As the global market for business owners grows, it is necessary for companies to find economical shipping solutions. The top shipping systems offer many unique advantages that will benefit your business and help you grow your customer base. Knowing the unique features and benefits of each system will help your company considerably.

Knowing the Companies

UPS, also known as the United Parcel Service, is one of the best-known shipping companies throughout the world. The company uses the latest technology to help ensure that all packages arrive on time. Shipping for residential, small business and corporate customers is available at low rates. Additional services include credit card processing and UPS Store copy, print and shipping services.

FedEx, once known as Federal Express, offers some of the fastest shipping service to customers around the world. Its acquisition of Parcel Direct has greatly increased its overall shipping abilities, especially for companies. In addition to shipping packages, the company is also a reliable means of shipping documents. FedEx took over management of Kinoko’s and provides copy, print and labeling systems while shipping under the FedEx Office label.

USPS is the United States Postal Service, a self-supporting agency of the United States Government. The USPS ships all over the world, and has worked hard to ensure that its services can easily compete with those of the private shipping companies. Real-time package tracking, as well as flat-rate options, make this a good option.

Which One is the Most Economical?

The main difference in pricing is the size of the package being sent. Flat-rate Priority Mail boxes from USPS in small or medium sizes offer greater savings than the smallest box options from either UPS or FedEx. Once a package reaches 4 to 7 pounds, the rates start to get closer to those of FedEx or UPS. Small packages sent via First Class Mail are best sent by way of USPS, as well as packages where next-day shipping is required. When shipping larger packages, UPS offers a 15 percent discount for opening an online account.

Which Company is the Fastest?

Both UPS and FedEx rank somewhat ahead of USPS in terms of guaranteed delivery times. UPS has traditionally been most popular with customers who need ground service. FedEx is the carrier of choice for those who need packages delivered by air. Of the companies, UPS has the greater advantage, with over 90 percent of packages delivered through them delivered on time. FedEx comes in at a close second, with an 88 percent rate. The USPS performs better in giving delivery time estimates, which are nearly always accurate, than in the same sorts of guarantees provided by UPS and FedEx. When smaller packages are shipped, they will often arrive faster via First Class Mail. A greater availability of locations give UPS a distinct advantage, and most would agree that they are the fastest option for medium or large packages.

Which Has the Best Technology?

All of these shipping companies use updated technology with automation and conveyor systems for sorting. One of the biggest advantages that they all have going for them is that the recipient doesn’t need to have an account to track their package. USPS doesn’t always have the latest shipping updates available. Both UPS and FedEx offer more detailed information about the location of a package at any given time. Of these options, FedEx has the most sophisticated tracking software.

Your Best Choice?

In terms of reliability and locations, UPS performs ahead of the others. You will find more UPS locations to ship from than FedEx, although USPS is even more accessible. In terms of cost, USPS holds its ground well for small packages that don’t require a guaranteed arrival time. For larger packages with access to the latest tracking information, FedEx fits the bill.