CONTENTS
• Introduction
1
| Summary of upcoming changes
2
| What the changes mean for you
3
• What carrier should I use?
4
| For overnight delivery
5
| For 2 to 3 day delivery
6
| For packages that weigh less than 1 pound
7
| For more than 3 day delivery
9
• Case studies
10
| Cosmetics
11
| Apparel
12
| Outdoor equipment
13
| Specialty foods
14
| Automotive parts
15
• How ShippingEasy can help
16
• Appendix
| Rate comparison tables
17
| Assumptions
28
~$11.17-11.97
$10.80
+ 4-5% residential surcharge*
2016
2017
+ 3-5% rate increase
*does not apply to USPS
RATES ARE GOING UP
INTRODUCTION
Deciding on the best shipping carrier and service has never been simple, and with all the carriers
introducing rate increases, optimizing your shipping operations for 2017 is more important than ever.
This guide will help you:
| Understand the coming changes
| Determine the best carrier based on your delivery timing, package weight, and destination zone
| Put the changes into context via real-world case studies
*Residential surcharge does not apply to USPS
1
SUMMARY OF MAJOR CARRIER
RATE CHANGES: 2016
RATE
CHANGES
Priority Mail Express®:
3.4%
Priority Mail®:
3.9%
Average of 4.9% across Ground and
Air services, International Services,
and Accessorial Charges*
First-ClassTM Package:
4.1%
4.6% increase in residential surcharge
Parcel Select® Ground:
2.7%
3% increase in Additional Handling
surcharge
Global Express Guaranteed® : 4.9%
EFFECTIVE
DATE
SURCHARGE
& OTHER
CHANGES
JANUARY 22, 2017
DECEMBER 26, 2016
USPS® doesn’t levy surcharges
All non-fuel surcharges increasing
First-Class™ Package Service
weight bands changing and rates
increasing an average of 4.1%
The Additional Handling Surcharge
will now apply to any package with
the longest side exceeding 48
inches (instead of 60 inches) for all
Air and International packages.
Effective January 8, 2017, the
Additional Handing Surcharge will
apply to UPS SurePost® packages.
Fuel surcharge will be subject to
weekly adjustment starting
2/6/2017.
Average of 4.4% across all services
5.1% increase in residential
surcharge
6.15% increase in Fedex Home
Delivery® surcharge
JANUARY 2, 2017
Average of 9% increase across all
(61) non-fuel surcharges
Fuel surcharge subject to weekly
adjustment starting 2/6/2017
Unauthorized package charge
increases from $110 to $115
effective 01/2/2017
Some dimensional weight calculations are changing; see the link
below for details.
Some dimensional weight
calculations are changing; see the
surcharges link below for details.
Rates: http://bit.ly/FedExRates
REFERENCE
http://bit.ly/2017USPSrates
Rates: http://rates.ups.com/index.html
Surcharges: http://bit.ly/FedExSurcharges ,
Surcharges: http://bit.ly/UPSsurcharges ,
http://bit.ly/FedExChanges
http://bit.ly/UPSfuelsurcharges
Dimensional weight changes:
http://bit.ly/FedExDimWt
2
WHAT THE CHANGES MEAN FOR YOU
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ECOMMERCE
No matter which carrier you use, the 2017 price increases are unavoidable for
eCommerce sellers. However, there’s no need to panic. You can easily mitigate the
impact of these changes on your business with this guide.
FIRST, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:
Are you getting the best rates?
Are you using the right size packaging?
This guide will help you compare USPS Commercial
If you use USPS, switching from custom packaging
Plus® Rates—which you probably qualify for* -versus
to a flat-rate or regional-rate package can often
published standard UPS and FedEx rates—which
save you money on the shipping cost—not to
can be negotiated.
mention the savings on getting free boxes or
envelopes delivered to your door!
What kind of delivery guarantees do you need?
While all three carriers offer overnight service,
Do you have special considerations?
only FedEx and UPS have guaranteed second-
While they are not covered in this guide, a
and third-day services. If you need to guarantee
number of special circumstances may make one
two- or three-day delivery, using FedEx or UPS
carrier a clear winner over the others. If, for
will be less risky than USPS.
example, you require guaranteed early morning
Are you (overly) concerned with brand perception?
(or same-day) delivery, ship hazardous materials,
ship to PO boxes, or ship to APO/FPO/DPO
Some eCommerce sellers use UPS or FedEx
(Army Post Office/Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic
because they believe these carriers offer more
Post Office) addresses, we recommend you do
brand cachet. These retailers might also consider
additional research to determine the best carrier.
the brand value USPS Priority Mail® (PM) can
often offer by getting shipments into customers’
If you ship internationally, check out the ShippingEasy
hands just as quickly for a lower cost than
eCommerce Seller’s Guide to International Selling
FedEx or UPS ground services.
& Shipping, available at http://bit.ly/IntGuide for
additional information.
*Contact ShippingEasy to see how we can help you get these rates: [email protected]
3
WHAT CARRIER SHOULD I USE?
Your choice of carrier is based on a complex mix of criteria including:
| Delivery timeframe
| Package weight
| Package dimensions
| Delivery distance
| Discounts you may have negotiated (or may be able to negotiate) with a carrier
The good news is we’ve done the analysis for you and have narrowed down your choices for each
standard delivery timeframe.
In this section of the guide, we’ll examine each common delivery timeframe and provide a summary
table showing the lowest cost carrier for a given weight/zone combination*. Where relevant, we’ll color
code the table cells to indicate if a USPS flat-rate or regional-rate option may be more cost effective. To
use these tables, simply find the row in the table with your shipment weight and the column with your
destination zone; the code at their intersection will tell you who is typically the lowest-cost carrier for that
scenario (based on USPS Commercial Plus® pricing and standard FedEx and UPS pricing, including
residential and fuel surcharges). If the cell is colored, check the accompanying key to find out which
USPS flat- or regional-rate service might be an even better deal.
*This paper is intended for use as a general guide, not a definite pricing source for any carrier. Our analysis is based on several
assumptions that may change over time and may not be valid for your business. Be sure to double check the rates available to you
before making any shipping-related decisions. Although every effort has been made to provide accurate content, ShippingEasy
and its employees make no warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy or
completeness of any information contained in this document. ShippingEasy is not liable for any actions undertaken by users of
this document. Reference to any third party does not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by ShippingEasy or
its employees.
4
OVERNIGHT DELIVERY
TYPICALLY LEAST EXPENSIVE CARRIER
Weight (Lbs)
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
<=20
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
<20 - 34
USPS
FedEx
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
>34 - 70
FedEx
FedEx
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
>71 - 150
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
>150
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
USPS now dominates the Overnight Delivery segment with its Priority Mail Express™ (PME)
service, at least from a cost-effectiveness perspective. As shown in the table, for most weights/zones in
which they compete, USPS is the lowest-cost option1. As a perk, USPS also offers free Saturday
delivery while the others charge extra.
As shown in the table, for most weights/zones in which they
compete, USPS is the lowest-cost option1
When it comes to on-time deliveries, available data on the three carriers can be hard to compare,
but they appear to be generally similar, with UPS and FedEx typically exceeding 94% on-time
delivery in the run-up to Christmas day, according to ShipMatrix2, while USPS exceeds 90%
on-time deliveries across Q43. Additionally, for packages over 70 pounds or requiring guaranteed
morning delivery, USPS is not an option.
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate™ envelopes are generally the
best option for any shipment that will fit into them
If you are considering USPS, it is important to note that Priority Mail Express Flat Rate™ envelopes4 are
generally the best option for any shipment that will fit into them. Standard ($21.18) and padded
($21.64) flat-rate envelopes measure 12.5" x 9.5", while legal ($21.28) flat-rate envelopes measure
15" x 9.5". These rates fall below the lowest price available on the 2017 zone chart for a parcel
shipped via FedEx or UPS.
when comparing USPS Commercial Plus® Pricing to FedEx and UPS standard pricing plus surcharges
http://multichannelmerchant.com/news/ups-bests-fedex-time-performance-christmas-week-04012016/
3
http://savethepostoffice.com/postal-service-releases-time-performance-reports-q4-2015/
4
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-express.htm
1
2
5
2-3 DAY DELIVERY
USPS offers no guaranteed 2-day service. However, the USPS Priority Mail® “1–3 Day” service will
get your package to most destinations in two days, and unlike the other carriers, it will get it to
some destinations within one day. Head online to usps.com1 to calculate estimated delivery times.
If you need to 100% guarantee 2-day delivery, go with FedEx or UPS.
If you do decide to go with USPS Priority Mail®, consider Regional Rate® Boxes2. While the largest (C-size)
boxes were phased out in 2016, the A and B boxes can still provide huge savings in some weight ranges and
zones as highlighted in the table, as long as your contents will fit into them (and weighs less than 20 lbs):
REGIONAL RATE® DIMENSIONS
- A1: 10" x 7" x 4-3/4" top load
- B1: 12" x 10-1/4" x 5" top load
- A2: 12-13/16" x 10-15/16" x 2-3/8“ side load
- B2: 15-7/8" x 14-3/8" x 2-7/8" side load
USPS also offers Priority Mail Flat Rate® envelopes and boxes3 that ship any contents up to 70 pounds
to any zone for one rate. See the color code key to understand where this might be the best deal.
TYPICALLY LEAST EXPENSIVE CARRIER
Weight (Lbs)
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
<=0.5
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
0.5-2
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
2-3
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
3-5
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
5-10
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
10-11
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
11-15
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
15-20
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
20-33
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
USPS
78-150
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
>150
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
To use this table: 1: find the intersection of your package weight and destination zone, then:
2: Read the lowest-cost carrier/standard
service according to the following key:
ABBREVIATIONS
USPS - USPS Priority Mail®
FedEx - FedEx 2Day
®
UPS - 2nd Day Air
®
https://www.usps.com/priority-mail/map/
1
6
3: If the cell is shaded, check these options based on the
shading color for the specific service:
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® Envelope or Small Box
USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate® Box
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® or Regional Rate® Box
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® Box
http://postcalc.usps.com/PopUps/PMRegionalRateBox.htm
2
3
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm
2-3 DAY+ DELIVERY
FOR ITEMS LESS THAN 1 LB
If delivery time is not an important factor and your package weighs less than 1 pound, USPS First
Class™ Package Service is impossible to beat, even with the changes rolling out in January 2017.
These changes represent a mixture of good and bad news for smaller online shippers, as shown in
the table.
F
S PKG
AS
RST-CL
USPS FI
First Class™ is on average as fast as the much
more expensive 2-day services.
It’s important to note that while there are no delivery timeframe guarantees with First Class™, the
USPS advertises it as a “1–3 day” service, so for items that qualify, First Class™ is on average as
fast as the much more expensive 2-day services.
FIRST CLASS™ PACKAGE SERVICE
2017 CHANGE
POSITIVE
NEGATIVE
New incremental pricing breaks
No need to weigh items you
Overall, prices will increase 4.1
1–8 oz. rates into 1–4oz ($2.61)
know are less than 4 oz or
percent
and 4–8 oz ($2.77) clusters
between 4 and 8 oz
IF <1LB ,
USPS FIRST CLASS™ WINS
7
2-3 DAY+ DELIVERY
FOR ITEMS LESS THAN 1 LB
Here’s the detailed breakdown of all less-than-1-pound shipping options. For more detailed information on
the USPS rate changes, check out this post on the ShippingEasy blog: http://bit.ly/RateChanges2017
UP-TO-1 LB ITEM DELIVERY OPTIONS
Weight not over (Oz) L, 1&2
USPS First-Class Package
Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9
4
2.61
8
2.77
9
3.32
10
3.46
11
3.60
12
3.74
13
3.88
14
4.02
15
4.16
15.999
4.30
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® Envelope
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate
®
Padded Flat Rate Envelope
16
6.30
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® Small Box
16
6.25
USPS Priority Mail®
16
5.75
6.26
6.37
6.53
6.66
6.71
7.04
9.59
8 (letter)
20.77
21.46
22.22
24.65
29.15
30.55
31.08
45.05
UPS 2nd Day Air® with surcharges
16
16.42
17.10
17.85
19.70
23.82
25.08
25.43
36.63
UPS 2nd Day Air® with surcharges
16
16.66
17.35
18.09
20.10
24.68
26.05
26.57
39.76
FedEx Express Saver® (3 Day) with surcharges
16
19.05
19.10
19.16
20.38
22.75
23.35
25.49
UPS 3 Day Select® with surcharges
16
13.95
15.54
16.42
18.38
21.92
23.36
25.13
FedEx® Ground with surcharges
16
11.12
11.78
12.00
12.36
12.66
12.77
12.91
32.70
11.09
11.80
12.03
12.41
12.72
12.85
12.97
32.89
FedEx 2Day® with surcharges
UPS® Ground with surcharges
8
5.75
GREATER THAN 3 DAY DELIVERY
This delivery timeframe is actually the most complicated due to the number of different services that can be
considered. We have attempted to simplify it by including the services that are, in our view, most relevant:
- FASTER than 3 days but competitive with slower options:
USPS Priority Mail®: With the 2017 rate changes, PM Commercial Plus® Pricing is the least expensive
option for most packages under 7 lbs and has the huge bonus of almost certainly getting
your package to its destination faster than any other option listed here.
As with the 2-Day Delivery timeframe, USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate® Boxes can also provide a
compelling value proposition here; consider them for weight/zone combinations as noted in the table key.
- USPS Retail Ground™: Because there is no commercial pricing for this service level, PM with Commercial
Plus® Pricing often offers lower cost, except for packages between 0.5 and 70 lbs shipping to zone 9.
- FedEx Ground® offers competitive/best price options for many higher weight/zone combinations.
- UPS is the only carrier that will handle packages over 150 lbs.
TYPICALLY LEAST EXPENSIVE CARRIER
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
<0.5
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSRG
0.5-2
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSRG
2-3
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSRG
3-5
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
FedEx
USPSRG
5-7
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
7-10
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
10-11
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
11-15
USPSPM
USPSPM
USPSPM
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
15-20
USPSPM
USPSPM
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
20-21
USPSPM
USPSPM
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
21-23
USPSPM
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
24-69
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
70
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
USPSRG
70-150
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
FedEx
>150
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
UPS
ABBREVIATIONS
FOR SHADED CELLS, CHECK THESE OPTIONS
USPSPM - USPS Priority Mail
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® Envelope or Small Box
USPSRG - USPS Retail Ground™
USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate® Box
FedEx - FedEx® Ground
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® or Regional® Box
UPS - UPS Ground®
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® Box
®
9
JW AUTO
CASE STUDIES
Now let’s examine some real-world shipping scenarios derived from ShippingEasy customer data (with
all identifying characteristics removed) to examine actual shipping methods used in 2016 and to learn
what carrier and service make the most sense given the rate changes coming in 2017.
Due to sometimes incomplete customer data*, we have indicated where we made assumptions and/or
where more than one potential option could be cost-effective
The following assumptions apply:
• These are primarily small and medium eCommerce businesses, shipping between 1,000 and 20,000
shipments per month
• We used available 2017 pricing data from each carrier:
| USPS Commercial Plus® Pricing
| FedEx Standard List Rates, including fuel and residential surcharges
| UPS Daily Rates, including fuel and residential surcharges
• Negotiated FedEx or UPS rates may make their services significantly more attractive in some of
these scenarios depending on individual business negotiations
*e.g., no weight provided when a seller used USPS Flat Rate or Regional Rate services
10
CASE STUDY 1
COSMETICS RETAILERS
Our first case is derived from a pair of online cosmetics retailers that ship high volumes of primarily
small packages. As you can see, USPS was their most cost-effective option in 2016 and, despite
price increases, will remain so in 2017. It’s interesting to note that in two of the shipments shown
here, the shipper could reap considerable savings by simply taking advantage of USPS Regional or
Flat Rate boxes.
CARRIER
DELIVERY OPTIONS
DELIVERY COSTS
Standard
Weight or value based
3 day guaranteed
Flat rate
2-3 day
Threshold-based free
2 day guaranteed
Free shipping on every order
Overnight guaranteed
Package
Shipping
Parameters
Package Contents
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadows
and lipsticks
Cosmetics
Cosmetics
Dimensions (Inches)
Custom Envelope
8x8x8
11x8x5
10x7x4
5 oz
1lb
12 lbs
5 lbs
5
8
8
3
USPS FC
USPS PM
USPS PM
USPS PM
Shipping Cost
$2.60
$6.95
$38.99
$7.75
Delivery Time
3 days
3 days
2 days
2 days
USPS FC
USPS PM
USPS PM Med
Flat Rate Box
USPS PM Reg
Rate Box A
2017 Best Carrier/
Service Pricing
$2.77
$7.04
$12.05
$6.60
2016-17 Estimated
Price Change
+17¢
+09¢
-$26.94
-$1.15
Weight
Zone
Carrier & Service
2016
Actuals
2017
Forecast
2017 Best
Carrier/Service
11
CASE STUDY 2
APPAREL RETAILERS
Our second case is derived from a few online apparel retailers that ship high volumes of primarily
small, soft packages (clothing articles). USPS was generally their most cost-effective option in
2016 and, despite price increases, will remain so in 2017. It’s also worth noting that, given the
relative flexibility of packaging apparel, the seller may be able to take advantage of flat or Regional
Rate Boxes with some minor adjustments to the folding and packing of the garments.
CARRIER
DELIVERY OPTIONS
DELIVERY COSTS
Standard
Weight or value based
3 day guaranteed
Flat rate
2-3 day
Threshold-based free
2 day guaranteed
Free shipping on every order
Overnight guaranteed
Package
Shipping
Parameters
Package Contents
Sweaters,
Scarfs, Mug
Leggings
Dress
Leggings
Leggings
Dimensions (Inches)
13x9x6
13x11x5
13x11x3
13x11x5
13x11x5
6 lbs
6 oz
2 lbs
2 lbs
3 lbs
2
8
2
8
8
UPS Ground
UPS First Class
UPS Next Day Air
USPS PM
USPS PM
Shipping Cost
$10.70
$2.60
$34.57
$10.44
$14.03
Delivery Time
2-5 days
3 days
1 day
3 days
3 days
2017 Best
Carrier/Service
USPS PM
USPS FC
USPS PME
USPS PM
USPS PM*
2017 Best Carrier/
Service Pricing
$7.29
$2.77
$21.18
$9.97
$14.45
2016-17 Estimated
Price Change
-$3.41
+17¢
-$13.39
-47¢
+42¢
Weight
Zone
Carrier & Service
2016
Actuals
2017
Forecast
*Without knowing the actual product dimensions we can’t say for sure, but these would likely fit into a
PM Medium Flat Rate Box which would cost $12.05—offering a savings of $1.98 vs 2016.
12
CASE STUDY 3
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT RETAILERS
Our third case is derived from a pair of outdoor equipment vendors that ship high volumes of relatively
large, heavy, dense packages. In these examples, FedEx is often a more attractive option—and it’s
important to note that the 2016 FedEx pricing shown is probably based on negotiated rates which we did
not have access to for our analysis. As noted, the vendors may have some significant opportunities to
reduce costs by optimizing their packaging to allow use of USPS Flat Rate or Regional Rate containers.
CARRIER
DELIVERY OPTIONS
DELIVERY COSTS
Standard
Weight or value based
3 day guaranteed
Flat rate
2-3 day
Threshold-based free
2 day guaranteed
Free shipping on every order
Overnight guaranteed
Package
Shipping
Parameters
Package Contents
Cast iron plate,
smoking accessories
Cast iron plate
Steel grate stacker
BBQ pellets
BBQ pellets
Dimensions (Inches)
17x17x5
17x17x5
8x6x3
Large Flat Rate Box
Reg Rate B Box
Weight
18.8 lbs
17 lbs
3 lbs
64 lbs
10 lbs
5
8
5
2
5
FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground
USPS PM
USPS PM
Shipping Cost
$16.30
$22.76
$12.46
$15.85
$10.66
Delivery Time
2 days
6 days
5 days
1 day
2 days
FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground
USPS PM
Regional A
USPS PM Large
Flat Rate Box
Regional
Rate B Box
2017 Best Carrier/
Service Pricing
$19.06
$26.63
$8.15
$16.55
$10.95
2016-17 Estimated
Price Change
+$2.76
+$3.87
-$4.31
+70¢
+29¢
Zone
Carrier & Service
2016
Actuals
2017
Forecast
2017 Best
Carrier/Service
13
CASE STUDY 4
ONLINE SPECIALTY FOODS
Our fourth case is derived from three online grocers that ship high volumes of relatively dense
packages, often requiring special packaging (for liquids or perishables requiring cold packs).
USPS is generally the best option, often presenting some significant opportunities to reduce costs
by optimizing their packaging to allow use of USPS Flat Rate or Regional Rate containers.
CARRIER
DELIVERY OPTIONS
DELIVERY COSTS
Standard
Weight or value based
3 day guaranteed
Flat rate
2-3 day
Threshold-based free
2 day guaranteed
Free shipping on every order
Overnight guaranteed
Package
Shipping
Parameters
Package Contents
Jar of preserves
Preserved meat
Duck fat
Olive Oil
Drink powder
packets
Dimensions (Inches)
8x6x6
Large Flat Rate Box
8x6x6
14x10x6
10x7x4
Weight
3 lbs
20 lbs
4 lbs
5 lbs 8 oz
5 lbs
8
8
6
8
1
USPS PM
USPS PM
USPS PM
FedEx Home
USPS PM
Shipping Cost
$14.03
$15.85
$12.97
$11.82
$7.17
Delivery Time
2 days
2 days
2 days
2-7 day
1 day
USPS PM Med
Flat Rate Box
USPS PM Large
Flat Rate Box
USPS PM Med
Flat Rate Box
USPS PM
Regional B*
USPS PM Reg
Rate A Box
2017 Best Carrier/
Service Pricing
$12.05
$16.55
$12.05
$20.41
$6.52
2016-17 Estimated
Price Change
-$1.98
+70¢
-92¢
+$8.59
-65¢
Zone
Carrier & Service
2016
Actuals
2017
Forecast
2017 Best
Carrier/Service
*Seller likely had a negotiated rate with FedEx for 2016 that made FedEx the best option; since we have
no data on clients’ negotiated rates, we are presenting the best generally available option for 2017 here
14
CASE STUDY 5
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS
Our fifth case is derived from online automotive retailers that ship high volumes of relatively
dense, sometimes bulky packages. This case illustrates that when we get into heavier packages
FedEx can sometimes beat USPS, even assuming USPS CPP and FedEx Standard rates (it should
be noted that some of the 2016 UPS and FedEx costs in this example are probably based on negotiated rates). Retailers dealing in larger/heavier packages with decent volumes should explore
potential negotiated rates with UPS and FedEx.
CARRIER
DELIVERY OPTIONS
DELIVERY COSTS
Standard
Actual cost
3 day guaranteed
Flat rate
2-3 day
Threshold-based free
2 day guaranteed
Free shipping on every order
Overnight guaranteed
Package
Shipping
Parameters
Package Contents
Water pump
Power steering
pressure hose
Transmission &
engine mounts
Water pump
Lightbulbs
and covers
Dimensions (Inches)
7x6x6
12x10x8
12x10x8
14x9x9
Med Flat Rate Box
Weight
4 lbs
6 lbs
10 lbs
6 lbs
1 lb
6
7
4
6
7
UPS Ground
FedEx Home
FedEx Home
UPS Ground
USPS PM
Shipping Cost
$12.42
$13.74
$9.58
$10.57
$11.60
Delivery Time
5 days
3 day
2 day
3 day
3 day
USPS PM Med
Flat Rate Box
FedEx Ground
USPS PM
FedEx Ground
USPS PM
Custom Box
2017 Best Carrier/
Service Pricing
$12.05
$16.16
$10.88
$15.53
$6.71
2016-17 Estimated
Price Change
-37¢
+$2.42
+$1.30
+$4.96
-$4.89
Zone
Carrier & Service
2016
Actuals
2017
Forecast
2017 Best
Carrier/Service
15
HOW SHIPPINGEASY CAN HELP
ShippingEasy is the premier shipping platform for eCommerce retailers. Whether
you ship 5 packages per month or 50,000, we can help you improve your customer
experience and increase your ROI on shipping operations through our industryleading suite of capabilities, which include:
Discounted, Commercial Plus Pricing (CPP) on USPS
Integration with all major eCommerce platforms, shopping
carts, marketplaces, and carriers
Support for multiple stores and fulfillment locations, international
selling, offline orders, and returns processing
Support for real time order synchronization with selling platform
(order download and status updates)
Inventory management across all selling channels, low stock alerts,
auto-populated purchase orders and comprehensive tracking
World-class support with full set-up and configuration
included, plus ongoing help 7am-7pm CST
To learn more: request a demo, visit www.shippingeasy.com
or give us a ring at 1-855-202-2275
16
APPENDIX:
OVERNIGHT* RATE COMPARISON TABLE, UP TO 5 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
0.5
USPS
21.18
21.18
21.86
23.76
25.42
26.99
28.78
35.11
0.5
Fedex
26.34
30.68
37.17
39.09
39.32
41.99
43.74
49.01
0.5
UPS
28.02
32.49
39.06
41.35
41.37
44.73
46.60
52.78
1
USPS
21.18
22.10
26.62
29.80
30.86
32.75
33.76
41.19
1
Fedex
29.04
38.07
51.33
55.58
59.47
63.12
65.99
68.84
1
UPS
32.55
43.90
55.68
61.89
64.94
71.23
72.81
79.39
2
USPS
21.18
23.58
29.02
32.47
33.81
35.79
37.04
45.20
2
Fedex
30.45
40.10
57.40
61.08
66.66
69.19
73.17
76.89
2
UPS
32.91
46.60
60.43
66.16
72.95
75.84
81.15
86.66
3
USPS
21.18
24.68
32.62
37.36
38.98
41.29
42.44
51.75
3
Fedex
32.77
42.19
63.24
67.25
70.98
75.75
79.63
83.01
3
UPS
36.22
50.12
66.48
75.03
80.39
85.46
88.35
96.28
4
USPS
21.18
26.29
34.78
42.25
43.91
46.49
47.74
58.26
4
Fedex
35.02
44.49
68.17
73.32
79.91
82.09
86.81
90.88
4
UPS
38.74
52.83
73.90
81.77
87.49
92.48
95.79
104.76
5
USPS
22.14
29.52
37.08
45.20
49.35
51.71
53.10
64.76
5
Fedex
35.59
44.84
72.27
79.38
84.95
87.26
91.87
97.51
5
UPS
39.51
53.63
76.42
84.55
90.66
95.10
98.50
113.05
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Express Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx Standard Overnight ® Standard Pricing
with residential and fuel surcharges, and UPS Next Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
17
APPENDIX:
OVERNIGHT* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 6-10 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
6
USPS
25.33
33.81
42.99
51.38
54.06
56.83
58.58
71.45
6
Fedex
37.34
50.54
79.96
84.36
91.75
93.16
98.78
105.45
6
UPS
44.21
57.47
84.25
95.79
100.00
106.87
111.30
120.95
7
USPS
27.77
37.04
49.26
56.18
58.72
62.08
64.30
78.46
7
Fedex
38.41
52.56
85.30
91.34
97.99
99.89
105.28
111.52
7
UPS
44.68
60.47
88.23
100.28
106.80
111.36
118.63
129.26
8
USPS
30.49
40.64
53.37
60.42
63.74
67.39
69.24
84.46
8
Fedex
40.22
53.97
90.63
97.00
104.33
106.69
111.63
117.42
8
UPS
45.06
62.09
93.21
108.88
115.97
117.70
122.20
136.23
9
USPS
31.69
42.25
55.35
64.63
68.69
72.60
74.54
90.96
9
Fedex
41.51
56.12
95.52
102.96
110.52
113.48
118.59
125.39
9
UPS
45.58
62.48
100.46
113.20
117.05
125.48
127.72
144.76
10
USPS
33.35
44.05
57.47
67.53
72.23
76.34
78.28
95.48
10
Fedex
41.86
58.20
98.72
108.29
113.38
119.83
125.24
132.54
10
UPS
45.94
62.93
101.44
114.07
118.71
126.64
128.92
153.70
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Express Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx Standard Overnight ® Standard Pricing
with residential and fuel surcharges, and UPS Next Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
18
APPENDIX:
OVERNIGHT* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 11-15 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
11
USPS 34.72
48.54
63.27
71.13
74.63
78.81
80.81
98.59
11
Fedex 44.38
60.57
106.61
116.02
124.34
127.87
133.31
141.67
11
UPS 51.35
71.90
115.72
131.42
140.83
149.70
153.10
162.10
12
USPS 36.59
51.95
67.23
74.90
77.99
82.41
84.41
102.99
12
Fedex 45.73
63.45
112.27
121.16
130.24
134.61
140.22
146.83
12
UPS 53.31
73.83
118.23
137.37
147.45
154.08
161.19
169.81
13
USPS 38.72
55.32
70.32
78.32
81.26
85.81
89.31
108.95
13
Fedex 46.19
66.44
117.43
126.59
135.35
141.53
146.79
153.52
13
UPS 53.98
76.43
120.80
143.42
153.28
161.99
168.73
177.27
14
USPS 40.50
58.72
73.08
81.36
84.68
89.41
92.99
113.44
14
Fedex 47.83
68.87
123.22
131.78
140.44
147.53
153.88
161.48
14
UPS 54.82
77.15
129.77
146.77
155.51
164.96
171.09
185.06
15
USPS 41.81
61.99
76.17
84.81
88.13
92.99
96.72
117.99
15
Fedex 49.52
71.12
127.39
136.93
144.92
152.30
159.49
167.65
15
UPS 55.19
77.53
130.67
147.45
156.04
165.62
171.62
191.49
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Express Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx Standard Overnight ® Standard Pricing
with residential and fuel surcharges, and UPS Next Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
19
APPENDIX:
OVERNIGHT* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 16-20 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
16
USPS
43.63
65.54
79.17
88.08
91.95
96.99
99.95
121.95
16
Fedex
50.47
71.74
133.28
141.84
150.20
156.15
163.46
171.78
16
UPS
57.06
84.78
140.22
160.83
166.72
178.65
182.16
198.91
17
USPS
45.32
68.95
82.17
91.31
95.04
100.17
102.77
125.35
17
Fedex
52.85
73.99
136.94
146.28
153.60
159.61
166.87
175.61
17
UPS
61.42
87.25
144.16
165.40
174.03
180.49
186.15
203.23
18
USPS
47.14
72.23
85.08
94.54
98.35
103.72
106.44
129.86
18
Fedex
54.31
74.78
140.95
149.24
156.89
162.95
171.22
179.73
18
UPS
61.89
87.73
145.01
165.86
177.79
180.90
190.88
208.16
19
USPS
48.81
75.63
87.99
97.72
101.77
107.22
109.99
134.17
19
Fedex
55.66
77.78
144.22
152.30
160.34
166.52
175.59
186.08
19
UPS
62.25
88.51
151.06
166.49
178.20
183.54
192.38
214.95
20
USPS
50.90
79.04
92.35
102.49
105.72
111.40
114.90
140.17
20
Fedex
56.62
79.97
150.39
163.79
168.73
177.35
181.48
197.01
20
UPS
62.56
88.85
151.67
166.79
179.35
183.99
193.18
219.09
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Express Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx Standard Overnight ® Standard Pricing
with residential and fuel surcharges, and UPS Next Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
20
APPENDIX:
SECOND DAY* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, UP TO 5 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
0.5
USPS
5.75
6.26
6.37
6.53
6.66
6.71
7.04
9.59
0.5
Fedex
20.77
21.47
22.22
24.65
29.15
30.55
31.08
45.05
0.5
UPS
21.08
21.78
22.56
24.49
28.77
30.08
30.45
42.10
1
USPS
5.75
6.26
6.37
6.53
6.66
6.71
7.04
9.59
1
Fedex
20.77
21.47
22.22
24.65
29.15
30.55
31.08
45.05
1
UPS
21.33
22.04
22.81
24.90
29.67
31.09
31.63
45.35
2
USPS
6.33
6.40
6.63
7.91
8.91
9.69
9.97
14.69
2
Fedex
21.06
21.82
22.58
26.01
31.83
34.59
36.17
49.83
2
UPS
21.62
22.41
23.18
26.32
32.41
35.20
36.81
50.17
3
USPS
6.41
7.16
7.62
9.22
11.46
12.39
14.45
19.92
3
Fedex
21.35
22.41
23.68
28.25
36.00
39.44
40.91
56.34
3
UPS
21.92
23.00
24.30
28.59
36.64
40.15
41.64
56.71
4
USPS
6.62
7.39
8.46
10.19
13.36
15.13
17.08
23.99
4
Fedex
21.88
23.04
25.30
32.33
40.98
44.48
46.02
59.78
4
UPS
22.46
23.66
25.98
32.70
41.70
45.27
46.83
60.15
5
USPS
6.96
7.77
8.91
10.62
15.21
17.39
19.80
27.86
5
Fedex
22.41
23.68
27.16
35.46
45.31
49.11
51.81
64.62
5
UPS
23.00
24.30
27.88
35.79
46.11
49.98
52.72
65.03
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx 2Day® Standard Pricing with residential and fuel
surcharges, and UPS 2nd Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
21
APPENDIX:
SECOND DAY* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 6-10 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
6
USPS
7.29
8.18
9.26
13.23
17.06
19.83
22.67
31.92
6
Fedex
23.22
24.43
29.25
38.37
49.93
54.15
56.37
68.47
6
UPS
23.83
25.08
29.96
38.73
50.81
55.10
57.36
68.89
7
USPS
7.60
8.59
9.60
14.68
18.89
22.36
25.46
35.84
7
Fedex
24.03
26.41
31.40
41.56
55.68
59.67
61.71
73.49
7
UPS
24.62
27.06
32.16
41.94
56.66
60.58
62.78
73.93
8
USPS
7.96
9.00
10.64
15.87
20.77
24.61
28.59
40.24
8
Fedex
24.84
28.44
33.32
44.98
61.19
65.34
67.51
76.99
8
UPS
25.44
29.14
34.13
45.39
62.25
66.34
68.68
77.44
9
USPS
8.32
9.57
10.75
16.96
22.59
26.66
31.79
44.75
9
Fedex
25.95
29.53
35.69
48.00
66.22
71.26
73.72
82.12
9
UPS
26.58
30.26
36.56
48.43
67.22
72.34
74.82
82.61
10
USPS
8.82
9.97
10.88
18.24
24.41
29.30
34.57
48.66
10
Fedex
26.99
31.23
38.13
51.02
70.43
77.18
79.41
88.75
10
UPS
27.65
31.99
39.06
51.47
71.66
78.34
80.78
89.27
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx 2Day® Standard Pricing with residential and fuel
surcharges, and UPS 2nd Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
22
APPENDIX:
SECOND DAY* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 11-15 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
11
USPS
9.99
11.57
13.40
19.43
26.19
31.89
37.45
53.17
11
Fedex
28.03
32.67
39.70
54.27
75.72
82.45
85.73
93.83
11
UPS
28.72
33.46
40.66
54.74
76.85
83.68
87.01
94.38
12
USPS
10.52
12.23
14.08
20.74
28.55
34.48
40.16
57.01
12
Fedex
29.31
34.36
41.67
57.11
81.27
88.13
91.35
97.09
12
UPS
30.03
35.19
42.69
57.60
82.49
89.46
92.71
97.65
13
USPS
11.00
12.84
14.66
21.83
30.66
35.88
41.58
59.04
13
Fedex
31.11
35.92
43.12
60.30
86.31
92.23
96.46
100.39
13
UPS
31.87
36.80
44.18
60.82
87.61
93.61
97.89
100.98
14
USPS
11.48
13.48
15.31
23.03
32.38
37.89
43.65
61.97
14
Fedex
32.45
37.60
45.67
63.55
91.35
96.86
100.62
104.18
14
UPS
33.23
38.52
46.79
64.09
92.71
98.30
102.11
104.78
15
USPS
11.87
14.13
15.96
24.06
33.63
38.61
44.81
63.60
15
Fedex
33.54
38.42
47.70
65.86
95.98
100.97
105.00
108.80
15
UPS
34.36
39.36
48.87
66.41
97.40
102.47
106.56
109.41
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx 2Day® Standard Pricing with residential and fuel
surcharges, and UPS 2nd Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
23
APPENDIX:
SECOND DAY* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 16-20 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
16
USPS
12.32
14.87
16.80
25.15
35.54
40.77
47.27
67.10
16
Fedex
34.24
39.58
49.63
67.88
100.03
105.95
109.28
113.11
16
UPS
35.08
40.54
50.82
68.45
101.51
107.52
110.90
113.75
17
USPS
12.65
15.52
17.52
26.26
37.35
42.90
49.76
70.63
17
Fedex
35.17
40.63
51.59
70.95
104.36
111.39
114.20
118.32
17
UPS
36.02
41.62
52.84
71.38
105.91
113.03
115.89
118.98
18
USPS
12.87
15.94
18.27
27.33
39.31
45.00
52.26
74.20
18
Fedex
36.22
41.84
53.33
73.26
108.52
116.13
120.65
125.12
18
UPS
37.10
42.86
54.63
73.87
110.13
117.85
122.44
125.82
19
USPS
13.14
16.35
18.71
28.05
41.08
47.11
54.75
77.71
19
Fedex
37.49
42.89
54.79
76.10
112.34
121.29
124.51
129.08
19
UPS
38.40
43.93
56.11
76.73
113.99
123.08
126.36
129.80
20
USPS
13.60
16.65
19.14
28.59
42.13
48.86
57.28
81.30
20
Fedex
38.65
44.56
56.75
79.46
116.20
125.33
129.02
133.51
20
UPS
39.59
45.65
58.13
80.12
117.92
127.18
130.92
134.25
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx 2Day® Standard Pricing with residential and fuel
surcharges, and UPS 2nd Day Air® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
24
APPENDIX:
GROUND* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, UP TO 5 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
1
USPS
5.75
6.26
6.37
6.53
6.66
6.71
7.04
9.59
1
Fedex
11.12
11.78
12.00
12.36
12.66
12.77
12.91
32.70
1
UPS
11.09
11.80
12.03
12.41
12.72
12.85
13.00
32.89
2
USPS
6.33
6.40
6.63
7.91
8.91
9.69
9.97
14.69
2
Fedex
11.87
12.48
13.17
13.36
13.77
13.98
14.26
35.93
2
UPS
11.87
12.54
13.26
13.47
13.90
14.12
14.44
35.80
3
USPS
6.41
7.16
7.62
9.22
11.46
12.39
14.45
19.92
3
Fedex
11.99
12.84
13.68
13.97
14.38
14.74
15.35
38.72
3
UPS
12.01
12.91
13.80
14.11
14.56
14.94
15.60
38.72
4
USPS
6.62
7.39
8.46
10.19
13.36
15.13
17.08
23.99
4
Fedex
12.25
13.06
14.14
14.60
14.91
15.43
16.17
42.13
4
UPS
12.27
13.13
14.29
14.77
15.13
15.69
16.48
42.37
5
USPS
6.96
7.77
8.91
10.62
15.21
17.39
19.80
27.86
5
Fedex
12.29
13.14
14.52
15.01
15.27
15.86
16.78
45.35
5
UPS
12.31
13.21
14.68
15.24
15.54
16.18
17.16
45.65
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx Ground® Standard Pricing with residential and fuel
surcharges, and UPS Ground® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
25
APPENDIX:
GROUND* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 6-10 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
6
USPS
7.29
8.18
9.26
13.23
17.06
19.83
22.67
31.92
6
Fedex
12.58
13.40
14.65
15.23
15.54
16.16
16.88
48.62
6
UPS
12.62
13.48
14.82
15.49
15.83
16.49
17.26
48.66
7
USPS
7.60
8.59
9.60
14.68
18.89
22.36
25.46
35.84
7
Fedex
13.06
13.63
14.84
15.48
15.75
16.48
17.38
51.64
7
UPS
13.10
13.71
14.99
15.75
16.05
16.84
17.80
51.83
8
USPS
7.96
9.00
10.64
15.87
20.77
24.61
28.59
40.24
8
Fedex
13.23
13.87
15.02
15.69
16.11
16.87
17.84
52.49
8
UPS
13.26
13.94
15.16
15.99
16.44
17.25
18.29
52.92
9
USPS
8.32
9.57
10.75
16.96
22.59
26.66
31.79
44.75
9
Fedex
13.50
14.11
15.16
15.79
16.37
17.41
18.71
55.91
9
UPS
13.53
14.14
15.29
16.08
16.72
17.83
19.22
56.41
10
USPS
8.82
9.97
10.88
18.24
24.41
29.30
34.57
48.66
10
Fedex
13.72
14.15
15.34
16.12
16.75
18.20
19.70
59.16
10
UPS
13.71
14.16
15.41
16.44
17.13
18.68
20.27
59.72
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx Ground® Standard Pricing with residential and fuel
surcharges, and UPS Ground® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
26
APPENDIX:
GROUND* RATE COMPARISON TABLES, 11-20 LBS
Weight Not Over (Lbs)
Carrier
L, 1&2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
11
USPS
9.99
11.57
13.40
19.43
26.19
31.89
37.45
53.17
11
Fedex
14.14
14.56
15.45
16.32
17.32
19.41
20.74
62.09
11
UPS
14.15
14.59
15.53
16.65
17.73
19.96
21.39
62.71
12
USPS
10.52
12.23
14.08
20.74
28.55
34.48
40.16
57.01
12
Fedex
14.31
14.89
15.55
16.49
17.53
20.02
21.69
64.59
12
UPS
14.33
14.94
15.63
16.84
17.96
20.62
22.41
65.27
13
USPS
11.00
12.84
14.66
21.83
30.66
35.88
41.58
59.04
13
Fedex
14.56
15.15
15.70
16.73
18.23
21.17
22.85
67.10
13
UPS
14.59
15.21
15.79
17.09
18.71
21.85
23.64
67.83
14
USPS
11.48
13.48
15.31
23.03
32.38
37.89
43.65
61.97
14
Fedex
14.83
15.46
15.82
16.92
18.91
22.25
23.94
69.72
14
UPS
14.88
15.54
15.92
17.29
19.43
22.99
24.81
70.50
15
USPS
11.87
14.13
15.96
24.06
33.63
38.61
44.81
63.60
15
Fedex
14.89
15.71
15.98
17.52
19.59
22.81
24.96
72.14
15 Over (Lbs)
Weight Not
UPS
Carrier
14.94
L,
1&2
15.803
Zone
16.084
Zone
17.945
Zone
20.176
Zone
23.597
Zone
25.898
Zone
72.959
Zone
16
USPS
12.32
14.87
16.80
25.15
35.54
40.77
47.27
67.10
16
Fedex
15.02
15.83
16.09
17.61
20.10
23.61
25.59
75.19
16
UPS
15.11
15.96
16.23
18.00
20.70
24.45
26.57
76.07
17
USPS
12.65
15.52
17.52
26.26
37.35
42.90
49.76
70.63
17
Fedex
15.22
16.31
16.36
18.13
20.94
24.81
26.63
78.24
17
UPS
15.32
16.46
16.51
18.55
21.60
25.74
27.69
79.17
18
USPS
12.87
15.94
18.27
27.33
39.31
45.00
52.26
74.20
18
Fedex
15.24
16.47
16.72
18.82
21.63
25.25
27.74
81.32
18
UPS
15.34
16.64
16.90
19.30
22.34
26.21
28.86
82.31
19
USPS
13.14
16.35
18.71
28.05
41.08
47.11
54.75
77.71
19
Fedex
15.29
16.69
16.75
19.06
22.00
25.84
28.55
84.36
19
UPS
15.39
16.87
16.93
19.55
22.73
26.84
29.72
85.42
20
USPS
13.60
16.65
19.14
28.59
42.13
48.86
57.28
81.30
20
Fedex
15.44
16.92
17.19
19.81
22.79
26.67
29.69
87.06
20
UPS
15.56
17.11
17.40
20.35
23.57
27.72
30.95
88.16
*Rates shown for USPS Priority Mail® Commercial Plus Pricing, FedEx Ground® Standard Pricing with residential and fuel
surcharges, and UPS Ground® Daily Rates with residential and fuel surcharges
27
ASSUMPTIONS
This analysis focuses on shipping situations most often encountered by small- and
medium - sized businesses. Therefore, special situations such as international shipping,
hazardous materials shipping, and early morning delivery were not analyzed.
LIMITS
• USPS only accepts packages with a combined length and girth of 108" or smaller;
this analysis does not consider packages dimensionally larger than this
- Both FedEx Home Delivery and UPS services allow packages up to 108" in
length and up to 165" in combined length and girth
• Only UPS and Fedex will handle packages between 70 and 150 pounds—USPS will not
• Only UPS will handle packages over 150 pounds
• If you are shipping multiple products with a total weight greater than 70 pounds,
you should look into the possibility of breaking the shipment into two or more
packages: shipping multiple packages of 70 or fewer pounds each via USPS is
generally less costly than shipping one package of the total weight by UPS or FedEx
28
ASSUMPTIONS
• There are many ways to obtain USPS Commercial Plus® Pricing (for example, all
ShippingEasy customers with paid accounts automatically receive it), so we’ve
used this pricing level for USPS 2017 pricing in our models.
• FedEx and UPS typically negotiate specific pricing with each of their clients
based on a number of criteria. Since we can’t know what your negotiated rates
with these carriers may be, we have used their lowest published 2017 rates (UPS
Daily and FedEx Standard List) in our models. If you use one of these carriers and
have negotiated lower rates, you should double check your rates for the specific
situations where we rate USPS as being a better deal.
• FedEx and UPS both apply various surcharges; we considered the following to be
relevant to our analysis and included them:
– Residential surcharge: a flat fee per package applied to deliveries to households.
We used:
• The FedEx residential surcharge of $3.85, effective as of January 2, 2017
• The UPS residential surcharges of $3.40 (Ground) and $4.00 (Overnight and
2-day), effective as of December 26, 2016
– Fuel surcharge: a percentage upcharge applied to every package which changes
periodically based on a number of factors. We used:
• The FedEx fuel surcharge of 2.25%, the charge which will be in effect through
December 4, 2016
• The UPS fuel surcharge of 4%, the charge which will be in effect through
December 5, 2016
• FedEx and UPS both offer delivery services in collaboration with USPS (UPS
SurePost® and Fedex SmartPost®). Because these services have prerequisites that
make them less attractive for smaller sellers, we have omitted them from our analysis.
29
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