Picking the right courier can be tricky. If you’re wondering whether it’ll be best to ship your next package with FedEx or UPS, you’ve come to the right place. Read our handy guide below to help you make the right choice.
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What’s the difference between FedEx and UPS?
FedEx and UPS are two of the largest global couriers. Both are widely associated with low cost domestic shipping rates, as well as express worldwide shipping services.
UPS is a worldwide logistics company offering parcel delivery services, in addition to specialist logistics solutions for heavy freight.
Similarly, Federal Express (FedEx) is a multinational package shipping and logistics company. It offers a wide range of express same day and overnight delivery services within the US, as well as international shipping services for packages and freight.
UPS prides itself on having the largest fleet of ground vehicles, whereas FedEx has the largest fleet of aircraft.
Generally, if you're an individual sending a package to friends and family, the difference between FedEx and UPS is minimal. Some people have personal preferences but both couriers can be used for shipping large and small packages in the US and overseas.
Which is cheaper, FedEx or UPS?
Customers often ask us this question, and the answer is... we wish it was that simple. It all depends on the size and dimensions of the package you’re sending, the destination you’ll be shipping it to, and how fast you need it to get there.
Typically, UPS works out cheaper for US domestic deliveries, particularly for larger, heavier packages such as furniture, televisions and car parts. For next day deliveries, FedEx Overnight offers a far greater range of options, including timed delivery services starting from 8 am the next morning, so if speed is the priority, FedEx will be your best choice. However, if a timed delivery isn't important, UPS Next Day Air Saver is much cheaper and still guarantees delivery by the end of the next day.
The good news is, you can compare shipping rates between FedEx and UPS quickly and easily with Parcel Monkey. Simply enter your package details into our shipping calculator and we'll show you the cheapest price in seconds.
Secret deals!
When you get a quote with Parcel Monkey you may not spot services from FedEx and UPS, but that doesn’t mean they're not there. Because our prices are so low, we sell FedEx and UPS services as Secret Deals...get a quote and see if you can spot them.
Get a quoteFedEx vs UPS International Shipping
Is FedEx or UPS cheaper for international shipping?
The international shipping rates for FedEx and UPS will vary depending on the size of your package, the destination and the speed of service required, but in general, FedEx tends to be a bit cheaper than UPS for shipping overseas. However, there's much more to it than just price.
If you send a 10lb package from the US to the UK, then FedEx International Priority is cheaper than UPS Worldwide Express, but the delivery time for Worldwide Express is likely to be quicker so if you're on a tight schedule, UPS may be the better option. If you choose a slower service, FedEx International Economy will be your cheapest option, but again, UPS Worldwide Expedited isn't that much more expensive and the estimated delivery time is shorter.
In summary, the cheapest option isn't always the best option, so you need to prioritise what's more important. The best thing to do is compare shipping prices and delivery times to ensure you select the service that's right for you.
