USPS VS Fedex VS UPS: The Cheapest and Fastest Options for Letters, Packages, and Heavy Shipments

When you need a package delivered fast, overnight shipping is the go-to option. But with so many carriers offering different services at various price points, how do you know which one provides the best value? Whether you’re shipping a letter, small package, or a heavy box, choosing the right service can save you both time and money. In this guide, we compare the cheapest and fastest overnight shipping services from USPS, FedEx, and UPS, giving you a breakdown of costs, estimated delivery times, and the best options for different package types.

Key Considerations Before Choosing an Overnight Shipping Service

Before selecting a shipping provider, it’s important to keep a few factors in mind:

🔹 Delivery Speed vs. Cost – Faster options typically cost more, but some services offer a balance between price and speed.
🔹 Package Size & Weight – Larger and heavier packages significantly impact shipping costs. Flat-rate boxes may be a good alternative for smaller, dense items.
🔹 Drop-off & Cut-off Times – Late drop-offs could delay your package to the next business day, affecting delivery speed.
🔹 Delivery Guarantees – Some services guarantee delivery by a specific time, while others estimate arrival windows.
🔹 Special Handling Fees – Oversized or fragile shipments may come with additional surcharges.

The Perks of Signing Up for a Stamps.com 30-Day Risk-Free Trial

• $5 free postage added to your account to send your first letters or packages ($5 value).
• $10 monthly free postage for up to four months when you keep your subscription ($40 value).
• Free mailing supplies ($5 value).
• Free digital scale ($50 value).
• No contracts, cancel anytime.
• Stamps.com offers discounted rates for USPS and UPS services, which can result in significant savings compared to retail rates.
• Users can print postage and shipping labels from their own computers, eliminating the need to visit the post office.

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Disclaimer: Pricing and Variables May Change

Shipping rates are subject to change based on factors like fuel surcharges, distance, carrier pricing updates, and demand surges (such as holiday shipping seasons). The prices listed in this guide reflect recent estimates but may vary depending on your specific location and package details. Always check with the carrier directly for the most up-to-date rates.

Overnight and Expedited Shipping Cost Comparison For an Envelope (1 pound or less)

How Does a Typical Package Compare?

For most everyday shipments, a 5 lb package is a common benchmark for shipping costs. Whether you’re mailing a small box of electronics, clothing, or essential items, shipping costs can vary widely depending on the carrier and urgency of delivery.

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Compared to letters, shipping a small package significantly increases costs, especially for overnight services. While a USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope costs only $31.40, sending a 5 lb box via FedEx Standard Overnight costs $164.27—nearly 70% more. If you need early morning delivery, you’ll pay even more, with FedEx First Overnight reaching $214 for the same package.

For non-urgent shipments, USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes offer affordable alternatives, keeping costs around $19.15–$26.30, with 2-day delivery in most cases. However, if time is of the essence, FedEx and UPS provide guaranteed overnight delivery options at a premium.

Overnight and Expedited Shipping Cost Comparison (5 lb Package – 10″ x 8″ x 6″ for Fedex Medium Box Rate)

How Do Heavy Shipments Stack Up?

Once you cross into heavyweight shipping (70 lbs and above), the cost difference becomes significant, particularly for overnight and express services. While a 5 lb package can ship overnight for around $53.95–$179.55, shipping a 70 lb package overnight skyrockets to $1,063.36–$1,482.08 with FedEx or UPS. That’s a cost increase of more than 10x!

For businesses or individuals shipping large, heavy items, it’s crucial to consider alternatives to overnight shipping. UPS Ground ($228.12) and USPS Ground Advantage ($279.25) offer far more affordable solutions, though they take 4+ days. If you need a balance between speed and cost, UPS 2nd Day Air ($783.51) is a more reasonable middle-ground option.

Ultimately, overnight shipping for heavy packages is only practical for extremely time-sensitive shipments, such as medical equipment, high-value goods, or urgent replacement parts. Otherwise, ground shipping remains the most cost-effective method.

Overnight and Expedited Shipping Cost Comparison (70 lb Package – 24″ x 24″ x 24″)

Best Shipping Options Summary (Letters, Packages, Heavy Packages)

1. Best for Letters (Lightweight, Fastest, and Cheapest)

• Best Overnight Option:USPS Priority Mail Express 1-Day® Flat Rate Envelope
  • Delivery Time: By 6:00 PM next day
  • Cost: $31.40 (Regular) / $31.65 (Legal Envelope)
  • Best For: Small documents, business letters, and urgent paperwork.
  • Why? Cheapest overnight letter service with nationwide coverage and no hidden fees.
• Alternative Overnight Option:FedEx Standard Overnight (5:00 PM Next Day)
  • Cost: $53.95
  • Why? More reliable tracking and delivery time guarantees but more expensive than USPS.

2. Best for Small to Medium Packages (5 lb, 10” x 8” x 6”)

• Fastest Overnight Option:UPS Next Day Air (10:30 AM Next Day)
  • Cost: $179.55
  • Why? If speed is a priority, UPS Next Day Air delivers early in the morning.
• Best Balance of Speed & Cost:FedEx Standard Overnight (5:00 PM Next Day)
  • Cost: $53.95
  • Why? Good mix of affordability and overnight delivery for medium-sized packages.
• Best Budget Option (Non-Overnight):USPS Priority Mail® Medium Flat Rate Box
  • Delivery: By End of Day (2 Days)
  • Cost: $19.15
  • Why? Ideal for non-urgent deliveries where cost is a factor.

3. Best for Heavy Packages (70 lb, 24” x 24” x 24”)

• Fastest Overnight Option:FedEx First Overnight (8:00 AM Next Day)
  • Cost: $1,482.08
  • Why? Best for time-sensitive, high-value shipments requiring early morning delivery.
• Best Balance of Speed & Cost:UPS Next Day Air (10:30 AM Next Day)
  • Cost: $1,063.36
  • Why? Cheaper than FedEx for a similar service window.
• Best Budget Option (Heavy Package, Ground Service):UPS Ground (4 Days)
  • Cost: $228.12
  • Why? The most affordable way to ship a heavy package across the country.

4. Best Overall Recommendations Based on Needs

Final Takeaways

✅ Use USPS for letters – it’s the most cost-effective option.
✅ For medium-sized packages, FedEx Standard Overnight offers the best balance of cost and speed.
✅ For large, heavy packages, UPS Ground is the cheapest if time isn’t a concern, but FedEx First Overnight is fastest if budget isn’t an issue.