FedEx vs UPS: Difference, Shipping Rates & Service Comparison

The right shipping carrier can make or break your eCommerce business. Any mention of package delivery brings two huge names into mind: FedEx and UPS. These logistic giants have been rivaling each other for decades trying to be the best in the realm of shipping and transportation.

What is it, precisely, that makes them so different? How will you know which one is best for you? We're going to check the key differences, compare shipping rates, and discuss service options so you can decide on the right one.

FedEx vs UPS: which is better?

It's hard to choose between FedEx and UPS, as each has different strengths. Where FedEx is fast, UPS is reliable. But which one aligns best with your business goals? This section will cover what sets them apart in terms of speed, pricing, and more.

Is FedEx or UPS faster?

Now, shipping speed pits FedEx against UPS on very competitive grounds. FedEx is the way to go when it comes to express and overnight deliveries; hence, it is appropriate for urgent shipments. They have quite a large network of planes, so their deliveries do get there quickly. On the other hand, UPS offers reliable ground services, making them very appropriate for much less urgent deliveries. They also have some competitive express options, though FedEx might just win out in that area.

Both provide the option to track a shipment throughout its entire trip. In the end, it comes down to what you are looking for. Do you want to get your package to where it needs to go as quickly as possible, or do you strive to come somewhere close to the middle ground between speed and cost?

To help you decide, here's a quick summary:

Note: This chart is meant to give you a general idea, so it might not apply to every route or situation. It's always a good idea to check the current services and rates for your particular shipping needs.

Is FedEx or UPS cheaper?

Cost is also one of the most important criteria for choosing a carrier, but ultimately, both FedEx and UPS offer competitive rates price. The answer to the question concerning the rate prices might be affected by package size, weight, and destination. On the other hand, UPS normally has more reasonable rates for heavier packages and ground services. FedEx may be the better bet for express and overnight deliveries.

Both carriers offer discounts to businesses shipping in bulk. Other costs to consider will be things like fuel surcharges and residential delivery fees that can sometimes make a difference in overall cost.

FedEx vs UPS: Customer Service

The customer service your customers experience will affect your whole store’s operation extensively. You and your customers can get help from FedEx 24/7 through different ways to contact them, like phone or online chat. Their reps are usually pretty quick to resolve issues, which makes them a solid choice for urgent inquiries.

UPS is also great at customer service, with lots of support options. They've got lots of helpful online resources and a dedicated phone line for business customers. They're good at solving problems quickly, which is why so many customers stick with them.

Both carriers understand the importance of running your business without a hitch. That said, response times and satisfaction differ based on particular needs and location.

Choosing between FedEx and UPS for customer service depends on your business's specific requirements. Consider which company aligns better with your communication preferences and service expectations.

FedEx vs UPS: Industry-Specific logistics

Both FedEx and UPS have their own specialized logistics solutions for different industries, but they do have some differences in their approaches and focus areas:

FedEx vs UPS: Hazmat logistics

If you want to compare the hazmat logistics between FedEx and UPS, below are several key aspects to consider:

FedEx vs UPS: Sustainability initiatives

Many of your customers are becoming much more interested in the environmental impact of their purchases—shipping is also the most urgent thing concerning the environment they care about. FedEx and UPS have noted this trend and have engaged in different sustainability initiatives.

FedEx vs UPS: International deliveries

As an eCommerce business owner expanding globally, the right carrier choice given international deliveries has a huge bearing on customer satisfaction and your bottom line. Both FedEx and UPS have very reliable international delivery services that span large parts of the globe:

FedEx excels at express and time-critical international shipments, while UPS possesses a strong ground network in addition to customs expertise. Very often, the decision between these two alternatives comes down to what you want: How urgent is it? Where is it going? How much does it cost? Can it be integrated into my existing business systems?

FedEx vs UPS: Package insurance

If you want to find how damaged packages will be treated by FedEx and UPS, you can check the table below:

How do you choose a carrier that fits your needs?

Choosing the right carrier for your eCommerce business is a big decision. There are some major factors you want to look at when picking between the two. First, study what matters most for you in shipping. Are you looking to ship fast, inexpensively, or with quality? Knowing what's most important will help you narrow down your choices between FedEx and UPS.

Consider the typical size and destination of your shipments. If you're sending larger packages frequently, UPS might have more competitive ground rates. If you ship small packages and they may be time-critical, you would want to go with FedEx for the express options they give.

Consider also the nature of your products. Both carriers have decent international shipping networks, albeit at a different price and with different services. Check their offers abroad and find out what suits you best.

Do not forget the discounts and deals. FedEx has a business account, and so does UPS, where you can save money. You should check your volume of shipments to get the best rates.

Here's a quick checklist to guide your decision:

• Shipping Priorities: Speed, cost, or reliability?
• Package Size: Larger or smaller shipments?
• Destination: Domestic or international?
• Discounts: Available deals for frequent shipping?
• Customer Support: Preferred service and communication style?

This process itself is a bit too complex to be carried out by one person all by the bosom. Luckily, with AfterShip, all of these functions of both carriers can now be as integrated. AfterShip Tracking allows you to leverage the options in our extensive database of carriers, postal services, and last-mile delivery companies. Our vast array of partnerships ensures that you have the backing of more than a thousand carriers globally which means your packages can reach wherever they have to at any given time. But it also ends up helping you reach more customers and grow your business beyond the shores of your country or your continent when you use shipping.

It is relatively easy to engineer, and some of its features include the most robust multi-carrier tracking APIs and webhooks. Regardless, we are your one-stop shop for a UPS API or even a FedEx API. These tools relieve you of the responsibility of having to track those shipment integrations yourself, and instead, you get to concentrate on the advancement of your business.

“AfterShip is the most advanced shipment tracking solution in the market. It only took 1-2 weeks for our engineers to implement.”
Habib-Sylvain Gourguet, Director of Customer Relationship

FAQ

FedEx vs UPS: Which One is Reliable?

Reliability becomes much more critical in the case of eCommerce businesses. Both companies have nurtured a strong reputation over the years. People associate FedEx with timely express services, and it is considered a dependable option while shipping urgent packages. Its much-improved tracking system ensures that your parcel will be delivered on time, giving clients peace of mind.

On the other hand, UPS provides unparalleled reliability through its vast ground network. Reflecting their great ability to handle large volumes, UPS often guarantees times of delivery, hence generally being very reliable for business. Their heavy emphasis on customer service and issue resolution helps in enhancing that reliability further.

Even with these strengths, there are factors such as weather and remote locations that have a bearing on the delivery times of both carriers.

Here is a quick summary to guide you on their reliability:

Is FedEx tracking accurate?

Most people find that FedEx tracking is pretty accurate, especially for express services. But it's good to be aware that there can be delays and that the tracking info might not be up to date.

How fast is FedEx's international priority

FedEx International Priority is a premium international shipping service designed for swift and reliable deliveries. Here is a summary of its speed and features:

What is shipment exception in FedEx mean?

FedEx shipment exception means something goes wrong and knocks off the regular delivery time that can be expected with a shipment. It does not have any bearing on the point that there will be a long delay; rather, it is indicative of an impact on the delivery timeline.