USPS vs FedEx
Comparing America's postal service to the world's largest express carrier
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | USPS | FedEx | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (1 lb package) | $4-5 | $10-15 | USPS |
| Price (5 lb package) | $7-10 | $13-18 | USPS |
| Price (20 lb package) | $15-25 | $18-28 | USPS |
| Overnight Delivery | $25-30+ (Priority Mail Express) | $27-35+ (Priority Overnight) | Tie |
| Ground Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-5 business days | FedEx |
| Tracking Quality | Basic with updates | Detailed real-time tracking | FedEx |
| Pickup Options | Free scheduled pickup | Scheduled pickup (fee may apply) | USPS |
| Saturday Delivery | Standard (included) | Available for surcharge | USPS |
When to Use Each Carrier
USPS
- Packages under 5 lbs
- Saturday and holiday delivery included
- Free package pickup from your door
- Flat rate boxes for heavy, small items
FedEx
- Time-critical express shipments
- International business shipping
- Freight and oversized packages
- Guaranteed delivery windows
Detailed Breakdown
USPS and FedEx are two fundamentally different operations. USPS delivers to every address in the United States six days a week, giving it unmatched reach for residential delivery. FedEx built its reputation on express overnight service and has grown into a global logistics giant. For everyday ecommerce shipments, USPS Ground Advantage is hard to beat on price -- a 1 lb package costs roughly $4-5 compared to $10-15 via FedEx Ground. Where FedEx shines is express shipping, international logistics, and freight. FedEx also offers FedEx SmartPost (now FedEx Ground Economy), which actually hands packages off to USPS for final-mile delivery, combining FedEx's network with USPS's residential reach. For shippers who need both economy and express options, comparing rates across both carriers on each shipment is the smartest approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
USPS is significantly cheaper for packages under 5 lbs. A 1 lb USPS Ground Advantage shipment costs $4-5 versus $10-15 for FedEx Ground. For heavier packages over 15 lbs, the price gap narrows and FedEx can sometimes be competitive, especially with negotiated business rates.
Both offer reliable overnight service at similar prices. USPS Priority Mail Express costs $25-30+ and includes a money-back guarantee. FedEx Priority Overnight starts around $27-35+ and offers more delivery time options including early morning delivery. FedEx has a slight edge for business-critical overnight packages due to tighter delivery windows.
FedEx delivers on Saturdays for FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx Ground, but Saturday delivery for express services requires an additional surcharge. USPS delivers on Saturdays as part of its standard service with no extra charge, making it the better choice if weekend delivery matters to you.
FedEx Ground Economy, formerly called FedEx SmartPost, is a hybrid service where FedEx transports your package most of the way and then hands it off to USPS for final delivery to the recipient's mailbox. It is one of the cheapest FedEx options for lightweight packages but is slower than standard FedEx Ground, typically taking 5-7 business days.
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