Having a PO Box is useful and has many advantages. It gives you a stable mail and shipping address in the United States in case you’re traveling, don’t have a permanent address, live in a remote area, or even for your business needs.
A street address, not a P.O. Have your mail and packages delivered to your. UPS on-call pickup pricing is $6.80 for a same-day pickup or $5.80 for a scheduled, future pickup. You can drop off packages at a UPS retail store or any of the company’s 42,000 UPS Drop Box locations. For $14.45 per week, UPS Smart Pickup will automatically schedule pickups as soon as you have a package available to ship.
A PO Box (post office box) offers a somewhat flexible solution to your mail needs.
But it also comes with its list of cons like limited access, limited storage, and a PO Box address not a street address.
So what makes a mailbox with a street address better?
Why is a mailbox with a street address better than a PO Box?
- You won’t need to drive to the Post Office. With a PO Box, your Post Office needs to be somewhere you can easily go to, like near your home or workplace. You’re restricted to a specific location, but with your own mailbox with a street address, you can access your mail without needing to go anywhere.
- You get flexible storage space. Your PO Box has limited storage, and it costs more for it to accommodate packages and not just paper mail. If your package is too big, it’ll be kept in a locker until you pick it up and you will be requested to upgrade your PO Box. So why limit your shipping when you can get more storage?
Check: How much does a PO box cost
- Better access to your mail. You can only access your mail within the Post Office working hours. But if you had a private mailbox with the UPS, they have more flexible working hours, and if you had a virtual mailbox with a street address, you could get 24/7 online access to your mail! So both scenarios beat having a PO Box that you can only access in limited times.
- A mail forwarding service. With a rented mailbox, you can have your mail and packages forwarded to you wherever you are. And so, your mail doesn’t need to be unattended until you pick it up.
- Get mail through all shipping carriers. You can only get mail through USPS at the Post Office. But with a private mailbox with a street address, you receive packages from other mail carriers too like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and more.
- Works as a great business address. One of the best benefits of having a street address (besides your home) is that you can use it for business mail. Instead of giving out a PO Box address to customers and investors, you’ll have a street address. And with a digital mailbox, you can even use that street address as your business address! We’ll get into more details on that one later.
How can you rent a mailbox with a street address?
Rent a private mailbox at UPS Store:
There is a UPS Store every few blocks in the United States! Finding one you can easily access, near your home or workplace should be easy.
By renting a mailbox with the UPS, you use the store’s street address as a mailing address.
And so, you can get packages using all shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, or more, not just UPS.
Some businesses even use their UPS mailbox for business mail because it’s more flexible. You receive notifications via email or text with new mail that arrives then you can request it to be forwarded or go pick it up.
The average price of a UPS mailbox ranges from $20 to $25, depending on the UPS Store location. Check out the UPS Store website for more info on renting their mailboxes.
Get a virtual mailbox with a street address:
Another great solution (and a cheaper one) is to get a virtual mailbox. Not only do you get the advantage of having a street address for your mail, but you can even see your mail content online through your phone or any device!
A virtual mailbox is an online, digital mailbox that you can access through your phone or computer using nothing but an internet connection.
Your mail goes directly to secure mail facilities where it is scanned and uploaded to your mailbox.
You receive phone/ email notifications with all new mail then you can log into your mailbox and see it.
With each mail piece, you can send out handling requests like open & scan, forward, shred & recycle, archive, or delete.
Certified mail operators take care of your request, without you needing to do anything at all.
With a unique mail forwarding service, you can have your mail forwarded to you wherever you are so you’re not tied down to proximity or working hours!
Renting your virtual mailbox can get done in 4 easy steps:
- first, you need to choose a plan and mailbox address, you can get yours today for as little as $15 per month.
- Then you’ll need to fill out a USPS Form 1583 which is a postal consent form authorizing a third party to receive and handle your mail.
- When done, have the form notarized and send it to PostScan Mail with two forms of ID. Once your account is set up, you can start receiving mail regularly.
- You’ll need to apply for a change of address to have your mailing address updated with your new mailbox which can be done online for $1 at USPS.com.
Read about: How to file for a USPS change of address
Conclusion:
The best part is, with your virtual mailroom, you can use this as a virtual business address. You can market it on our website, social media platforms, or hand out to your customers and investors as your business address.
Renting a mailbox with a street address doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. It can get done in one day at the least cost possible with PostScan Mail!
Background vector created by freepik – www.freepik.com
Whenever you want to ship any item, you think which package delivery company you should choose to get the item shipped. You would think about the prices, rates, or the cost of the delivery service. There are many options out there, but if you are strict about the prices and the delivery time, then you will think about the two biggest package delivery companies, United States Postal Service (USPS) and United Parcel Service (UPS).
USPS and UPS, both are considered as the biggest package delivery company in the world. But which one you will choose if you have to ship a package. In that case, you will try to find the difference between UPS and USPS. In your opinion who is cheaper, UPS or USPS? Let’s find out the difference between USPS and UPS regarding price, rates, speed, etc.
Contents
- 1 UPS vs. USPS:
- 1.2 Which is Cheaper UPS or USPS?
UPS vs. USPS:
There are lots of differences between these two giant package delivery companies. Both the companies cover the wide range of options for every type of business, especially for smaller businesses, in terms of options, services, and rates.
Basically, United Parcel Service (UPS) is a public company founded in 1907. This company is considered as the world’s biggest package delivery company. It offers the Courier express, Freight forwarding, and Logistics services. It also operates UPS Airlines.
USPS, on the other hand, is an independent agency founded in 1775. Its authority is mainly because of the length of time of its long existence. This package delivery company is also known as US Mail, Postal Service, etc. It also offers a wide range of options for small businesses.
UPS Shipping vs. USPS Shipping Options:
| United Parcel Service (UPS) | United States Postal Service (USPS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Options | Overnight | Overnight |
| 2 Day | 2 Day | |
| 3 Day | 1 Week | |
| 4 Day | ||
| Cost | High | Lowest |
| Weight Limit | 150 lbs | 70 lbs |
| Free Pickup? | No, but available for additional charge | Yes, with Priority Mail Express |
| Free Tracking? | Yes | Yes, for Priority Mail and First Class deliveries |
| Number of Drop-Off Locations | Delivery address or pick-up location | Delivery address, PO Box, APO, optional hold at a post office |
| Insurance | Up to $100 with additional coverage available | $50 to $100 depending on delivery |
| Bulk Mail Discount | Yes | Yes |
You can see UPS shipping vs. USPS shipping yourself. If you go with UPS, then you can enjoy the next day delivery because it is the specialist in it. It offers you next business day delivery by 8 a.m., next business day delivery by 10:30 a.m., next day by noon, and two business days delivery. If the package is non-urgent, then 3-day and 4-day delivery options are also available.
If you go with USPS, then you have many options for short and long-term delivery. The options are next day delivery by 10:30 a.m., 1-3 business day delivery, 2-3 business day delivery for small packages and envelopes, and if the package is not urgent or oversized, then the delivery up to eight business days.
These are the UPS and USPS shipping options.
Which is Cheaper UPS or USPS?
Most of the UPS and USPS customers usually ask “Is UPS cheaper than USPS?” They ask this question because they want to know which will be cheaper to ship, UPS or USPS. They don’t know the prices, rates, or cost of the services of these two companies. So, let’s find out the UPS prices vs. USPS prices of different mail classes and services:
UPS vs. USPS Rates:
Here is how USPS compares to UPS for residential delivery of B2C shipments:
- UPS Ground vs. USPS Priority:
12x10x6 Package Across 8 Zones (ex. Seattle, WA to Atlanta, GA)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 2 lbs. | 2 lbs. |
| DIM Weight | 5 lbs. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $13.10 | $10.28 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $0.69 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $17.19 | $10.28 |
8x8x8 Package Across 6 Zones (ex. Palo Alto, CA to Lincoln, NE)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 2 lbs. | 2 lbs. |
| DIM Weight | 4 lbs. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $11.17 | $9.19 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $0.59 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $15.16 | $9.19 |
- Parcel Select Ground vs. Ground Service:
24x12x12 Package Across 4 Zones (ex. Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 8 lbs. | 8 lbs. |
| DIM Weight | 25 lbs. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $15.58 | $10.97 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $0.82 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $19.80 | $10.97 |
- First-Class Package Service vs. Ground Service:
8x6x4 Package Across 4 Zones (ex. Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 13 oz. | 13 oz. |
| DIM Weight | 2 lbs. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $9.39 | $3.88 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $0.49 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $13.28 | $3.88 |
- Priority Mail vs. 3-Day Service:
8x6x4 Package Across 8 Zones (ex. Seattle, WA to Atlanta, GA)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 1 lb. | 1 lb. |
| DIM Weight | 2 lb. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $24.26 | $7.25 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $1.27 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $28.93 | $7.25 |
12x12x4 Package Across 6 Zones (ex. Palo Alto, CA to Lincoln, NE)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 2 lbs. | 2 lbs. |
| DIM Weight | 4 lbs. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $25.01 | $9.19 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $1.31 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $29.72 | $9.19 |
- Priority Mail Express vs. 2-Day Service:
12x10x6 Package Across 3 Zones (ex. Dallas, TX to Houston, TX)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 1 lb. | 1 lb. |
| DIM Weight | 5 lbs. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $19.52 | $22.10 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $1.02 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $23.94 | $22.10 |
How Much For A Box At Ups
12x10x8 Package Across 8 Zones (ex. Seattle, WA to Atlanta, GA)
| UPS | USPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Weight | 4 lbs. | 4 lbs. |
| DIM Weight | 6 lbs. | N/A |
| Base Charge | $51.31 | $47.74 |
| Fuel Surcharge | $2.69 | N/A |
| Residential Surcharge | $3.40 | N/A |
| Total Cost | $57.40 | $47.74 |
You can see that USPS is the best postal service at low rates. There is a huge difference in shipping cost UPS vs. USPS. USPS is best for small businesses because it is offering the best rates and free pick up on Priority Mail service. It also has a wide range of urgent and non-urgent packages. UPS, on the other hand, has additional charges or fees for pick up and some other services.
Now, you can see what is cheaper, UPS or USPS. In most of the cases, you will find USPS less expensive than UPS.
UPS vs. USPS Speed:
If we talk about the speed of shipping or how much time both the delivery companies take to deliver a package, then UPS is better than USPS. If you want your package or shipment to be delivered very fast, then you should go with the UPS services. Its Express Critical, Next Day Air Early, Next Day Air, Next Day Air Saver, 2nd Day Air A.M, 2nd Day Air, 3 Day Select, UPS Ground, and Ground with Freight Pricing services offer faster delivery than USPS.
You can see how much time different UPS services take for final delivery below:
| Service | Delivery Commitment | |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Express Critical | Same Day | Delivery within one hour of shipment collection |
| UPS Next Day Air Early | Next Business Day | Delivery as early as 8: 00 a.m |
| UPS Next Day Air | Next Business Day | Delivery typically by 10:30 a.m |
| UPS Next Day Air Saver | Next Business Day | Delivery typically by 3:00 p.m |
| UPS 2nd Day Air A.M | 2 Business Day | Delivery typically by 10:30 a.m. |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | 2 Business Day | Delivery typically by end of day |
| UPS 3 Day Select | 3 Business Day | Delivery by end of day |
| UPS Ground | 1-5 Business Days | Delivery based on distance to destination |
| UPS Ground with Freight Pricing | 1-5 Business Days | Delivery based on distance to destination |
Ups Mail Boxes For Rent
Here is the time that different USPS services take to deliver shipment:
| Service | Delivery Commitment | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | Overnight Guarantee | Overnight scheduled delivery by 10:30 a.m. |
| Priority Mail | Shipping in 1–3 Business Days | Delivery in 1, 2, or 3 business days |
| First-Class Mail | Mail in 1–3 Business Days | Delivery in 1, 2, or 3 business days |
| USPS Retail Ground | Shipping in 2–8 Business Days | Delivery based on distance to destination |
| Media Mail | 2–8 Business Days | Delivery based on distance to destination |
Ups Post Office Box Prices
Pros and Cons of UPS & USPS:
PROS OF UPS
- If you are a business or a person, then UPS tracking service will help you to find the package, and you will find the updates regularly.
- It’s good for you if your package is over 10lbs. You can save some money with it.
- As you know its tracking capability is great, so it can easily resolve the lost/damage claims.
CONS OF UPS
- It’s beneficial only if your package is over 10lbs.
- UPS stores are not available in most of the rural areas. So, you will face problem while placing the order or getting your package if you are living in rural area.
PROS OF USPS
- The cost of almost every service offered by USPS is very low as compared to other package delivery companies.
- Transit times of many USPS services are often less than UPS.
- Its wide range of delivery options is good for the customers.
CONS OF USPS
- The confirmation number you receive only allows you to track the shipment if it has been delivered.
- There are many additional tracking options you will need to purchase where those are included in UPS.
- Insurance for United States Postal Service is more expensive as compared to UPS.
- If you file a lost/damage claim, then it may take many weeks to process the claim.
Mailbox Stores Near Me
Conclusion: Overall, USPS is better than UPS in terms of shipping rates. We also made the package shipping price comparison, and after seeing the UPS vs. USPS shipping rates, we think that small business owners should choose USPS for affordable shipping. USPS shipping cost is very low as compared to UPS. The wide range of urgent and non-urgent options attract the customers.
Ups Post Office Box Prices
*If you have any views, then feel free to share with us by commenting below. We love to hear from you.*