UPS^® vs FedEx^® vs USPS: Which one delivers the best value for large or oversized shipments?

Shipping large parcels isn't as simple as putting a label on the box. As package size increases, so do the handling requirements — from extra truck space to specialized loading equipment. Because of that added complexity, carriers enforce tight weight and dimension rules, and oversized shipments nearly always come with higher fees.

Since shipping large items comes with a premium, it's worth taking the time to find the right parcel carrier for your operations. Here's how UPS^®, FedEx and USPS compare across the key factors that matter most in large package shipping: size limits, speed, cost and trust.

1. Weight and Size Limits

The first question to ask: can your chosen carrier even handle your shipment? Each has strict rules around package dimensions and weight.

• UPS and FedEx both cap length at 108 inches for most services.
• USPS doesn't specify a maximum length, but it limits combined length + girth to 108 inches for Priority Mail, First-Class and most other services. (That means your actual length would need to be less than 108 inches.)
• USPS Ground Advantage allows up to 130 inches in combined length and girth.
• UPS and FedEx both allow larger parcels up to 165 inches in length + girth.
• When it comes to weight, USPS tops out at 70 pounds, while both FedEx and UPS accept packages up to 150 pounds.

If you're regularly shipping large or heavy items, USPS may not be able to accommodate your needs. However, UPS and FedEx oversized options give you more flexibility for large parcel shipping.

For more information, check out our blog Understanding Small Package Shipping Size & Weight Restrictions.

2. Delivery Speed and Reliability

On-time delivery is critical when shipping large packages (often containing high-value or bulk items).

• USPS has reduced its delivery goals in recent years, dropping from 93 percent to 87 percent for first-class two-day mail and from 90 percent to 80 percent for three-to-five-day service.
• During the challenging 2024 holiday season, USPS posted a 90.4 percent on-time delivery rate, while FedEx reached 91.8 percent. UPS led the pack at 96.5 percent.
• UPS has now maintained the highest peak-season on-time rate for seven consecutive years.
• Even outside peak season, UPS tends to outperform expectations: 90 percent of UPS Ground packages arrive within three days, even though the official delivery window is one to five days.

If reliability and speed are top priorities, UPS oversized package shipping stands out for consistent performance.

3. Cost Efficiency

Larger shipments cost more — not just due to weight, but also because of extra handling fees and space constraints. That's why understanding carrier pricing is essential when deciding how to ship oversized packages.

• USPS often appears cheaper at first glance, but recent postage increases (July 2025) narrowed the gap between USPS and the commercial carriers.
• UPS and FedEx rates are generally competitive with one another, and the cheaper option depends on factors such as distance, size and shipping zone layout.
• For most shippers, contract pricing and volume discounts make the biggest difference. Large enterprises may negotiate their own deals, but for many companies, a third-party logistics provider (3PL) can help secure better rates.

Because 3PLs aggregate shipping volume across many clients, they can often access more favorable carrier contracts — and pass those savings to their customers.

4. Trust and Reputation

Your carrier is an extension of your brand. When customers receive your package, their experience reflects directly on your business. That's especially true when shipping large or valuable items.

Two major 2024 surveys reveal how consumers view major carriers:

• Newsweek's "America's Best of the Best" (2024) ranked UPS #1 for shipping and delivery, followed by FedEx #2. (USPS did not appear.)
• Morning Consult's "Most Trusted Brands 2024" placed UPS #2 overall across all industries, while USPS ranked #9. FedEx didn't make the top 15.

These results reinforce that UPS packages not only arrive on time but are also backed by the strongest consumer trust and reputation.

Parcel Carrier Comparison At-a-Glance

The Added Strategic Value of a 3PL

Finding the best way to ship oversized packages isn't just about comparing UPS vs FedEx vs USPS. It's about balancing speed, reach and cost — all while navigating constant carrier changes.

In 2025, all three carriers introduced new rate adjustments and updated zone structures, making cost forecasting even more complex. That's where partnering with a third-party logistics provider can add real value.

A 3PL can analyze your shipping profile and help you identify cost-saving strategies such as:

• Reducing packaging size or materials
• Splitting shipments into multiple smaller parcels
• Using hundredweight pricing for bulk parcels
• Strategically planning shipping zones to reduce costs
• Consolidating shipments into less-than-truckload (LTL) freight

Ready to ship smarter? Unishippers is here to shake things up.

Working with a 3PL doesn't just simplify logistics — it broadens your options. In fact, a provider with strong carrier partnerships can help you optimize large parcel shipping across every mode.

As part of the nation's largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS, Unishippers provides best-in-class UPS parcel shipping services at negotiated prices, plus personal guidance and support from our logistics experts. We also maintain a vetted network of 75+ LTL and 45,000+ TL carriers for when parcel shippers need to scale up. And last, but certainly not least, our powerful transportation management system (TMS) gives you a clear advantage by allowing you to manage both parcel and LTL freight seamlessly from one platform.

Whether you're shipping an oversized package or managing a mix of parcel and freight, Unishippers can help streamline your process and reduce costs across your entire supply chain.

If you're ready to rethink your oversized package shipping strategy, our experts can help you compare carriers, optimize routes and manage costs. Want to talk? Reach out for a free shipping consultation today!

* USPS doesn't specifically cap length, but packages would need to be less than 108 inches to not exceed their 108-inch combined length + girth limit.
** FedEx raises the length limit to 119 inches for express packages.
*** For USPS Ground Advantage, the combined length and girth cap is 130 inches.