UPS vs FedEx is a question we get every single day. Which is better in terms of price, efficiency, customer support, or reliability? This is a difficult question to answer. Therefore, let’s look at each and make some comparisons.
As of the most recent data, UPS reported approximately $100 billion in revenues. UPS holds about 45% of the market share in the package delivery industry. FedEx reported around $90 billion in revenues and holds about 30% of the market share. UPS delivers around 20 million packages daily, making it the largest package delivery company globally. FedEx delivers about 15 million packages daily.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
FedEx vs. UPS Service Names
Both UPS and FedEx offer similar service levels, which vary according to the method of shipment and the time it takes for final delivery. Basically, both carriers offer similar services, just with different names.
- UPS Ground (Commercial)
- UPS Ground (Residential)
- UPS SurePost
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS Next Day Air Saver
- UPS 2nd Day Air
- UPS 3-Day Select
- UPS Worldwide Express
- UPS Worldwide Saver
- UPS Standard
- 1-5 business days
- 1-5 business days
- 2-7 business days
- One business day (10:30)
- One business day (3:00 or EOD)
- Two business days
- Three business days
- 1-3 business days
- 2–5 business days
- 2–7 business days
- FedEx Ground
- FedEx Home Delivery
- FedEx Ground Economy
- FedEx Priority Overnight
- FedEx Standard Overnight
- FedEx 2Day
- FedEx Express Saver
- FedEx International Priority
- FedEx International Economy
- FedEx International Economy
UPS vs FedEx Accessorial Fees
Let’s examine the top accessorial fees for each carrier we commonly find. When switching carriers, be sure to quantify the impact of these differences. Otherwise, let Refund Retriever’s contract analysis experts help with the quantification.
| UPS | FedEx | |
| Residential Surcharge (Ground) | $5.65 | $5.15 |
| Residential Surcharge (Express) | $6.20 | $5.80 |
| Address Correction | $21.00 | $22.50 |
| Additional Handling – Weight | $34.50-$41.50 | $34.50 – $43.50 |
| Additional Handling – Packaging | $19.50 – $24.50 | $19.50 – $25.00 |
| Additional Handling – Dimension/Length | $22.00 – $28.25 | $22.00 – $30.00 |
UPS vs FedEx Pricing Comparison (2024)
Is FedEx more expensive than UPS? These are rates 77035 to 60007 taken from FedEx vs UPS directly. These are ten-pound packages shipped to a residential location, zone 6. All additional services were the same. Similarly, in residential locations, an adult signature required and shipped in a non-standard package. UPS vs FedEx rate comparisons:
Ground Comparison (10 Pound – Zone 6)
| FedEx | UPS | |
| Two days in transit | $19.14 | $19.64 |
Next-Day Comparison (10 Pound – Zone 6)
| FedEx | UPS | |
| 1 Day before 8:00 AM | $186.20 | $186.78 |
| 1 Day by 12:00 PM | $155.20 | $156.78 |
| 1 Day end of day | $152.15 | $153.69 |
2-Day and 3-Day Comparison (10 Pound – Zone 6)
| FedEx | UPS | |
| 2 Day before 12:00 PM | $115.79 | $113.39 |
| 2 Day end of day | $100.01 | $100.46 |
| 3 Day end of day | $70.18 | $66.60 |
Other Considerations
Guaranteed Service Refunds: UPS vs FedEx guarantees on-time delivery for all but a few service levels. There are no guarantees on UPS SurePost or FedEx SmartPost. Otherwise, if your package arrives 60 seconds late, you are entitled to a full refund of the shipping charges. Be sure not to waive the right to claim refunds for these packages.
Customer Support: Customer support after shipment is a huge factor to consider. Carrier delays or damage economically affect the shipper more than the recipient, so customer support is vital. Be sure to value the additional phone or email support that comes along with each carrier.
Operating Hours: FedEx delivers seven days a week, and UPS delivers five to six days a week, depending on the service level. FedEx packages might have up to a two-day jump in delivery to certain locations.
While both FedEx and UPS provide comprehensive shipping and logistics services, their strengths and focuses differ. FedEx excels in express and air delivery, while UPS is a leader in ground shipping and integrated logistics solutions. Customers’ choice between the two often depends on specific needs, such as delivery speed, cost, and the type of shipment.
Let Refund Retriever help with carrier evaluations.
Above all, Refund Retriever’s primary focus is parcel audit recovery and parcel management. Established as a Texas Limited Liability Company in 2006 and based in Houston, Refund Retriever is the fastest and easiest parcel and logistics auditing company. Unfortunately, we only audit UPS and FedEx accounts. We do not work with DHL or USPS. However, early 2020 market conditions allow us to enter the contract analysis and carrier pricing model arena. In summary, we can help lower and compare UPS vs. FedEx shipping costs.
Shipping software you need
Refund Retriever’s refund technology is entirely built in-house. The full force that transportation impact your bottom line is enormous. Every penny counts. If there is a late package, you get a direct recovery for that charge. Unlike some auditors, all programming and processing are done internally. Therefore, no outside third parties ever have access to clients’ information. The data stays with Refund Retriever; confidentiality is the highest priority. We can help get your UPS vs FedEx refunds for all your shipping auditing needs. Is FedEx more expensive than UPS? Is UPS more costly than FedEx?
