# FedEx vs UPS Deciding between FedEx and UPS for your shipping needs can be tricky. Both offer extensive domestic and international delivery networks and a wide range of services. However, there are some key differences that may make one carrier a better fit depending on your business’s specific needs. This comprehensive guide examines the differences between FedEx and UPS across critical factors. ## Cost: Is FedEx or UPS Cheaper? FedEx requires an account to obtain negotiated rates. Without a discount, FedEx is much more expensive than the UPS prices you see on shipping platforms like ShipStation or Pirate Ship. Unfortunately shipping platforms require you to connect your own FedEx account to ship FedEx packages. Given this limitation, it’s difficult to provide a straight comparison. FedEx is usually cheaper for variable rates for small to medium shipments, assuming you have a decent shipping volume and have negotiated your FedEx discount accordingly. As a small business with modest volume, you can **usually get between a 30% to 40% discount** with FedEx. UPS is cheaper for larger, heavier shipments. What’s interesting is that FedEx used to be more expensive before the 2020-2021. But UPS seemed to [increase prices substantially](https://www.reddit.com/r/logistics/comments/usjh6b/comment/i93ysdu/) during the supply chain crunch. UPS is still generally cheaper for international shipments. ### Surcharges and Additional Fees **Fedex**: For contiguous US shipments [additional fees for FedEx](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/rate-changes/additional-shipping-fees.html) involve non-stackable packages, oversize packages, residential deliveries, along with a laundry list of [other potential fees](https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/FXE_FXG_Surcharges_and_Fees_2023.pdf). **UPS**: Here’s a table of UPS additional charges ([source](https://www.ups.com/media/en/additional_charges_daily.pdf)). ### Cost Conclusion Go with FedEx for smaller shipments if you have negotiated rates. Use UPS for heavier shipments. ## Reliability UPS tends to be more reliable with delivery times than FedEx. The least reliable FedEx services are FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery. FedEx’s reliability seemed to decrease since 2020 according to [experiences](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEx/comments/1060vbe/why_is_fedex_so_bad/). ### FedEx “Missed Deliveries” Some customers suggest [having the package held](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEx/comments/13d1z82/is_it_more_reliable_to_request_a_shipment_be_held/) at a FedEx location since it’s more reliable. Why? Because according to posts like [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/samsung/comments/wwzfz8/what_is_the_worst_delivery_company_and_why_is_it/), FedEx frequently claims a ‘missed delivery’ when the recipient was available. This may be due to UPS’s larger fleet of drivers. FedEx relies on contract drivers, some of which aren’t as experienced as employee drivers. In fact, FedEx is considering [moving to all independent contractors](https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/apr/10/fedex-overhaul-contemplates-a-future-with-no-drive/) for delivery. ### Leaving FedEx Packages in Problematic Places One positive is that FedEx takes photos for [proof of delivery](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/picture-proof-delivery.html). But they don’t always leave packages in the best location. ### Increase reliability with notifications and late alerts Get notified when your shipments take longer than your promised delivery time. This way you can take action for problematic shipments before waiting for customer complaints. ## Speed ### Slow (Ground) **FedEx Home Delivery**: 1-5 days for the contiguous US, 3-7 days non-contiguous US (Alaska, Hawaii). **FedEx Ground**: 1-5 business days for the contiguous US, 3-7 days AK and HI. **UPS Ground**: 1-5 business days. **UPS Ground Saver**: 5-7 business days. USPS performs final delivery instead of UPS for this service. ### Fast **FedEx Express Saver**: 2-4 business days. **FedEx 2Day**: By the second business day. **UPS 2nd Day Air**: By the 2nd business day. ### Fastest **FedEx Overnight (Standard)**: Delivery by 5 pm the next business day. **UPS Next Day Air**: Delivery by the next day guaranteed by end of day to all 50 states. ## Package Tracking Comparison UPS obscures some tracking history unless you have an account. Here’s what tracking looks without an account on ups.com. FedEx shows the full tracking history right on their website. And they provide a photo of the delivered package, which cuts down on customers claiming non-delivered packages when tracking shows delivery. ## Pickup and Drop-Off ### UPS Pickup Service UPS pickup service costs about $12.50, but may be cheaper if you have better negotiated rates. ### FedEx Pickup Service FedEx pickups cost $3 per ground package and $4 per package for faster delivery services. Thankfully, they only charge $20 max per week. ### Drop-off Locations Comparison #### For pre-labeled packages UPS Access Points are convenient for dropping off pre-labeled packaged. They provide UPS drop-off locations within many local stores. FedEx has a similar solution for dropping off pre-labeled packages called [FedEx OnSite](https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/drop-off-package.html). #### For unlabeled packages For unlabeled packages, you can visit a postal/mailbox/business franchise such as Postal Connections for either UPS or FedEx. UPS and FedEx also have dedicated stores: The UPS Store, FedEx Office Print & Ship Center, and FedEx Ship Center. ### Customer Service Scorecard ### Ability to speak with a human #### FedEx: D If you want to talk to a customer support rep at FedEx, it’s very [difficult](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEx/comments/zb2ddd/fedex_customer_support_non_existent/). #### UPS: C- Similar to FedEx, it’s [difficult to speak to a human](https://reddit.com/r/UPS/comments/x1s73w/how_do_i_reach_a_real_person_at_ups_customer/) without [tricking the menu bot](https://reddit.com/r/UPS/comments/nzdplx/how_to_get_ups_customer_service_on_the_line_yes_a/). ### Hold time #### FedEx: C 10-20 minute wait time. #### UPS: D 20-30 minute wait time. ## International Shipping Comparisons use a 1 lb 8x8x8″ package. ### Cost UPS is much cheaper for international shipping unless you have an outstanding negotiated rates discount with FedEx. ### Speed #### Alberta Canada from the US (PA) UPS Standard: 5 business days FedEx International Ground: 5 business days #### Queensland Australia from the US (PA) UPS Worldwide Expedited: 8 business days. ### Watch out for duties and brokerage fees UPS and FedEx can charge duties and brokerage fees later, after you’ve paid for the base shipping cost. Remember to include a packing slip/invoice that lists the item values to minimize delays.