In the United States, the three main carriers for ecommerce shipments are USPS (United States Postal Service), UPS (United Parcel Service), and FedEx. Each plays a significant role, but their share of ecommerce orders varies.
USPS handles approximately 40% of ecommerce shipments. This makes it the most commonly used carrier for online orders, especially for small and lightweight packages, thanks to its cost-effectiveness and convenient delivery options.
UPS is another major player, with about 37% share of the U.S. courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market. UPS is often chosen for its reliability and broad service network, particularly for heavier or higher-value parcels.
FedEx holds around a 33% share of the U.S. CEP market. Like UPS, FedEx is favored for its speed and tracking features, and is often selected for business-to-business shipments or when fast delivery is a priority.
To summarize:
- USPS: about 40% of ecommerce orders
- UPS: about 37%
- FedEx: about 33%
It’s important to note that these percentages can overlap, as some businesses use multiple carriers based on package size, destination, and shipping speed. Additionally, the rise of private delivery networks from companies like Amazon and Walmart is gradually reducing the market share of these traditional carriers, but USPS, UPS, and FedEx remain the primary choices for most ecommerce shipping needs.