Differences between FedEx and UPS shipping services
Compare the shipping rates of FedEx and UPS and choose the best courier for your business based on their performance, customer satisfaction and reliability. Check our guide to see the differences between FedEx and UPS shipping services and get a quote with Eurosender to compare also other logistics providers.
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FedEx vs UPS shipping rates comparison – Is FedEx cheaper than UPS?
To compare UPS and FedEx shipping rates for domestic and international shipping, we have gathered their price estimation for different routes and sizes of packages. Both UPS and FedEx are pioneers in overnight shipping and offer various express solutions including transport by air, time-definite deliveries, or guaranteed delivery time. However, bear in mind that usually expedited services come at a cost.
To make sure you compare not only these two companies but also other options of couriers, get a quote on our platform.
PRICE COMPARISON
FedEx vs UPS for domestic shipping in the USA
Compare UPS and FedEx shipping rates for sending a 10kg (22lbs) package from NY to LA:
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Next Day Air Early | US $ 257.54 | 1 working day | By 8:00 |
| UPS Next Day Air | US $ 226.56 | 1 working day | By 10:30 |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | US $ 169.35 | 2 working days | By the end of the day |
| UPS 3 Day Select | US $ 105.60 | 3 working days | By the end of the day |
| UPS Ground | US $ 57.39 | 4 working days | By the end of the day |
| FedEx Overnight | US $ 280.13 | 1 working day | By 8:00 |
| FedEx 2Day | US $ 196.40 | 2 working days | By 10:30 |
| FedEx Express Saver | US $ 126.06 | 3 working days | By 16:30 |
| FedEx Ground | US $ 56.79 | 5 working days | By the end of the day |
FedEx vs UPS international envelope shipping from the USA to the UK
Check if FedEx or UPS is cheaper for shipping documents internationally:
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Worldwide Express Plus | US $ 149.67 | 2 working days | By 9:00 |
| UPS Worldwide Express | US $ 108.97 | 2 working days | By 10:30 |
| UPS Worldwide Saver | US $ 107.81 | 2 working days | By the end of the day |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | US $ 97.38 | 2 working days | By the end of the day |
| FedEx International First | US $ 177.02 | 3 working days | By 9:00 |
| FedEx International Priority | US $ 128.26 | 3 working days | By 12:00 |
| FedEx International Economy | US $ 119.69 | 5 working days | By 18:00 |
| Eurosender Envelope Service | € 38.53 | From 24h-72h | By the end of the day |
FedEx vs UPS international package shipping from the USA to the UK
Check if FedEx or UPS is cheaper for shipping a 10kg (22lbs) package internationally:
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Worldwide Express Plus | US $ 386.20 | 2 working days | By 9:00 |
| UPS Worldwide Express | US $ 345.50 | 2 working days | By 10:30 |
| UPS Worldwide Saver | US $ 341.56 | 2 working days | By the end of the day |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | US $ 318.65 | 3 working days | By the end of the day |
| FedEx International First | US $ 404.51 | 3 working days | By 9:00 |
| FedEx International Priority | US $ 355.75 | 3 working days | By 12:00 |
| FedEx International Economy | US $ 345.40 | 5 working days | By 18:00 |
| Eurosender Express Delivery | € 188.33 | Up to 72h | By the end of the day |
Can you drop off FedEx packages at a UPS facility?
No, even though many people mistakenly think FedEx and UPS are the same company. In reality, UPS and FedEx are two completely separate courier providers, each with their own drop-off stores, drivers and logistics network. If you drop off a package that contains a FedEx shipping label in a UPS facility, the workers will not be able to process it since they use different codes and systems. In such case, either the courier will return the parcel to the shipper or drop it off at FedEx. Either way, you should expect a couple of days of delay if you accidentally drop off FedEx packages at UPS or vice-versa.
SPEED OF DELIVERY
Is FedEx faster than UPS?
If we compare FedEx and UPS Ground services, UPS is typically faster than FedEx. One of the possible reasons for this is that UPS has a larger fleet of trucks in the USA and, therefore, is able to process and reach several locations faster than FedEx. Nonetheless, this data may differ for rural destinations.
When comparing their express solutions, both UPS and FedEx offer services with similar delivery speed for domestic routes. For international shipping, UPS is usually faster than FedEx since they have a more extensive network outside of the USA.
To determine which one is faster for your desired route, check the UPS vs FedEx price and speed comparison on our tables above.
FedEx vs UPS: which one is cheaper for large or heavy packages?
UPS is a specialist in small package delivery. Even though they provide some shipping solutions for large and heavy packages, the prices are usually higher than those offered by the competitor. For this reason, e-commerce and small businesses that need to ship small packages may opt for UPS while stores that regularly send large or heavy packages usually prefer FedEx for their cheaper rates.
It is important to mention that UPS uses two different volumetric weight formulas for domestic and international shipping, which have a direct influence on the final price.
FedEx vs UPS: which one is cheaper for overnight shipping?
Overnight shipping is where FedEx and UPS excel when compared to other logistics companies. The prices may depend on the route but, on average, UPS overnight shipping solutions are cheaper than the ones offered by FedEx. Both services are performed by air, and the shipper can opt for delivery by 8:00, 10:30 or by the end of the day.
PROS AND CONS
Which one is better, FedEx or UPS? Check their advantages
Both courier companies may seem very similar to the eyes of non-experienced shippers. However, upon a closer look, there are many differences between UPS and FedEx shipping solutions. Check below our summary of the advantages of UPS and FedEx.
| Feature | DHL | DPD | Eurosender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express solutions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free door-to-door delivery | For some services | X | ✓ |
| Service dedicated to envelopes | X | X | ✓ |
| Discounts for registered users | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free signature upon delivery | For some services | For some services | ✓ |
| Instant online quotes | Depends on the route | Depends on the route | ✓ |
| Insured shipments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
FedEx vs UPS – which one is better for small businesses?
Before deciding which one is better for small businesses, FedEx or UPS, we recommend checking not only their prices but also the customer satisfaction and solutions for online shops:
- In 2020, UPS has the highest ACSI customer satisfaction rate amongst its competitors, with 80 points. They offer various integration solutions for small businesses and online shops to simplify the quoting and booking process.
- According to ASCI, FedEx scored 76 points in customer satisfaction in 2020, staying only above of the postal service. To attract small businesses, FedEx offers a management & fulfilment platform, which can be integrated into most online stores.
OUR BENEFITS
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UPS vs FedEx reliability – Which one is safer?
When comparing UPS and FedEx reliability, it needs to be said that both companies are among the most trusted logistics providers in the world. Both UPS and FedEx offer insured shipments and are well-known for their tracking systems, allowing shippers to know the location of their packages at any given time. When it comes to the compromise with the delivery timeframe, both couriers meet the promised deadlines on 97% of the cases.
To check FedEx and UPS customer satisfaction raking for 2020, see the section above.
FINAL RECAP
FedEx vs UPS Comparison Summary – Which one is better?
Between these two American courier companies, it may be hard to draw the line where FedEx is better than UPS or the other way around. When deciding which is the best fit for your small business, you should evaluate their overall performance on your main operational area. In general, FedEx is mostly used for overnight shipping and for companies who need to send large packages frequently. UPS is the preferred courier for companies that use mostly small packages or international shipping services, to benefit from their wider reach on a global scale.
But why choose one single courier company if you have the option of using multiple providers based on the price/quality they offer for each route? At Eurosender, we work with numerous couriers to match you with the best fit for each shipping request. Get a quote online or sign up for additional discounts and benefits.
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