UPS vs. USPS Rates: Shipping Comparison in 2026

For a 5 lb package from New York to Los Angeles, USPS Ground Advantage costs $22.75, compared with $25.98 for UPS Ground, making USPS cheaper in this example. 

USPS generally offers better rates for small and lightweight packages, while UPS can provide better value for larger and heavier shipments. 

For speed, USPS Priority Mail delivers in 1–3 business days, while UPS is stronger for guaranteed next-day and 2-day delivery. UPS also offers more detailed tracking, while USPS delivers to P.O. boxes.

However, UPS vs. USPS, especially UPS® Ground vs. USPS Priority Mail has been hotly debated by many eCommerce companies so choosing between UPS and USPS for your eCommerce company largely depends on your specific business needs, given their advantages and disadvantages.

UPS Vs. USPS: What is the Difference?

United States Postal Service is generally the better choice for small, lightweight packages and mail, offering affordable services such as Ground Advantage (2–5 business days), Priority Mail (1–3 business days), and Priority Mail Express for urgent shipments. 

UPS is typically better suited to larger, heavier, international, or time-sensitive shipments, with services ranging from UPS Ground (1–5 business days) to 3 Day Select, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air, and Worldwide Express. The best choice ultimately depends on your package’s weight and size, shipping cost, destination, and required delivery speed. 

UPS vs. USPS Shipping Rates Comparisons: Which is Cheaper?

For a 5-pound package, USPS is generally cheaper than UPS. USPS Ground Advantage costs $22.75 compared with $25.98 for UPS Ground on a 5 × 5 × 5-inch package shipped from New York to Los Angeles.

Generally, USPS offers much better rates when shipping smaller packages of less than two pounds. UPS typically is a better choice when shipping heavy packages, or large packages by offering superior value.

Related: How to Ship a Package USPS: What You Need to Know

Example courier shipping rates for a 5-pound package

UPS Rates

The current UPS rates are as follows:

USPS rates

The current USPS rates are as follows:

*Example rates are for a 5 x 5 x 5 package from New York to Los Angeles. The UPS rates listed are UPS daily rates and are subject to change

Discount rates for a 5-pound package with Easyship

Using the Easyship shipping rate calculator, we can compare the discounted rates 

Origin - New York

Destination - Los Angeles

Weight of the package: 5 pounds

Dimension - 5x5x5 in

USPS Rate List

The discounted rates on Easyship are as follows:

UPS Rate List

The discunted UPS rates on Easyship are as follows:

Which is Faster: UPS or USPS?

UPS is generally faster than USPS for time-sensitive shipments, with next-day and 2-day delivery options. USPS is competitive for standard shipping, with Priority Mail typically delivering in 1–3 business days.

Curious for a courier deep dive? Read more about UPS 3 Day Select to stay updated.

UPS Vs USPS Popular Services: UPS® Ground and USPS Priority

UPS® Ground and USPS Priority Mail are the most popular courier services. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:

UPS vs USPS for Overnight Delivery: UPS Next Day Air vs USPS Priority Mail Express

For overnight shipping, UPS Next Day Air is the better option in this comparison. It costs $71.06 and delivers in 1 working day, while USPS Priority Mail Express costs $88.35 and takes 1–2 working days. UPS is $17.29 cheaper and provides a more definite next-day delivery timeframe, making it better for urgent shipments.

When Should You Consider UPS or USPS for Your Business

Choosing between UPS and USPS depends on your package weight, shipping budget, delivery speed, and customer needs. USPS is generally better for businesses shipping smaller, lightweight packages at lower costs, while UPS is a stronger choice for heavier parcels and shipments that require reliable, time-definite delivery. 

For many eCommerce businesses, you don't have to choose only one carrier. Using UPS for heavier or urgent orders and USPS for smaller, cost-sensitive shipments can help balance shipping costs with delivery speed. 

With the holidays coming up, you need to be more mindful of the UPS holiday shipping deadlines, or the USPS holiday schedule, the select services and which ones you should choose to make your busy season a less chaotic.

How Easyship Can Help

UPS and USPS are both great courier services in their own respective ways. Both offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, meaning you should consider them very carefully before choosing which is best for your eCommerce business.

Easyship offers you perfect hybrid solutions for your business. The Easyship rates calculator is also a great way to compare rates to help you choose the one best suited for your eCommerce needs.

Sign up today for free to see how both UPS and USPS can help your company ship worldwide!

UPS vs. USPS FAQ

Is UPS or USPS Better for Shipping Mid-to-Large Size Packages?

For mid-to-large size packages, UPS is often the better choice. UPS offers more competitive rates for heavier packages, especially with services like UPS® Ground, which provides excellent tracking and reliable delivery at affordable prices. USPS tends to be more cost-effective for small packages, but for anything over a certain weight (around 10-20 pounds), UPS generally offers better value.

What is the Best Way to Compare Shipping Rates from USPS and UPS?

The easiest way to compare rates between USPS and UPS is to use a tool like Easyship, which integrates with platforms like Shopify. Easyship allows you to view real-time rates from both carriers, factoring in delivery time, cost, and service options, so you can pick the best deal for each shipment. It simplifies comparison by displaying all available couriers in one place, including both domestic and international options.

Does UPS or USPS Deliver Faster?

USPS typically offers faster delivery for small packages with services like Priority Mail (1-3 days). However, for guaranteed next-day or two-day delivery, UPS is the better choice, especially with services like UPS Next Day Air® or UPS 2nd Day Air®, which offer reliable, time-definite deliveries with excellent tracking.

Should I Use UPS or USPS on Shopify?

Shopify does partner with UPS and USPS. Even better, Easyship integrates with Shopify, letting you access both UPS, USPS, and 550+ courier services to get the best rates and delivery times, including international shipping.