Over time, Shipping rates can change quickly, and most shippers are looking to find only one straightforward solution that is to know which is cheaper, FedEx or USPS? With the new 2025 rate updates, deciding on the appropriate carrier can save on all your shipments. It doesn't matter whether you will ship once a month or have a small online shop, you need to know the actual differences in costs.
Both USPS and FedEx have good services, but the prices of the services are based on the weight, size, speed of delivery, and the location of the package. USPS is well known when dealing with lightweight packages, whereas FedEx offers better prices when dealing with heavier or quicker packages. In this guide, we will make a comparison of USPS and FedEx rates based on different factors in order to make a decision on which carrier best suits your budget in 2025.
What’s Cheaper: FedEx or USPS?
The USPS tends to be more affordable as compared to FedEx for small and lightweight packages less than 10 lbs, and can be very affordable when used as a domestic ground carrier. FedEx is more affordable when it comes to the heavier boxes, oversize packages, and when the shipment has to be delivered within 2 days using expedited services or overnight delivery.
The most affordable option is based on the weight, size, and delivery speed of your package. At this point, we are going to compare them in order to select the most appropriate carrier.
When Is USPS Cheaper?
USPS is the cheapest when delivering light packages, particularly those that fall under 1-10 lbs., and the USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail are really affordable in terms of delivering small boxes at short to medium distances.
USPS Advantages
- The price of packages below 250g and 500g is low.
- Good with letters, documents, and small boxes.
- Priority Mail has flat-rate packages without any additional charges.
- Most services are without fuel surcharges.
- FedEx is more expensive to deliver to rural locations.
USPS Rates in 2025
When Is FedEx Cheaper?
FedEx is not the most affordable on a general basis, but it is superior in terms of items that weigh much, have a large box, and those that are to be transported quickly.
FedEx Advantages
- Cheaper for heavy boxes. (15–20 lbs+)
- The business offers discounts on FedEx accounts.
- Powerful corporate shipping.
- More economical when the package is large, bulky, or fragile.
FedEx Rates in 2025
Weight
FedEx Ground
FedEx 2Day
Comparison Based on Shipping Types
USPS
- Lowest price for standard delivery. (Priority Mail, First-Class)
- No additional fees in the majority of categories.
- Convenient to those who ship small parcels.
FedEx
- Lower cost on express shipping with business discounts.
- Competitive for 2-day and overnight services.
- Best when shipping large quantities of products.
Winner: Depends on type, USPS is best for standard shipping, and FedEx for business or fast shipping.
Comparison Based on Weight
USPS
- Lowest price for parcels below 1 lb
- Typically less expensive than FedEx for1-5 lbs parcels.
- Prices of USPS increase rapidly after 10 lbs.
- Flat-rate boxes are useful when the items are compact and heavy.
FedEx
- Often cheaper than USPS for 5–20 lbs
- Huge advantage for 20 lbs+
- Saving on bulk shipping is even more affordable.
- Best in gym equipment, electronics, and tools.
Winner: USPS with light items and FedEx with heavy items.
Comparison Based on the Speed of Delivery
USPS
- Priority Mail (1-3 days) is less expensive but not guaranteed.
- Priority Express is expedited, though it is more expensive for large packages.
- Good for non-urgent shipping.
FedEx
- FedEx Express Saver, 2-Day, and Overnight are quicker and more dependable.
- Guaranteed delivery times.
- Perfect at sending business shipments urgently.
Winner: FedEx for delivering parcels within a short period of time.
Comparison Based on Surcharges and Additional Fees
USPS
- No residential surcharge
- Most services do not have a fuel surcharge.
- Fewer extra fees overall
- Lower cost to serve rural zip codes.
FedEx
- Charges fuel surcharge.
- Billing residential delivery fee.
- Additional charge on weekends, signature, and oversized products.
- Personal shipments are increased by fees.
Winner: USPS has fewer charges, easier to determine the price.
Comparison Based on Weight Limits and Size
USPS
- Max weight: 70 lbs
- There are rigid size restrictions for certain services.
- Best for compact packages
- Expensive overweight boxes
FedEx
- Max weight: 150 lbs
- Handles huge, odd-sized boxes
- Offers freight options
- Better for commercial loads
Winner: FedEx is more flexible in terms of size and weight.
Comparison Based on Reliability
USPS
- Good for normal delivery.
- Delayed in rural areas sometimes.
- Priority Mail has no guaranteed arrival.
- Tracking is getting better and yet easier than FedEx.
FedEx
- More secure regarding express shipping.
- Guaranteed 2-Day and Overnight.
- Effective tracking and customer care.
- More business-friendly and best for time-sensitive packages.
Winner: FedEx is the most reliable and has a track record.
Which One Should You Choose?
When your shipment is heavy, more than 5 lbs, or urgent, USPS is cheaper 90 percent of the time. FedEx beats the competition with high speed, dependability, and business discounts in case your package is heavy, large, and requires fast delivery. Consider weight, size, and speed of delivery, and other factors for your final decision. Pick USPS when shipping small packages daily and use FedEx when shipments are urgent or heavy.
