1. USPS (United States Postal Service)
Best For: Lightweight packages, nationwide reach, home-based businesses
Affordable flat-rate shipping
Free pickup services
Saturday delivery at no extra cost
Discounted rates with Click-N-Ship or shipping software
P.O. Box and APO/FPO delivery supported
Popular USPS Services:
- First-Class Package (under 16 oz)
- Priority Mail (2–3 days)
- Priority Mail Flat Rate (no weight-based pricing)
- Media Mail (books, DVDs, printed content)
🔗 Ideal for businesses using LiteBlue USPS Official and Click-N-Ship integration
2. UPS (United Parcel Service)
Best For: Heavy items, high-value shipments, guaranteed delivery windows
Excellent tracking tools
Guaranteed delivery times
Strong commercial pickup services
UPS Capital for declared value protection
Popular Services:
- UPS Ground (1–5 days)
- UPS 3 Day Select
- UPS Next Day Air
Tip: Great for B2B fulfillment or wholesale shipments needing signature confirmation.
3. FedEx
Best For: Express shipments, international deliveries, time-sensitive items
Strong international network
FedEx SmartPost (economical for eCommerce)
FedEx Home Delivery (weekend options available)
Best Use: When shipping expensive or urgent goods with strict delivery timing.
Third-Party Shipping Platforms (Discounted Rates)
Platforms like Pirate Ship, Shippo, EasyPost, and ShipStation offer discounted shipping rates and automation tools:
- Access to USPS Commercial Pricing
- Batch label printing
- Branded tracking pages
- Order sync with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon
Many small businesses combine USPS shipping with third-party software for cost efficiency + automation.
What to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Provider
- Package Size & Weight: USPS is best for light, small items; UPS/FedEx are better for heavier parcels
- Delivery Speed: Need 1–2 day delivery? Use Priority Mail or UPS Next Day
- Budget: USPS often wins on price, especially with flat rate boxes
- Customer Expectations: Offer tracking and predictable delivery
- Integration with Platforms: Choose carriers compatible with your eCommerce tools
Returns & Labels
USPS and third-party tools make it easy to generate prepaid return labels. Consider offering:
- Pre-paid USPS return label (cheaper via Pirate Ship or Shippo)
- QR code returns via UPS or FedEx for hassle-free drop-offs
- Branded return policies to build trust
Shipping Comparison Table (Quick View)
| Carrier | Best For | Cost | Delivery Speed | International |
| USPS | Lightweight, flat-rate | Low | 1–3 days (Priority) | Yes |
| UPS | Heavy/valuables | Moderate | 1–5 days (Ground) | Yes |
| FedEx | Express, global | High | 1–2 days (Express) | Yes |
| Shippo / Pirate Ship | Discounted USPS | Lowest | USPS Speed | USPS only (mostly) |
Final Thoughts
For most U.S.-based small businesses, USPS offers the best balance of affordability and reach, especially when paired with third-party tools for automation and savings. UPS and FedEx excel for heavier shipments or guaranteed time-sensitive deliveries.
Always consider your average package weight, delivery expectations, and cost per shipment — and don’t hesitate to use more than one carrier, depending on the customer’s location or order size.
