Around the world, shipping costs are a major overhead concern for many organizations; small and large. These costs could balloon if you are an organization that specializes in the exporting and importing of goods each day. If you are in a hurry and are not comparing major international & domestic shipping charges before you ship, you could be costing your business thousands of dollars per year that could’ve been invested back into the company. Just because you are in the shipping business, does not mean you should have to pay more money for these services.

Below, we are going to compare and contrast two of the top international & domestic shipping companies in the world; FedEx - Expedited Shipping and USPS - Expedited Shipping.

FedEx Expedited Shipping

When it comes to expedited shipping, FedEx has two shipping options: Surface Expedite Exclusive Use and Secure Shipping Solutions.

Key Features of Surface Expedite Exclusive Use

This service is more for direct and door to door shipping. Some of the features include:

• A 24-hour availability

• Service 365 days per year

• Available models such as tractor-trailers, straight box trucks, and cargo vans.

• Reserve personal a FedEx truck where only your shipment is on the vehicle until delivery.

• Great for same day services.

• Great for critical packages.

• Pickup and delivery times are down to the minute and are set by the client.

• Services to Canada and Mexico.

• No matter the size of your cargo, FedEx will match it with the appropriate size vehicle.

• FedEx will notify the client throughout the process; at pickup and at delivery. They will also notify the client if any transport issues arise. This service here comes with all “Surface Expedite” shipments.

Note: FedEx will use third-party carriers for shipping services to Mexico. Using 3rd parties can sometimes add more time to the delivery.

Key Features of Secure Shipping Solutions 

This type of shipping is for items that need high security. FedEx takes secure transport very seriously. Some of the features include:

• Feature to have only one shipment (yours) in the vehicle from pickup to delivery.

• High-tech satellite communication allowing for proactive and continuous shipment monitoring.

• Get a photo of the actual driver sent to your phone.

• Thorough driver background checks.

• For shipments that are intrastate and interstate, FedEx has access to security escorts if needed.

• Vehicles with your secure shipments in them are parked overnight at secure facilities.

FedEx Rates

Example with Price Calculator: To send a 5-pound package, that is 8 inches long 6 inches wide, and 4 inches high with the declared value of $20, from Minnesota to New York will cost you:

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USPS Expedited Shipping

When it comes expedited shipping, USPS has a service called Priority Mail Express, also known as “Express” for short. They also have Regular Priority Mail.

Key Features of Priority Mail Express

Priority Mail Express (guaranteed delivery) is by far USPS’s fastest international & domestic service available. They also offer senders free boxes, envelopes and pick up with this service. You also get a tracking number. Some features include:

• Guaranteed delivery or overnight packages.

• Flat rate pricing is available.

• If the package is under 70 pounds no weighing or calculating will be required.

• Free pickup extends to your office as well.

• When a signature is captured, you will be sent proof. This will ensure that the person you intend to get the package received it.

• 10:30 AM is the earliest they will deliver an overnight package. Holidays and Sundays are available in major markets. Additional charges will apply.

• On international packages, a refund of postage is available with some restrictions.

• Full money back guarantee if your Priority Mail Express international shipment does not get delivered at the scheduled time.

• All packages from Priority Mail Express, include up to $100 of package insurance.

Key Features of Regular Priority Mail

Regular Priority Mail (non-guaranteed delivery) features include:

• Includes up to $50 of insurance on the shipment.

• Delivery times are typically between 1 and 3 business days.

• No extra charge for deliveries in rural areas or on Saturday deliveries.

• All packages will still get a USPS tracking number that can be tracked online.

• Special care packages are available for fragile items. This is an extra charge of $10.95.

• Collection on Delivery (COD) – Is available. This will allow you to have your clients pay for merchandise and shipping when a package arrives to them. This service comes with insurance up to $1000, but it is based on the amount that is being collected.

USPS Rates

Example with Price Calculator: To send a 5-pound package, that is 8 inches long 6 inches wide, and 4 inches high with the declared value of $20, from Minnesota to New York will cost you:

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Comparison

Both are great companies for shipping needs. However, USPS is going to be less expensive to send a similar sized package to the same place as you can clearly see. However, if you are looking for more features, or have far more expensive items you are sending across the country or internationally, FedEx - Expedite Shipping is the way to go if that’s your goal. However, if you are just sending normal packages domestically, and need to send it overnight, USPS - Expedite Shipping will be your best option there.

Final Thoughts

When you are deciding on which company you would like to use for your shipping needs, you must consider what you are shipping.

This plays a major role in which shipping provider will provide you with the best service and features. If you are shipping something relatively inexpensive, and domestic, you can save much more money by shipping with the USPS. If you are sending something highly valuable, and highly expensive, internationally or domestic, FedEx is the way to go. It just depends on the items being sent.

If you are ready to take that next step, Cabrella can be your one stop shop for all your e-commerce shipping needs. Insuring 182 countries, Cabrella makes shipping seamless. Where some shipping carriers will not cover certain parts of the world, Cabrella specializes in ensuring where others won’t. Contact them today!