Ground packages
UPS Ground and FedEx Ground both take 1 to 5 business days in the contiguous US, and on most routes they quote the same number of days. USPS Ground Advantage takes 2 to 5, so on short routes it can be a day slower. But USPS counts Saturdays, and UPS and FedEx count weekdays only, so a USPS package shipped late in the week can catch up.
| Service | Typical days |
|---|---|
| UPS Ground | 1–5 business days |
| FedEx Ground and Home Delivery | 1–5 business days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | 2–5 days (counts Saturdays) |
| USPS Priority Mail | 1–3 days (counts Saturdays) |
| USPS First-Class Mail (letters) | 1–5 days (counts Saturdays) |
Letters and documents
For a letter or a few sheets of paper, USPS First-Class Mail is by far the cheapest, and Priority Mail Express is the fastest USPS option, often overnight. UPS and FedEx overnight services are faster than USPS ground options but cost much more.
When you need it there fast
UPS Next Day Air, FedEx Overnight and USPS Priority Mail Express are all next-day or two-day options. UPS and FedEx air services are scheduled for set business days; Priority Mail Express also delivers on Sundays and holidays, and has a money-back guarantee on most routes.
Saturdays and holidays
USPS delivers on Saturdays and counts them. UPS and FedEx deliver to many homes on Saturdays but don't count them. On some federal holidays, like Veterans Day, UPS and FedEx keep moving while the Post Office is closed. See exactly which day yours arrives.
Check your own route
Speed depends on where you're shipping from and to. Enter your two ZIP codes to see all three carriers side by side for your route.
Questions people ask
Is FedEx faster than UPS?
For ground shipping, usually not: FedEx Ground and UPS Ground quote the same number of days on most routes. Check your ZIP codes to compare your route.
Is USPS slower than UPS?
For packages, USPS Ground Advantage is the same or a day slower than UPS Ground on many routes, but USPS counts Saturdays, so it can arrive the same day or sooner on the calendar.
What's the fastest way to send a letter?
USPS Priority Mail Express, UPS Next Day Air and FedEx Overnight all deliver the next business day on most routes. Priority Mail Express is usually the cheapest of the three.