FedEx vs USPS - which is preferred?

[h linamen]

For those of you who ship small packages, which is preferred FedEx or USPS? I guess primarilu I'm wondering which is less expensive. I sold an item on eBay and shipped USPS in a box about 10 x 8 x 8 less than 3 lbs and was shocked to pay $12.75 for one week delivery and would have been almost $16 priority mail. That's about double what I used to pay a couple of years ago. Getting ready to ship another smaller package and don't want to pay excessively.

[AllGold]

I can't answer the question without having a source and destination zip.

I will say you can sign up for a FedEx account for free. Having an account gives you a discount.

[Gareth]

It really depends on the item and value.

Under 13oz packaged, then USPS First Class. If it fits in a Priority Mail Flat Rate box, that usually is a better deal than FedEx (or UPS) Ground.

If it needs insurance or a signature, then FedEx.

Distance can play a factor also, as FedEx is more expensive to ship across the country than across town.

When I sold a bunch of 3.5 hard drives (which are really heavy for their size), I discovered they fit perfectly in a small USPS Priority flat rate box with a little bit of padding. So I could ship them for under $6. A ground service would be at least $9 and often more like $12.

I almost never ship via Parcel Post. Priority is often within a dollar in cost and if not, then FedEx will usually be cheaper.

A lot of the times, I just end up comparing both prices (if I don't know off hand which is cheaper, or I don't need specific features of one or the other service). Also, eBay has discounts now on FedEx services and you can print the labels directly through eBay (they tack the charge onto your Seller invoice each month).

[Dennis S]

I think USPS Priority now has a tracking code on the receipt that replaces Delivery Confirmation at no charge.

When I was shipping lots of packages up until last year, mostly under 2 pounds, I settled on USPS for 99% of them and totally quit using UPS.

You can get a USPS rate chart at USPS.com.

[rz]

USPS

[Harbourmaster]

just a little food for thought.... If it is for shipping packages for eBay sales Tracking, Delivery, and Signature Confirmation are worth there weight in gold with PayPal if you ever have a dispute....

[RAMd®d]

USPS.

I don't mail in any volume that even begins to make sense for FedEx or UPS, especially for expedited delivery.

[RAMd®d]

I don't know about over the counter Priority Mail for packages, but if you use ClicknShip (I use Swordfish, and pay postage at the office) and generate an electronic label that has Delivery Conformation, there is no additional fee.

[Robert M]

H,

Several things impact the cost for shipping small packages:

1. Source and destination zip

2. Level of service

3. Tracking

4. Insurance

5. Misc. Services, i.e. Signature Required, convenience, etc.

To make a recommendation without the details is foolish since each factor can have a significant impact on the shipping cost. This is especially true of fast services such as Next Day Air and insurance. There is also the question of reliability. People can claim one carrier is better than another to their hearts content but in reality, each has problems.

I use UPS for shipping packages and letter (Next Day Air and 2nd day air, not regular mail) since my company has a daily pickup and can't complain about the service. Overall, it's been fine. I use Fedex for air and ground and it's been fine, too. There is a local post office a few minutes away by foot. I've used it for air and ground on occasion. No problems.

BTW, USPS ClicknShip online provides tracking free of charge The USPS charges a fee for it if you bring the letter/package to the clerk. The free tracking may only be for priority level service. USPS Expressmail always had tracking.

Robert