Quarterly Live Group Demo Watch Now

Sifted logo

Parcel Carrier Comparison Guide

by Sifted Team

Feb 7, 2024

3 min read

In the intricate landscape of parcel shipping today, shippers navigate a complex web of carriers, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s crucial to choose the right carrier for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

FBA vs FBM

Carrier Diversification Presentation

Our experts have compiled the strengths and weaknesses of key carriers—UPS, FedEx, Amazon, USPS, OnTrac, and Pitney Bowes—providing a helpful guide. From weight limits to service offerings, geographic coverage and pricing structures, this analysis offers insights for informed decision-making:

CarrierStrengthsWeaknesses

UPS

  • Up to 150 Lbs

  • Express and Ground Services

  • Serves All 50 States

  • Consistent Deliveries


  • Penalize Heavy Shipments


FedEx

  • Up to 150 Lbs

  • Express and Ground Services

  • Serves All 50 States


  • Penalize Heavy Shipments

  • Inconsistent Delivery Performance

Amazon

  • Up to 150 Lbs

  • Serves All 50 States

  • Consistent Deliveries

  • Fast Ground Delivery Times

  • Don't Penalize Heavy Shipments

  • Very Competitive Discounts


  • No Express Services

USPS

  • Up to 70 Lbs

  • Less Accessorial Fees

  • Serves All 50 States

  • New Ground Advantage Service


  • Poor Delivery Performance

  • Don't Offer Discounts

OnTrac

  • Competitive Transit Times

  • Captures 85% of the Population


  • Only Serves 35 States

  • Can Only Ship up to 50 Lbs

Pitney Bowes

  • Serves All 50 States


  • Only Competitively Ships up to to 5 Lbs

  • Must Ship Out of Only 27 States

Overall, the choice of a parcel carrier is both a difficult and important decision. As a Logistics Intelligence company, Sifted leverages billions of dollars in shipping spend data to guide businesses in making informed carrier decisions. Request a demo to see how our software can help your company optimize your shipping operations.

Topics

Check out related resources at Sifted.

Sifted at Home Delivery World 2024 – What to Know

Sifted at Home Delivery World 2024 – What to Know

On June 5-6, experts in direct-to-consumer shipping will gather at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in ...
Read More
Parcel Carrier Diversification 101

Parcel Carrier Diversification 101

Last mile delivery has never been more important to businesses. In 2023, the global last mile delivery market was ...
Read More
RILA LINK 2024 Recap: The Cutting-Edge of Retail Supply Chains

RILA LINK 2024 Recap: The Cutting-Edge of Retail Supply Chains

At the end of February, supply chain leaders from the nation’s largest retailers converged in Dallas for the ...
Read More
Sifted’s Caleb Nelson Named 2024 “Pros to Know” Award Recipient

Sifted’s Caleb Nelson Named 2024 “Pros to Know” Award Recipient

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Sifted, the trailblazer in Logistics Intelligence™ is proud to announce that Caleb Nelson, ...
Read More
Meet Sifted at LINK 2024

Meet Sifted at LINK 2024

At the end of February, the top supply chain leaders from some of the nation’s largest retailers will converge in ...
Read More
Parcel Carrier Comparison Guide

Parcel Carrier Comparison Guide

In the intricate landscape of parcel shipping today, shippers navigate a complex web of carriers, each with its ...
Read More
Amazon Shipping, Seller Fulfilled Prime, and More: Matt Snyder’s Insights and Advice to Sellers in 2024

Amazon Shipping, Seller Fulfilled Prime, and More: Matt Snyder’s Insights and Advice to Sellers in 2024

Amazon took the supply chain world by storm in 2023. They announced Amazon Shipping, a FedEx and UPS competitor ...
Read More
2024 Shipping Industry Outlook: Top Trends Driving Down Costs + How to Capitalize

2024 Shipping Industry Outlook: Top Trends Driving Down Costs + How to Capitalize

Over the last few years, soaring shipping costs, unpredictable rate hikes, and a challenging logistical landscape ...
Read More
Sifted Celebrates Achievement as 2023 Top Tech Startup by Food Logistics, Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Sifted Celebrates Achievement as 2023 Top Tech Startup by Food Logistics, Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Kansas City, Mo – Sifted, a leader in Logistics Intelligence, has been recognized as a 2023 Top Tech Startup by ...
Read More
11/27/23 Parcel News Update

11/27/23 Parcel News Update

1. Amazon’s Volumes Surpass FedEx and UPS Amazon delivered more parcels in 2022 than UPS, according to internal ...
Read More
11/20/23 Parcel News Update

11/20/23 Parcel News Update

1. USPS Announces Tentative Rate Increases for 2024 The United States Postal Service has announced rate increases ...
Read More
11/13/23 Parcel News Update

11/13/23 Parcel News Update

1. Experts Share Attention-Grabbing Items from 2024 GRIs Supply Chain Dive interviewed industry experts, including ...
Read More

Are you an FBM (fulfillment by merchant) Amazon seller?

Check out our Marketplace Intelligence solutions to protect your bottom line.

Shipping Insights & Alerts
Get updates and track the things impacting your business most

Decision Support
See how supply chain adjustments pay off before you pay out

Carrier Management
Streamline how you manage your carrier operations and contracts

Business Automation
Let software do what it does better than people can

Seller Insights
Measure and monitor with confidence.

Sales Visualization
Shed new light on your sales data.

Fee Analyzer
Understand the impact of ever-changing FBA fees.

FBA Audit & Recovery
Secure money you’re owed from Amazon.

Blog
Discover news, tips, and industry best practices

DIM Weight Calculator
See how DIM is impacting you

Podcast
Hear from industry experts on LeaderShipping

Case Studies
Learn how other brands use
Logistics Intelligence

Carbon Calculator
Calculate your CO2 Emissions

Thought Leaders
Meet the people behind the technology

Guides
Download free reports and expert how-tos

Demo
Get a personalized tour of our software

About Sifted
Get to know Logistics Intelligence

Logistics Intelligence
For parcel shippers

Marketplace Intelligence
For Amazon FBA sellers

Let's get you to the right place!

SIFTED DASHBOARDS
For parcel shippers

AMAZON Marketplace Intelligence

Not sure if you have an account? Email [email protected].