Complete Guide to UPS Shipping Options for E-Commerce

As UPS continues to be a dominating force in e-commerce shipping and logistics, we thought it would be a good idea to provide a refresher on the UPS shipping services available to online businesses and growing merchants. Setting up a UPS account is essential for accessing and managing a variety of shipping services, including discounted rates and enhanced tracking features. Knowing which UPS service best suits your needs as you process orders will help make for smoother transactions and more efficient order fulfillment.

Set up your UPS account today so you can start saving on shipping costs immediately.

Introduction to UPS Shipping

UPS shipping services are designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses and individuals by offering a wide range of reliable and efficient delivery options. Whether you’re shipping a single package or managing high-volume e-commerce orders, UPS provides flexible solutions like UPS SurePost and UPS Ground to help you get your packages where they need to go. With features such as end-to-end tracking, insurance options, and seamless customs clearance for international shipments, UPS shipping services ensure that your deliveries arrive safely and on time. By understanding the different shipping options available, customers and businesses can select the most cost-effective service, streamline their shipping process, and reduce costs while maintaining a high level of reliability and customer satisfaction.

UPS Ground Shipping

UPS Ground, also known as UPS Ground Service, is one of the UPS shipping services that guarantees delivery anywhere between one and five days. It offers affordable rates and guaranteed delivery.

UPS Ground Service is a popular choice for domestic shipping within the United States.

As a more economical option, this service is better suited for shipments that aren’t urgent or pressing. With Shippo you can find discounts of up to 78% off this service when compared to retail rates.

UPS Standard Delivery

Another cost-effective option, UPS Standard Delivery guarantees ground delivery for shipments to and from the U.S., except for Alaska and Hawaii. UPS will provide door-to-door service and make up to three delivery attempts.

When comparing the price of UPS Standard Delivery to other shipping options, it stands out as an affordable choice for customers seeking reliable service at a lower cost.

UPS 2nd Day Air

E-commerce businesses are continually challenged to offer shorter delivery times. In our survey, we found that 54 percent of consumers and half of businesses prefer a 2-3 day delivery window. For faster shipments, UPS 2nd Day Air offers guaranteed two-day delivery to the entire U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (for shipments that don’t require overnight service). Customers pay a premium for the expedited delivery speed provided by UPS 2nd Day Air, reflecting the value of faster shipping. It’s a cost-effective option for shorter delivery times, and UPS will throw in free packaging. To make it an even more enticing option, you can also find up to 73% off this service when using Shippo.

UPS Next Day Air Shipping

UPS Next Day Air Shipping is for urgent packages that need to be delivered the very next day. This will come in handy if you’ve made a mistake and need to get a product out quickly. With guaranteed next-day delivery, UPS will refund you for any packages that don’t arrive on time. This also includes free UPS packaging materials.

UPS Next Day Air Shipping serves more zip codes and businesses between 10:30 a.m. and noon than FedEx Priority Overnight does.

UPS Next Day Air Saver 

Like UPS Next Day Air Shipping, UPS Next Day Air Saver guarantees delivery by the next day. The difference here, however, is that Next Day Air Saver will deliver the package by 4:30 p.m. to most commercial destinations and end of day for residential locations, later than Next Day Air Shipping. Next Day Air Saver provides next-day delivery at a reduced rate, with no additional cost for the later delivery window compared to standard Next Day Air. Both options include a money-back guarantee and complimentary UPS packaging. Similar to 2nd Day Air, Shippo users can take advantage of discounts up to 73% off retail rates.

UPS 3 Day Select

UPS 3 Day Select services the lower 48 states and guarantees delivery within three business days. UPS packaging is also included.

UPS 3 Day Select accommodates boxes of various sizes, provided they meet the service's weight and dimension requirements.

UPS Next Day Air Early

For early morning delivery, check out UPS Next Day Air Early. Delivery is available as early as 8 a.m. to most major cities in the U.S. and by 9:30 a.m. in most other cities. This also comes with a money-back delivery guarantee and UPS packaging. UPS offers early morning delivery in more zip codes than any other carrier. Early morning delivery is available on business days throughout the week.

UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.

A more cost-effective option for urgent shipments, UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. guarantees second day morning or noon delivery to most commercial destinations in the U.S. Like other UPS shipping options, free packaging materials are included.

Businesses can save on shipping costs by selecting UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. for non-urgent morning deliveries.

UPS SurePost 

UPS SurePost is a contract-only residential ground delivery service that often uses the USPS for final delivery. This option offers affordable shipping to the entire U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. There are four UPS SurePost services:

1. SurePost Less than 1 lb.: for packages weighing less than one pound
2. SurePost 1 lb. or Greater: for packages weighing one pound or more
3. SurePost Bound Printed Matter: books and other bound items made of sheets that are at least 90 percent imprinted
4. SurePost Media: various media items, including binders, films, medical binders, etc.

SurePost shipping is a collaboration between UPS and USPS, where UPS picks up the packages and handles the main transit, then USPS takes over for the final mile, delivering the package to the recipient. SurePost packages are ideal for lightweight, low-value shipments and are especially popular among online retailers and shippers seeking to reduce shipping costs. This service delivers to PO boxes, military destinations (APO/FPO), and remote locations, making it suitable for a wide range of delivery needs, including PO box delivery. SurePost supports USPS mail classes such as Media Mail, Parcel Select, and Parcel Select Lightweight, which are cost-effective for non-urgent deliveries. All SurePost packages are shipped with a single tracking number, and the shipper’s information should be clearly indicated for tracking and return services. Note that SurePost does not include the UPS Service Guarantee for delivery times. Shippers and online retailers use SurePost to deliver packages efficiently, with packages typically delivered on the first attempt and often left at a secure location if the recipient is unavailable. Boxes of various sizes can be shipped as long as they meet the service’s requirements.

UPS SurePost vs UPS Ground

When choosing between UPS SurePost and UPS Ground, it’s important to consider your shipping priorities. UPS SurePost is a cost-effective shipping service that leverages the UPS network for most of the journey, then hands off packages to the USPS for final mile delivery. This makes it an excellent choice for lightweight packages and non-urgent shipments, offering a lower cost compared to other UPS shipping services. In contrast, UPS Ground keeps your packages within the UPS network from start to finish, resulting in faster delivery speeds and greater control—ideal for heavier packages or when timely delivery is essential. Customers should weigh factors like delivery speed, shipping costs, and package weight to determine which service best fits their needs. For affordable, reliable shipping of lightweight packages, UPS SurePost is a strong option, while UPS Ground is better suited for heavier packages and faster deliveries.

UPS Worldwide Express

For international shipping, e-commerce businesses can check out UPS Worldwide Express. This service offers quick shipping from the U.S. to over 140 countries and territories, making it easy to reach customers in any country. Delivery is guaranteed to be on time, or your money back. Other benefits include in-house customs clearance tailored to each country and up to three delivery attempts.

UPS Worldwide Express Plus 

This is like UPS Worldwide Express except with the additions of door-to-door service and guaranteed morning delivery. You also get up to three delivery attempts and in-house customs clearance. Note: UPS Worldwide Express Plus is only available in about 55 countries and territories. 

Access Points Economy

Access Points Economy is a low-cost UPS shipping option for domestic shipments between locations in the UPS Access Point network. These locations are independently owned businesses that work with UPS to provide drop-off, fulfillment, delivery, and returns services, including dedicated return services that make it easier for customers to return packages through the network. This offers less flexibility with shipment time and locations, but more flexibility in terms of cost.

UPS Mail Innovations

UPS Mail Innovations offers logistics services to facilitate end-to-end management. This service is geared for high-volume shipments and more complex mail needs. Packages are shipped efficiently through the UPS Mail Innovations network, from pickup to final delivery. UPS has a network of processing centers that automate mail management, transporting packages efficiently and accurately. UPS Mail Innovations is for both domestic and international shipments and is meant to integrate with your existing shipping processes.

Shipping Costs and Rates

Shipping costs and rates with UPS depend on the service you select, package weight, and delivery requirements. UPS SurePost typically offers lower rates for lightweight packages, making it a cost-effective choice for non-urgent deliveries. UPS Ground, while slightly more expensive for lighter shipments, can be more competitive for heavier packages or when faster delivery is needed. Additional costs, such as fuel surcharges or residential delivery fees, may apply depending on your shipment details. To reduce shipping costs, consider using UPS SurePost for lightweight, non-urgent packages and reserve UPS Ground for heavier or time-sensitive shipments. By comparing rates and understanding the unique benefits of each UPS shipping service, customers can find the most cost-effective shipping option for their business or personal needs.

Choosing the Right Shipping Option

Selecting the right UPS shipping option involves evaluating your specific shipping needs, including delivery speed, shipping costs, and package characteristics. UPS SurePost is ideal for lightweight packages and non-urgent deliveries, offering a balance of affordability and reliability. For heavier packages or when faster delivery is required, UPS Ground is often the better choice. Customers should also consider the level of tracking and insurance they need, as well as any additional services such as customs clearance for international shipments. By carefully comparing UPS shipping services and factoring in delivery speed, costs, and package requirements, businesses and individuals can choose the shipping option that best aligns with their goals and ensures a smooth delivery experience.

FedEx SmartPost Comparison

FedEx SmartPost is a competing shipping service that, like UPS SurePost, combines the carrier’s network with USPS for final mile delivery. Both services are designed to provide cost-effective shipping for lightweight packages, but there are some key differences. FedEx SmartPost often uses multiple tracking numbers throughout the shipping process and may have a more limited service area compared to UPS SurePost. When comparing UPS SurePost and FedEx SmartPost, customers should consider factors such as delivery speed, shipping costs, and the ability to track packages. UPS SurePost may offer more competitive rates for certain shipments, while FedEx SmartPost could provide faster delivery times in specific regions. By evaluating these aspects and comparing both services, customers can select the shipping option that best meets their needs for affordability, reliability, and delivery performance.

E-Commerce Businesses Can Ship With Shippo and UPS

Shippo is tightly integrated within the UPS ecosystem and supports all of the above UPS shipping services and more. Shippo makes it easy for any shipper to manage their UPS shipments. Merchants everywhere benefit from the discounted rates Shippo offers with UPS and several other carriers. Shippers benefit from streamlined shipping processes and cost savings when using Shippo with UPS. Byrd Cookie Company, for example, ships with multiple carriers, including UPS, USPS, and FedEx. By using Shippo, they can print labels, manage tracking information, and update customers for all of their shipments from a single dashboard.

Move Forward With Your UPS Shipping Needs

With Shippo, you receive instant, pre-negotiated discounts of up to 73% off UPS 2nd Day Air® service and up to 78% off UPS® Ground shipments.*

Start shipping and saving today >

*Discounts off UPS daily rates. Rates are limited to shipping from the U.S. only. Rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.

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