USPS vs UPS for Small Packages
The best shipping option for packages under 5 lbs
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | USPS | UPS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (8 oz package) | $3-4 | $9-11 | USPS |
| Price (1 lb package) | $4-5 | $10-12 | USPS |
| Price (3 lb package) | $6-8 | $11-14 | USPS |
| Price (5 lb package) | $7-10 | $12-16 | USPS |
| Delivery Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-5 business days | UPS |
| Small Package Surcharge | None | None (minimum charge applies) | USPS |
| Dropoff Convenience | 34,000+ post offices + mailbox | 5,400+ UPS Stores + 20,000+ access points | USPS |
When to Use Each Carrier
USPS
- All packages under 5 lbs when price matters
- Ecommerce orders (clothing, accessories, small electronics)
- Etsy and eBay sellers shipping small items
- First-Class packages under 13 oz
UPS
- Small packages needing guaranteed delivery dates
- High-value small items needing superior tracking
- Business shipments with existing UPS account discounts
- When UPS pickup is already scheduled for other packages
Detailed Breakdown
If you are shipping small, lightweight packages, USPS should be your default carrier. The price difference is substantial: a typical 1 lb ecommerce package costs $4-5 to ship via USPS Ground Advantage compared to $10-12 via UPS Ground. That means USPS saves you roughly $5-7 per package, which adds up quickly for ecommerce sellers shipping dozens or hundreds of orders per week. USPS also offers more convenient dropoff options for small packages -- you can drop them in any blue collection box or hand them to your mail carrier. The only scenario where UPS makes sense for small packages is when you need guaranteed delivery dates, are already paying for daily UPS pickup, or have negotiated UPS rates that bring the price closer to USPS levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
USPS is typically 40-60% cheaper than UPS for packages under 5 lbs. A 1 lb package costs $4-5 via USPS Ground Advantage versus $10-12 via UPS Ground. For a 3 lb package, you will pay $6-8 with USPS versus $11-14 with UPS. The savings are consistent and significant.
USPS Ground Advantage is the cheapest way to ship a 1 lb package at $4-5 for most domestic destinations. If your item is under 13 oz and fits in a padded envelope, USPS First-Class Package can be even cheaper at $3-4. Using a shipping platform like I'd Ship That gets you commercial rates that are lower than retail post office prices.
UPS does not have an explicit minimum charge, but their rate structure effectively creates a floor price of around $9-10 for any domestic ground shipment regardless of weight. This is why UPS is rarely cost-effective for very lightweight packages where USPS rates start much lower.
Most ecommerce sellers should use USPS for small, lightweight orders. The cost savings of $5-7 per package directly improve your margins. Many successful Shopify, Etsy, and eBay sellers use USPS for orders under 5 lbs and only switch to UPS for heavier items or when customers pay for expedited shipping.
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