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UPS, USPS, DHL, and FedEx – Picking the best package in 2024

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It's a little bit confusing when you first arrive in the U.S. about which service you should use to send mail and send packages both locally and internationally. So what's the deal with UPS, USPS, DHL, and FedEx? Who should you use to send a package? Who should use to send a letter?

You've probably heard of all of them, but don't QUITE know which one is which and the advantages of each. I'll go through each and what you should (and probably shouldn't use them for!

Best shipping method for Regular Mail & Postcards

Let's start with the local hero: The Mailman (USPS).

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a branch of the Federal Government and have existed (in its current form) since 1971 but can be traced back to about 1775.

It's the traditional method of sending letters both locally and internationally.

A letter domestically will cost you $0.60 for a First-Class Mail Forever letter stamp, and if it weighs more than 1oz, it'll cost you $0.15 for every ounce on top.

A standard postcard stamp costs $0.44. (Large or square postcards will cost more.)

If you want to send a letter internationally, then you want a “Global Forever Stamp” which will set you back $1.40 for all countries in the world. Again, if it weighs more than 1oz, then you're going to have to go to their website to work out the exact costs based on where it's going).

Best shipping company for Light Packages

For packages, if it's light (less than 4lbs and <$400 in value) you can use USPS pretty effectively and cheaply. This is great for small gifts. Priority Mail (6-8 days) and First-Class Package International (a bit longer) are great options.

As an example, sending a 10-ounce package to London would cost around $22 with USPS.

DHL also offers a similarly priced service with their DHL Express Worldwide which for the above package would come in at about $35.

DHL is a huge company and has a strong international presence making it a good one to start with the comparisons.

FedEx and UPS offer fantastic service and can get your package there quicker and with more tracking but you're going to pay a surcharge for the pleasure (in the realm of $116-120).

Best delivery companies for Heavier Packages

Basically the heavier it gets, the more expensive it gets and the quotes all converge a little.

DHL becomes a bit of a winner for this and really outshines the others in terms of cost per pound, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

FedEx and UPS again can do it very quickly and track it door to door which is fantastic if you need it there right now.

A Handy Comparison Chart for the best package delivery companies

Comparison of FedEx UPS and DHL

Sometimes it's just easier to see things. I know this doesn't include USPS but you'll just have to conclude your own things from the above.

From LatestShipment.com:

Based on the chart, it becomes evident that:

  • FedEx is strong with overnight shipping and expedited 2- and 3-day deliveries.
  • UPS has a strong ground shipment game.
  • DHL has the broadest global presence among the three and is the most vocal about its environmental commitments.
  • Priority or expedited services come at a price.
  • The slower service types work out to be more economical.

Have you heard of PackageHopper? Cheaper and faster shipping!

After writing this article, I recently just came to learn about PackageHopper and they work magic to get your packages shipped with these big companies but for a much cheaper rate!

Basically the long and short of how PackageHopper works is that the big shipping companies I mentioned before offer discounted rates to individuals and companies who ship things all the time, and for those companies that they have relationships with.

I'm someone who only ships a couple of packages per year, and so this obviously doesn't apply to me, but PackageHopper joins me together with all the other Josh-like-senders in the world and makes us look like one mega-sender!

Keep reading about PackageHopper (and for 20% off 90 days of unlimited shipping).

In summary, who is the best company to deliver your package?

Lots to think about here… But the take-home is that if you can plan ahead, then USPS is your go-to. If you are sending something slightly more substantial, you're looking at DHL. If it's domestic, look to UPS and if it's urgent, talk to FedEx.

In reality though, and I know it's annoying advice, but shopping around to each of them every time.

Josh Pugh

Josh Pugh

Josh is a business founding, digital marketing focused, charity driving, community builder from South Australia, living in New York City. After moving in 2017, Josh realized that there was an opportunity to curate and help the community of expats who moved to the United States – and launched America Josh. Josh is also the President of Variety – the Children's Charity of New York, Secretary at The Mateship Foundation, and Founder & CEO at Fortnight Digital.View Author posts

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