Like many people, you probably have a few packages you’ll want to ship over the upcoming holiday season. While you could compare shipping rates between UPS, FedEx, and USPS and choose the absolute cheapest method to ship your package, you may not be happy with the end result. Before you ship your packages this holiday season, ask yourself these five questions to help you figure out which carrier best suits your needs.
- When do I need my package to arrive?
UPS, FedEx, and USPS all have different guaranteed delivery times, and these times may be suspended during peak seasons and adverse weather conditions. If you need your package to arrive by a specific date and time, you’ll want to choose the carrier which offers a guaranteed delivery time that fits your needs.
- How much insurance do I need?
As a general rule of thumb, shipping carriers provide basic value protection ranging from $50-$100 at no additional charge. If necessary, additional value protection may be purchased. Exceptions apply depending on the item you are shipping and the service you choose, so carefully review the insurance options each shipper offers.
- How much will it cost to ship?
In many situations, UPS, FedEx, and USPS apply dimensional weight pricing, which means you can be charged based on the size of your package and not on its actual weight. Each carrier has different rules regarding dimensional weight, so make sure to check the rates for each carrier you are considering. In some cases, allowing the experts at your local shipping center to repackage your item or cut down your existing box can save money.
- Can my items be shipped?
More than likely the answer to this question is, “yes.” However each carrier does have prohibited items which cannot be shipped. In some cases, these items may not be obvious to you, so check each carrier to find out what their list of prohibited and limited liability items are.
- Where am I shipping my package to?
Is the destination of your package domestic or international? Is it going to an area which is considered remote? What about a business or a private residence? A street address or a P.O. Box? The destination of your package can have a significant impact on not only the cost, but the level of service each carrier offers.
You could research all of these options yourself, but you’re busy and don’t always have time. When you find yourself pressed for time and need to get your package shipped, pay a visit to the PostalAnnex location nearest you. At PostalAnnex, the friendly professionals will automatically compare shipping rates between UPS, FedEx and USPS to help you find the best rate and service for your package. Many locations even offer DHL services for your international shipping needs!
