Install on ShopifyFor small packages, most US sellers choose between USPS and UPS. There's no carrier that wins every time: weight, size, distance and the delivery address all move the price, package by package. What doesn't change are each carrier's rules. Knowing them tells you where each one tends to fit.
Side by side
| USPS | UPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday service | Ground Advantage, 2–5 days | UPS Ground, 1–5 business days |
| Faster options | Priority Mail, 2–3 days; Priority Mail Express, 1–3 days | 3 Day Select, 2nd Day Air, Next Day Air |
| Max weight | 70 lb | 150 lb |
| Max size | 108 in length + girth (Priority Mail); 130 in (Ground Advantage) | 108 in long; 165 in length + girth |
| Packages under 1 lb | Ground Advantage prices in ounce steps | Weight rounds up to the next whole pound |
| Dimensional weight | Over 1 cubic foot, ÷ 139 | May apply to any package, ÷ 139 (Daily Rates) or 166 (Retail Rates) |
| Pickup | Free Package Pickup for prepaid packages | Schedule a pickup or drop off |
Where USPS often fits
- Light packages. Ground Advantage prices packages under a pound in ounce steps (up to 4, 8, 12 and 15.999 oz). UPS rounds any fraction of a pound up to the next whole pound.
- Small boxes. USPS only applies dimensional weight above 1 cubic foot. UPS can apply it to any size.
- Home deliveries on Priority Mail. USPS says Priority Mail has no surcharges for fuel, residential or rural delivery, or Saturday delivery.
- Military and territory addresses. Ground Advantage ships to all 50 states, US military bases, territories and possessions. Military Post Office (APO/FPO/DPO) addresses pay domestic prices but need a customs form.
- Free pickups. USPS picks up prepaid packages at your door for free. See how to schedule a free USPS pickup.
Where UPS often fits
- Heavier packages. UPS takes packages up to 150 lb. USPS stops at 70 lb.
- Bigger boxes. Up to 165 inches in length and girth combined.
- A ladder of air services. 3 Day Select, 2nd Day Air and Next Day Air give you more speed choices between ground and overnight.
- Saturday delivery. UPS offers Saturday delivery in many areas; availability depends on the destination and the shipment.
Don't pick a carrier. Pick a rate.
Because price depends on the package and the address, the most reliable way to choose is to compare both carriers for every order, with the real box size and weight. A habit of "always USPS" or "always UPS" means paying more on the orders where the other one would have won.
A few things to check besides price: the delivery date you promised the customer, whether the address is a military APO/FPO/DPO address (USPS ships there), and whether the package is over 70 lb (UPS).
Comparing USPS and UPS in Muvo
Muvo compares USPS and UPS rates side by side on every order, using the box and weight you saved for each product, and picks the cheapest qualifying rate. Switch between Cheapest, Best value and Fastest, or pick any rate by hand. Every price shows before you buy.
Getting packages to the carrier: Muvo books the free USPS pickup when you close the day. UPS packages are dropped off; Muvo doesn't book UPS pickups. You can also drop parcels at a Muvo Hub in Tampa or Ohio, free with Muvo labels.
Muvo has no monthly fee on the Free plan. See pricing for the label fee and what Pro adds, or create a free account and connect your store.
Sources: USPS, USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and Mail & Shipping Services; UPS, UPS Ground, Domestic shipping services and Package dimensions, size limits and weight guide. Carrier rules change, so check the carrier's site before you rely on a detail.
