Major shipping and tracking companies

Shipping companies are very easy to locate in the US, but finding a shipping company that also tracks the shipment can sometimes be difficult. Nationally recognized companies are best with shipping tracking because they have the most experience, so this writing will focus on the best features of each nationally recognizable shipping company.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the best shipping company for non-critical shipments. They are the most reasonable in price and will bring priority mail supplies to your door for free. Priority and Express Mail are trackable shipping options; however, tracking through the USPS website is not as detailed as other shipping companies. The price of shipping with USPS is the most reasonable of any of the major carriers, but only Express Mail is guaranteed to be delivered on a certain day or before a certain time. However, the USPS is the only shipper that will deliver to PO Boxes, Military Boxes, or Fleet Mailboxes, so if this is necessary for your needs, you will have no other options.

Federal Express (FedEx) is the most trusted shipping company for overnight delivery. The USPS even contracts with FedEx for assistance with many of their air packages. FedEx offers more delivery options when overnight shipping is needed. There are two morning delivery options and two and three day options as well. All air deliveries are guaranteed with FedEx, although prices are a bit higher than USPS. Shipment tracking on this website is very detailed and kept up to date, but depending on the type of shipment, the pickup driver may be different. Ground deliveries are picked up by different drivers than expedited or home deliveries, so this can be an inconvenience depending on your specific needs.

United Parcel Service (UPS) is usually the most expensive of all national carriers, but if your shipments are heavy, they are your best option. UPS will track the shipment in as much detail as possible and the website is very easy to use. They also offer the best options for insuring your shipments, but will allow USPS to deliver smaller packages in rural areas, which can delay delivery times. All deliveries are guaranteed and there are more delivery locations to choose from; however, rural site pickup may incur an additional charge, if available.

It is important to track the shipment to provide the best customer service. All of the aforementioned carriers will fill that need, they just have different niches and pricing programs. As a company with shipment tracking needs, it will depend on the details of your shipments as to which company will provide the best service to meet your needs. Compare the pros and cons to make the best decision for your business, your customers, and your bottom line.