Which is better, FedEx or UPS? Or should you choose Meest?

Whether you're searching for a shipping delivery service for your business or personal needs, one thing is certain — it should fully meet your expectations and needs.

Is it a local or international delivery? Is it an urgent matter, or are you on a tight budget? Do you need tracking for the recipient? Based on the current situation, you might need a different company. Frankly, you do not need to select just one provider, and it is fine to use them interchangeably depending on your current needs.

What is crucial is to focus on a couple of delivery services that have an impeccable reputation and have proven their reliability and professionalism over time. FedEx, UPS, and Meest USA are among such companies. Let’s focus on what services each of them offers, the cost, and the speed of their services to ensure you have selected the best of them for your next parcel.

Overview of Shipping delivery services

FedEx, UPS, and Meest are among the logistics leaders in the United States. Each of them has its strengths and focus areas that you should consider when choosing the best shipping option. FedEx and UPS prioritize local services, while Meest puts the main emphasis on international shipping for individuals and businesses. It focuses on the transportation from the US to Europe. This makes it a perfect choice for cross-border e-commerce and personal deliveries. Explore more about each delivery service below.

FedEx: Expert in Deliveries by Air

Founded in 1971 by Frederick W. Smith, FedEx (originally Federal Express) is the company that boasts the world’s largest air cargo fleet, which allows it to dominate delivery by air. Such an approach allowed this company to revolutionize overnight shipment to ensure customers receive their parcels the next day. Express shipping, freight, e-commerce logistics, and office solutions are among the most popular ones.

UPS: Pioneer in Ground Delivery

UPS began as a messenger service and has grown into one of the world’s largest delivery services. It offers domestic and international shipping, freight, supply chain management, and logistics services. UPS has a large fleet of ground vehicles that allows it to offer efficient and cost-effective shipping all across the United States and abroad.

Meest USA: Leader in International Shipping

Founded in 1995 as a subsidiary of Meest, this company specializes in international logistics and services for e-commerce. It is a number-one option if you need to have your package shipped to one of the countries in Europe. Due to a large network of partners, Meest USA ensures rapid delivery to the doorsteps in any part of Europe, with Eastern Europe and Ukraine being the main focus.

Services Comparison

While those three companies have their main focus areas in terms of provided services, they still intersect in many aspects and appear to be the closest competitors. At the same time, they manage to cooperate successfully in some aspects, as customer satisfaction with speedy and high-quality services is the main goal for each of them. Still, let’s compare the services they provide within a domestic and international framework.

Domestic Shipping

For this part, only FedEx and UPS compete with each other. Meest does not offer domestic shipping in the United States. Thus, they cooperate with these companies to ensure timely last-mile delivery. When you are facing the dilemma, FedEx vs. UPS, here is a quick comparison of the ground shipping services they both offer. Given that they are direct competitors, they are very similar in terms of price, delivery times, and features.

Here is a quick overview of FedEx regarding the provided services:

• a parcel is often delivered within 1-5 business days, or in Hawaii and Alaska, the timing is 3-7 business days;
• working schedule from Monday to Friday — unfortunately, it does not work on the weekends;
• there are weight limits of 150 lb (68 kg);
• the length limit is 108 inches (274 cm) and 130 inches (330 cm) for girth;
• there is a guaranteed delivery service in place;
• packages worth up to $100 can be insured;
• package tracking is available.

As for UPS, you might expect the following services:

• delivers within 1-6 days to all 50 US states (there is no specific timing for Hawaii and Alaska);
• working schedule —Monday-Friday (it does not work on the weekends);
• offered a weight limit of 150 lb (68 kg);
• has a guaranteed delivery;
• provides a money-back guarantee on parcels lower than $100;
• package tracking is possible.

As you can see, the features of domestic delivery do not differ much between the two providers. Thus, it is often a question of price and personal preferences when you choose a delivery service.

At the same time, both companies cooperate closely, but their partnership is mostly done behind the customers’ backs. Thus, while FedEx completes the main part of the shipment process with the help of jets, the last-mile delivery is handled by UPS. It helps FedEx to reduce costs and have better delivery times.

International Shipping

All three shipping companies have international shipping options. The services, their speed, and cost vary depending on many factors. Still, we have gathered the most essential features of each delivery service to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.

FedEx vs. UPS for Global Shipping

Both companies offer convenient and relatively efficient cross-border transportation. Here is what you can expect from each of them.

Main features of FedEx in the international framework:

1. Service options — FedEx International Priority and FedEx International Economy.
2. Speed — 1-7 days, depending on the destination country and service option.
3. Tracking — available from departure to reception.
4. Special services — a possibility to receive notifications for delays, specialized services for sensitive items like perishables.

Main features of UPS in the international framework:

1. Service options — the list of options includes UPS Worldwide Express, UPS Worldwide Expedited, and UPS Worldwide Saver. UPS also offers services like UPS Express Critical for urgent shipments.
2. Speed — 2-5 day delivery with UPS Worldwide Expedited.
3. Tracking — available for the entire path.
4. Special services — simplified shipping processes, negotiable rates for large shipments, and extensive freight services.

While both companies offer speedy delivery, the costs are high. Moreover, certain nuances should be taken into consideration. Thus, UPS is good for heavy freight, but it is not that cost-efficient for small packages.

FedEx, despite having a cross-border delivery, is more focused on domestic deliveries. Both FedEx and UPS might be your go-to options for shipping to neighboring countries like Canada or Mexico. However, shipping to Europe or Asia comes with certain challenges.

Meest: Expert in Shipping to Europe

However, if you need to send a parcel to Europe, particularly its Eastern region, it is worth paying attention to Meest. It specializes in shipping to this part of the world, so you or your business can benefit from reliable and efficient shipping to Poland, Ukraine, the Baltic, etc. Though those markets are among the targeted ones, Meest USA has top-quality delivery to more than 40 countries in Europe.

The main features you might expect when choosing Meest:

• shipping by sea and air (there are Express and Economy transportation options);
• maximum weight of 66lb (30 kg);
• the maximum value of a package is $1300;
• any side of the box cannot exceed 59 inches (150 cm) (maximum cross-sectional perimeter cannot be higher than 118 inches (300 cm));
• every package is ensured for $60, but this value can be increased for an extra cost if you are sending a high-value product.

On top of parcel transportation, Meest offers fulfillment services for e-commerce, ensuring smooth order processing and timely delivery for their business partners. There is a large network of warehouses across Europe, so you may experience more cost-effective and faster delivery if you plan to expand your business to target European customers.

Pricing Analysis

Costs depend on many factors, and it is always worth looking at FedEx vs. UPS rates when it comes to domestic delivery. As for international transportation, be sure to pay attention to other leading companies like Meest. To ensure you find the cheapest delivery service for each delivery case you have, we have provided a pricing overview below.

FedEx Pricing Overview

FedEx has a complex system of aspects that influence the final cost. It includes urgency, weight, distance, and services like signature confirmation, insurance, or residential delivery. Moreover, this delivery service applies variable fees based on fuel prices and delivery zones.

Pricing of the most popular delivery types per 1lb parcel (domestic shipping):

• FedEx Ground — starts at $8.75;
• FedEx Express — starts at $22.5;
• FedEx Overnight — starts at $47.25.

As for the cross-border deliveries, the cost is much higher, as it also includes duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. The country of origin, the destination country, and the speed of delivery also impact the price.

UPS Pricing Overview

UPS rates are impacted significantly by the package's weight, UPS shipping option, destination, and size/nature of the package. Moreover, there are surcharges that make the rate more expensive. This delivery service includes fuel, residential, extended area, security, and peak season surcharges into the total cost.

For easier comparison with FedEx, we have provided the pricing of the most popular delivery types per 1lb parcel:

• UPS Ground — starts at $8.10;
• UPS Express — starts at $23.3;
• UPS Overnight — starts at $42.5.

Prices for international shipping are naturally higher, as they also include taxes and duties. Moreover, packages are shipped over a longer distance. Depending on the mode of cross-border transportation (by air or by sea), the final cost also changes.

Meest USA Pricing Model

Meest does not offer domestic services, so we cannot compare its rates with those of FedEx or UPS. However, we can take a closer look at its international shipping pricing model and how it is different from the abovementioned competitors.

The cross-border transportation cost depends mostly on the following factors:

1. The weight of a parcel and the means of transportation. The pricing starts at around $1 per lb. Dimensional weight is in priority, so it is the size of the parcel that determines the cost rather than the actual weight.
2. Transportation by air is more than twice as expensive as by sea.
3. Departure and destination locations also influence the shipping cost. For instance, transportation to different parts of Ukraine will differ in terms of rates.

Meest also offers flat rates. Those are beneficial for customers who are planning to have a lot of deliveries abroad, as they can use preset rates to send a parcel that meets specific conditions. Just some of the advantages of such a plan are predictable cost, standardized packaging, no complicated calculations, and no hidden surcharges.

What delivery service is Cheaper?

For domestic shipping, UPS and FedEx are top options. UPS services are generally cheaper when it comes to the ground option with no urgency. If you are ready to pay a bit more for efficiency and accessibility, opt for FedEx.

As for international shipping, there are some additional factors to consider. Yet, if you need to send a package to one of the European countries, Meest can be your top choice, as it:

• focuses on deliveries to Europe and has all the necessary infrastructure and efficient logistics to ensure speedy and cost-effective transportation;
• offers freight shipping at a lower cost than that of competitors that provide shipping by air;
• provides convenient flat-rate options and discounts for loyal customers.

After all, some convenient calculators allow you to estimate costs based on the features of your parcel, urgency, and destination. You can use those to ensure you pick the cheapest rate for each package.

Reliability & Customer Service

While the cost matters a lot, choosing the right career for your needs is also essential, as it is about trust, transparency, and professional customer support. Let’s compare UPS, FedEx, and Meest USA to reveal key differences in how they handle logistics, communication, and claims. It will help you to assess their reliability and make an informed decision about which delivery service to choose.

Delivery Times & Reliability

We have already mentioned delivery times of UPS and FedEx shortly, and they have efficient domestic shipping in place that takes 2-3 days on average. Still, some options ensure overnight delivery for urgent cases. As for the international services, expect more extended timeframes — from around 10 days for FedEx and UPS to a couple of weeks for Meest.

All three delivery services have been in the industry for 20+ years and have an excellent reputation. FedEx is known for its timely domestic delivery by air, while UPS is a leader in ground shipping with hundreds of positive reviews.

Despite being a top choice for shipping within the US, they are not that common a choice for international deliveries, especially those to European countries. That is why Meest USA is among the best couriers. Its professionalism and reliability encourage customers to use it despite a slightly longer delivery time.

Tracking Options

Regarding tracking, all three delivery services have continuous package tracking in place with convenient notifications about the status updates. Moreover, there is an estimated delivery time provided, so there is always a possibility to plan your day accordingly and collect a package at the most convenient time.

Claims and Insurance

Given the professionalism of the reviewed companies, incidents of lost or damaged parcels are not that common. Yet, all three companies provide basic insurance and the possibility of claims. Explore terms for each company in more detail:

1. FedEx — basic insurance of $100. Claims are accepted for 60 days for domestic shipping and 21 days for international transportation. Documentation, like proof of value and photos, is required.
2. UPS — it offers insurance of $100 per package. However, additional insurance via InsureShield is available for higher-value items. You have 60 days to submit your claim.
3. Meest USA — it provides insurance of $60, but there is also a possibility to have an additional coverage of 5% of the declared value. Whenever damage or loss occurs during transit, a claim submission is possible.

As you can see, there is plenty of time to submit a claim if you have an unpleasant experience with a lost or damaged parcel.

Customer Service Experience

The rating of these companies on TrustPilot is as follows:

• FedEx — 1.2 / 5;
• UPS — 1.2 / 5;
• Meest USA — 4.5 / 5.

Customer reviews are a bit controversial for FedEx. Though many praise its efficiency, some users emphasize poor communication and difficulties in resolving issues. The situation is similar for UPS. Clients complain about the difficulty of reaching out to customer support when needed. Meest, on the contrary, gets positive feedback about customer service and clear communication.

In What Aspects Meest Is Ahead of Competitors?

You might like choosing Meest when you expect:

• issue-free and efficient delivery to Eastern Europe, including Ukraine;
• excellent customer support service;
• fair balance between speed and cost;
• expansion of your e-commerce business to Europe.

All those aspects are possible thanks to the dedication of Meest USA and its workers, as well as well-thought-out logistics with fulfillment centers in different parts of Europe

Which is Better for Whom?

So, which delivery service should you choose after all? Make a choice based on your needs. This way, you will get the top-quality services and benefit the most in terms of convenience, time, and cost.

Use Case Scenarios

Here are some use cases with clear choices of the transportation company:

1. “I need my documents delivered from Chicago to Illinois by tomorrow morning.” — This is certainly a job for FedEx with its impressive domestic transportation by air.
2. “I am not in a rush, but I am relocating to New York and would like to ship my musical instruments there. Ideally, for not all the money in the world.” — UPS can handle this with excellence via the UPS Ground option.
3. “I want to send my girlfriend a gift. She lives in Canada, and her birthday is in two days.” — FedEx is a good choice for this.
4. “I need to send a parcel to my relative in Poland. I haven’t sent them anything in a while, so the box is like 10 lb.” — Meest can handle it for a moderate cost with its shipping by sea option.

If you are in a similar situation, you can opt for the same delivery services.

What if I Plan to Expand My E-commerce Business to Europe?

This one is certainly a job for Meest USA. Aside from parcel delivery, it also offers 3PL services. Its fulfillment services include the following benefits:

• APIs and e-commerce integrations;
• label generation and racking tools;
• Shopify and WooCommerce compatibility.

Meest USA is an excellent option for small online stores and marketplaces. It offers them affordable and reliable cross-border transportation between the United States and Eastern Europe. The fulfillment service platform integrates seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and over 250 other systems. Due to this, businesses can expect such services as automatic label generation, order syncing, and real-time tracking.

Meest also provides end-to-end fulfillment services, including warehousing, packaging, and returns. Transparent pricing, flexible insurance options, and responsive support help small businesses scale internationally without logistical headaches. If you cooperate with Meest, your global ambitions turn into practical, everyday operations.

Conclusion

FedEx, UPS, and Meest USA each have distinct strengths that you can benefit from depending on your shipping needs. FedEx stands out with its global air fleet and rapid express services. Thus, it is ideal for urgent deliveries and international logistics. UPS, on the contrary, has a well-developed ground network, cost-effective flat-rate options, and reliable domestic shipping. It offers a good balance between speed and budget.

Meanwhile, Meest USA specializes in deliveries between the United States and the Baltics / Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. It offers a cost-efficient solution on the one hand, but also ensures urgent needs are covered. With robust API integrations, tailored e-commerce support, and responsive customer service, it’s also an excellent option for businesses in search of a 3PL partner.

While FedEx and UPS cater to large-scale, global operations, Meest provides region-specific value with a personal touch. Choosing the right delivery service ultimately depends on your destination, delivery speed, and service expectations. Still, for shipping to Eastern Europe, Meest USA leads with purpose-built solutions and a strong community focus.

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