more predictable

Best Shipping Choice for Different Needs: UPS or USPS？

Which service should you choose? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal carrier depends on your specific needs——size, urgency, cost or business volume.

Below is a table that can help you decide which service might be the best fit for different shipping scenarios.

Shipping Need	Recommended Carrier	Key Reasons
For Large Packages	UPS	USPS has a 70 lb limit, while UPS allows packages up to 150 lbs, making it the better choice for bulky shipments.
For Small Packages	USPS	USPS is cheap for sending small packages. They also offer services like First-Class and Priority Mail for everyday needs.
For Urgent Shipments	UPS	UPS offers fast and reliable delivery with Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, and more to make sure your parcel gets there on time.
For E-commerce Sellers	Both (Mixed)	USPS is cheaper for small orders, while UPS is better for large or high-value shipments. Many dropshipping businesses use both based on order type.
For Budget Shipping	USPS	USPS Economy services (e.g. Ground Advantage, Priority Mail) are more affordable for cost-sensitive shipping needs.

FAQ about UPS vs USPS

1. What is the cheapest way to mail a package?

For most everyday shipments, USPS is generally the cheapest, especially for small, lightweight packages. However, if you’re shipping heavier items, prices can vary significantly based on distance and dimensions. It’s smart to compare rates using official price calculators—try the UPS price calculator and the USPS price calculator. This way, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best possible deal for your package. 

2. Is UPS owned by the government?

No, UPS is not government-owned. It’s a private, publicly traded company that operates like any other business in the logistics industry. In contrast, USPS is run by the government.

3. Which is better, UPS or USPS?

It really depends on your needs. If you’re sending small, lightweight packages and want to save money, USPS usually wins. But if you need faster delivery or are shipping heavier items, UPS might be the better choice. In short, weigh cost versus speed and reliability to decide what suits you best.

Final Thought about UPS vs USPS

Deciding between UPS and USPS depends on what you’re shipping. USPS can be ideal for budget-friendly, lighter shipments, but when it comes to bigger, heavier parcels, UPS often offers more value.

If you’re managing an online store or dropshipping business, like many of our clients, finding the best shipping options can make a big difference in your overall success. At Sup Dropshipping, we simplify the process by connecting you with reliable carriers and helping you keep costs manageable, so you can focus on growing your business. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and let us know how we can help!