Best eCommerce Courier Companies in United States of America (U.S.A.)

In every eCommerce business, delivery plays an integral role. Now that most people have turned to online stores to make purchases, offering stellar deliveries has become quite crucial to ensure an overall satisfactory customer experience. But of course, establishing a near-perfect delivery operation isn’t very straightforward.

This is why partnering with a courier company in the United States that is efficient and reliable can make a huge difference. There are several factors over which you may not have absolute control.

And more often than not, delayed or failed delivery can lead to a huge blow to a business’s image and customer base.

In 2020, the parcel shipping industry was valued at $171 billion. This means that now there are hundreds of courier service providers in the United States of America that you can choose from.

However, we agree that it can be quite overwhelming to sort through 100+ ecommerce courier services companies to see which one can best suit your needs.

To help you along, we have researched, reviewed, and compiled a detailed list of the top 10 ecommerce courier service companies in the U.S that can guarantee end-to-end services that help you fulfill your business needs to the letter.

Have a look at these providers, and we’re sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

Top 10 Best Courier Services Provider Companies In the USA (United States of America) for eCommerce Shipping [2024 Updated List]

Below you will find a detailed list of the best ecommerce courier service providers in the USA, along with the services they offer to online retailers. From core shipping services (pick-up and drop-off, packaging, etc.) to inventory and warehouse management, these essential service providers have something to offer every ecommerce company.

1. FedEx Courier Company In The United States Of America

Established in 1971, FedEx is one of the most well-established and largest courier companies across the globe. It has operations in 220+ countries, employing almost 600,000 people, and it operates out of 650+ airports to connect 12.5 million packages daily.

Along with this large network, the FedEx integration enables establishing partnerships with multiple courier companies to provide a smooth delivery experience to customers, irrespective of where they are located. FedEx has six subsidiaries that handle various aspects of logistics to provide time-sensitive and affordable delivery services.

The company handles all kinds of shipments - lightweight or heavy, less urgent or express, import or export - you name it.

Following are the features offered by FedEx:

• It has dedicated labs that test packages before sending them out for delivery.
• It offers expertise in shipping service and provides you with the right options for your package. 
• It enables businesses as well as their customers to track packages with unique IDs via their advanced tracking system.
• It has customer service centres all across the globe with 24/7 support.
• In addition to the above, FedEx offers several other services such as branded and custom packaging, platform integration, and customized business as well.

2. United States Postal Service (USPS) Courier Services In The U.S.A.

With over 160 million residences, 34,000 retail locations, and over 6,30,000 employees, USPS delivers almost 48% of the world’s mail. This courier company in the US has one of the largest computer networks and provides excellent customer service.

United States Postal Service (USPS) Express mail services provide domestic and overnight delivery all across the U.S. With USPS you get instant access to a wide range of shipping services so that you can choose a delivery option that fits your needs best. With a USPS Shipping Rate Calculator you can determine postage and shipping costs well in advance.

Features offered by USPS:

• Priority mail express is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and provides deliveries the next day to most residences in the U.S., that too, at an affordable price starting at $26.60. 
• Priority mail sends couriers within 1-3 days, including free delivery boxes and envelopes. Available at a starting price of $7.95. 
• First Class mail sends out couriers within 1-5 business days depending upon the location at a starting price of $0.58. 
• USPS offers mailing information along with selling shipping supplies and postage of any denomination. 

In addition to these, the company provides other services such as change of address, confirmation services, and money order sales.

3. UPS (United Parcel Service) Shipping Partner In The United States

Founded in 1907 and currently delivering 24.7 million packages daily in 220+ countries, United Parcel Service (UPS) is a multinational courier service company in the United States. It is one of the largest shipping courier companies in the world to provide international shipping.

The UPS API is known for its time-definite delivery of packages across the globe and has grown to become one of the fortune 500 companies. UPS started in 1935 as Overnite Transportation which was later renamed United Parcel Service.

United Parcel Service provides a wide range of extraordinary ground delivery services, from shipping and packaging to document finishing, faxing, copying, mailbox box, and freight forwarding services.

Aside from air shipping, overnight shipping, and 2-day basis shipping, the company also offers tools for small businesses. Want to find the best carrier between FedEx, USPS and UPS? Head here for a detailed breakdown of their services and shipping costs.

Following is a glimpse of the kind of delivery services offered by UPS:

• UPS Ground: that takes up to five days of delivery 
• UPS 3-day Select: this service is best for less time-sensitive couriers and will use either ground or air service depending upon the demand and weather conditions. It can take up to three days for delivery. 
• UPS Next-day Air: provides overnight delivery with morning or afternoon arrival. 
• UPS Express Critical: this is their fastest service that delivers to all 50 states including DC and Puerto Rico by the end of the day.

4. Blue Dart Shipping Company In The USA

Founded in 1983, Blue Dart is South Asia's express transportation and distribution company that provides deliveries in over 220 countries. The Blue Dart API documentation lists a wide range of services including air express, supply chain solutions, freight forwarding, and customs clearance.

Blue Dart’s domestic priority services are specifically designed for time-critical businesses. With over 11,122 vehicles in ground support, 6 Boeing 757 freighters and revenue of 31,663,9 million rupees Blue Dart provides one of the best express package deliveries.

Following are the features offered by Blue Dart:

• Free pick up from desired locations
• Shipments can be real-time tracked right from pickup to delivery. 
• A specialist on board to resolve regulatory or clearance issues
• Free proof of delivery with the name of the consignee along with the date and time on request.
• ‘Cross Border' shipping is simple, affordable, and available for anyone to ship anything anywhere.

What’s more, Blue Dart also offers quick return delivery for faster resales and lesser losses for the business. It also operates as a regional parcel service.

5. DHL Express Courier Partner In The US

Germany-based international logistics company, DHL has a presence in over 220 countries and has partnered with most of the major eCommerce platforms to offer a simplified delivery solution to eCommerce businesses.

DHL has experience of over 50 years in the shipping industry and delivers 26000+ pin codes through a wide network of shipping companies. With a wide national and international network, it provides express courier services via road, rail, and air.

Following are the features offered by DHL:

• Provides time-sensitive and same-day deliveries via its flagship ground and air logistics, Same Day Jetline, Same Day Speedline, and Same Day Sprint line. The first two are air cargo and the last is ground fleet. 
• Fast delivery options are available along with late cut-offs. 
• Offers services like freight forwarding, domestic shipping, warehouse management, inventory management, and other management services. 
• Customized logistic service is available based on the business’s needs. 
• Provides warehousing solutions that can improve efficiency and accelerate response in the company. 
• A wide range of last mile delivery services is also available to ensure smooth shipments without unnecessary delays. 

6. ShipBob Shipping Service Provider In The United States

Starting in 2014, ShipBob is currently one of the leading eCommerce courier service and fulfillment service providers. With a large network in 220+ countries across North America and Europe, the company aims to provide easy, simple and quick e-commerce fulfilment solutions.

ShipBob assists in improving transit times, reducing costs and providing a smooth experience to your customers.

The company currently is integrated with several big eCommerce platforms such as ShipStation, Amazon and eBay and can provide order fulfillment services to eCommerce businesses.

Some features offered by ShipBob:

• Provides a 2-day express courier service in select locations.
• Streamlines process from the online store to the customer’s doorstep. 
• Offers services such as receiving, storage, packaging and delivery of products. 
• Analysis and reports are available for a better understanding of the business, customer requirements and fulfillment centres.

Additionally, the company offers other services for eCommerce businesses such as inventory management, customer communication and predicted data. 

7. Central Courier Company In The USA

Central Courier has been in the shipping industry for over 44 years, and it is the leading courier service provider in the United States for same-day and on-demand delivery services in California.

The company provides right from small packages to interoffice bag deliveries with uniformed W2 employee drivers. They have extensive routes all over the Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and they offer their services to banks, schools, government agencies, libraries and several other industries.

Following are the features offered by Central Courier:

• Provides on-demand delivery service for packages that are critical and time-sensitive, including local or out of town rush delivery 
• Reasonable prices along with a routed system 
• Use of the latest system for delivery confirmation 
• Provides scheduled delivery services where your packages can be delivered at the same time every day according to your schedule. 
• Door to door same day services along with overnight services are available 

8. LaserShip Courier Services In The U.S.A.

Founded in 1986, LaserShip is an established and one of the largest same-day and next-day delivery courier service companies in the U.S.A., especially for eCommerce retailers.

LaserShip aims to connect retailers with customers via Last-Mile Delivery that is currently leading the industry. Currently, LaserShip has a reach of 150 million customers in 22 states in the U.S.

Following are the features of LaserShip:

• Same-day, next-day and two-day deliveries. 
• Can reduce transit cost by 10-35% as compared to national carriers 
• Delivery time is reduced by nearly 1.9 days as compared to other courier services providers. 
• Diversified carrier mix to increase capacity, reduce cost and mitigate the risk. Provides improved logistic solutions as well. 

9. Aramex ECommerce Courier In The USA

Based in UAE and founded in 1982, Aramex is a global brand that provides customized logistic solutions to businesses all across the world.

The company provides transportation solutions, express courier delivery, freight forwarding, supply chain management, and record management services to businesses of all scales. It employs over 8,600 people in over 310 locations worldwide.

Alongside 33,000 vehicles and a network in 12,000 offices, Aramex is also one of the founding members of the Global Distribution Alliance.

Features of Aramex include:

• Priority Express: best for shipping urgent documents or packages across the world. The package is guaranteed to be shipped, clear customs and reach the destination quickly 
• Import Express: import time-sensitive documents and parcels from anywhere across the globe. 
• Domestic Express: reliable solution for time-critical packages within your city or country. Aramex offers to pick up packages anytime and can be tracked online. 
• A wide range of warehousing solutions are available, including inventory management, real-time visibility of stock levels, and improved order cycle time. 

Moreover, other value-added services like labelling, kitting, co-packing and other on-site services are also available.

10. SkyPostal For ECommerce Shipping Services In The United States

Founded in 2001, SkyPostal is one of the largest private mail and courier delivery companies in the US, Latin America, and Mexico.

The company serves major publishers, renowned retailers, international shippers, several financial institutions. Their service is reliable and provides guaranteed secure delivery of your package.

Following are the features of SkyPostal:

• Offers priority mail delivery service that takes the next flight out as well as a standard service that has a 5-10 day transit.
• For those looking for reliable and affordable services, it also has an economy service which comes with a 14-21 day transit. 
• SkyPostal offers to scan the returned items and provide a reason for their returns. 
• Provides a signature proof of the delivery along with the date and time of the delivery. 
• Packages are fully trackable and come with an option for insurance.  

List of Top 15 Key Criteria to Choose the Best Courier Services Company in the U.S. (United States) for eCommerce Business

Now that you are fully aware of the services a courier company in the US offers, it’s time to choose the right one for your business.

This is usually the most challenging part because you have to pay keen attention to each of the services, their viability, the cost of the services, and ultimately how important these services will be in achieving your business goals.

Here are some things we think every ecommerce retailer should keep in mind before selecting the best courier service company in the US.

1. Service Provided By The Courier Company

Serviceability is the basic and most crucial criteria that your courier provider has to satisfy. Ask your service provider these two simple questions - will their company be able to handle the volume of your orders on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis? Also, will they be able to the location you desire? 

With the rapid increase in sales in the eCommerce market and distribution getting much more complex, courier service providers in the United States have to meet the rising demand. Thus, when selecting a suitable courier partner, these complexities need to be taken into consideration.

2. Limitations On Shipment Weight And Size Of The Shipping Company

Different service providers have different freight capacities and modes of transport. The ideal provider must be capable of handling shipments of varying sizes and delivering to the locations to which you cater.

Transport of bulkier items such as furniture is quite different from what is required to sell items such as cosmetics and clothes. Likewise, delivering in remote places is more challenging as compared to delivering within the same city or state. Choosing a courier service partner with a larger reach will insure you for the future if your company decides to expand.

3. Total Cost Of The ECommerce Shipping In The United States

With a wide range of options available nearby, it may still be difficult to narrow down your range by just comparing serviceability and volume of shipments. By considering the prices, you can further narrow down your options for courier service companies in the US.

Although you may feel that going with the lowest rate is the best option, however, that may not always be true. A well thought out shipping strategy can lower shipping costs.

The rates can vary depending upon the range, speed, size, and weight of the package. You must ask yourself, what facility does your business need the most? If your business requires same-day delivery more often, then the most cost-effective option will be to opt for a courier partner that specializes in same-day delivery or one that doesn’t charge extra for same-day delivery.

4. Speed Of Deliveries Of The Shipping Partner

The fastest way to win over customers is timely delivery. Most people expect their deliveries between 3-5 days and any time beyond that makes them anxious. Often, this can lead to the cancellation or return of the package.  

If the speed of the delivery is an integral part of your brand, then opting for a courier partner that specializes in express deliveries would be a good solution.

Similarly, courier service companies that have been established for a long time, tend to have a larger network and can make the delivery quickly.

5. SLA And Hidden Costs Of The US-Based Courier Company

While dealing with logistics, hidden costs can come up at any time, like those for printing labels, different shipment sizes, or even faster deliveries. Making an SLA (Service Level Agreement) between you and the courier partner in the USA will increase the transparency of every transaction and give you more clarity. Facilities such as speed delivery, NDA response, penalties, and other exceptional circumstances can be clarified in the SLA. 

An SLA aims to ensure that in case of any miscommunication on the courier partner’s end the entire burden does not fall entirely on your business.

6. Expertise Of The ECommerce Shipping Services Provider

Now that almost anything can be brought online, courier companies in the USA and worldwide have gotten more creative with their deliveries. Based on the type of product, companies have specialized in resources that can make transport and safety much easier.

While some companies are better for small and medium-sized retailers, some courier companies are best for express deliveries or fragile cargo. Based on what your requirements are, pick a service provider that can cater to them best. You may also find a logistics software for small businesses that fits yours perfectly.

7. Insurance And Security Of The Courier Provider 

While sending out products of high value, insurance is something that can save your business from facing a major loss.

Not every product is dealt with in a fragile manner, so having a certain guarantee of safety from your ecommerce courier service provider in the US can significantly reduce the cost spent on the product when damaged.

Several courier service providers take pride in their safety standards and train their employees extensively on how to handle packages with care. When dealing with fragile items, this puts the retailer’s reputation at stake.

Having an insurance plan with a courier company that you trust will help avoid losses and will have a significant impact on the growth of your business in the long run.

8. Methods And Mechanisms 

This includes the methods used for regular shipments, storage, transport, and communication. Right from when the order is picked up from the warehouse till the moment it has successfully reached the customer, every step matters.

How the company trains its employees, the number of fulfillment centers on the way, the platform used, messages sent to customers, and updates provided to the retailers; the process behind each one of these is crucial and has a significant impact on the customer’s experience.

9. Verification And Proof 

Not 100% of the deliveries are successful, and most of the time, the retailer is only aware of the problem after receiving customer feedback when the situation is not fixable.

Thus, it is crucial to have a pre-set process for ensuring that there is proof of delivery. This way the complaints of the consumer can be easily verified and there can be someone accountable for the state of the product during that time. 

Check with your potential courier service provider to see if there’s an existing method/procedure for sharing evidence of delivery. Companies share the evidence via text or automatic updates.

However, some courier companies insist on photographic evidence, since this method provides the most information about the package and whether or not it was safely delivered in the perfect state.

10. RTO Rate

Failed deliveries are a major issue faced by almost all eCommerce businesses. RTO can cause major losses, especially if the product is returned in not usable condition, or if there are no reverse logistics in place.

While selecting a courier partner, checking their RTO numbers can help determine if they’re capable of handling the situation. Remember, RTOs can’t be completely avoided, however, they can be reduced to a minimum if the non-delivery reports (NDR) are handled efficiently.  Logistics software like ClickPost can help reduce NDRs effectively and save money.

Some questions to ask your potential courier service provider are: 

• If the first delivery attempt is unsuccessful, how many more attempts will it take to complete the order? 
• Is there a fixed mechanism/process in place to get additional information from the customer, to get the delivery right in the second or third attempt? 

The efficiency of handling unsuccessful orders and completing the unsuccessful orders is crucial and equally important.

11. Management Of Returns By The Courier Company In USA

An important scenario to consider is the orders being returned even after a successful delivery. A product can be returned for various reasons, however, the end goal of any returned package is to make it back safely to the warehouse or the seller.

The return process is a long and tedious one, so having a courier service provider in the United States that can efficiently manage this process will have a significant impact in the long run.

The courier company should be capable enough to retrace the steps of the package and return it to your business. Having additional benefits such as an instant collection of customer feedback can further help improve business.

However, if returns are a serious problem for your online store, a returns management software is a better option for you. Returns management software lower return % with actionable insights and a returns portal with customer feedback options.

12. Lost/Stuck Shipments 

With thousands of orders being shipped out daily, some shipments are bound to get stuck or lost. It can be frustrating for a customer to find out that their shipment has been held up at the warehouse in another city, or worse, in their own city. This has the potential to become a larger issue. 

Shipments get stuck/lost for various reasons, right from custom clearance to delay in pick up. However, the solution to these issues is monitoring the cause of your stuck shipments and picking a courier service that is capable enough to help your business overcome these challenges.

There are courier integration platforms available that monitor your stuck payments with your courier partners and provide a comparative view of the solutions your business may require.

13. Technology Stack Used By Courier Partner

The eCommerce market is heavily technology-driven, so it is more important for your courier provider to keep up with the latest technology as well. Platforms that use API and UI can help increase the efficiency of deliveries, track orders, and reduce RTO rates. Look for features like route optimisation, automated carrier allocation, GPS tracking, etc.

A courier service company for ecommerce in the US that has got the latest technology will be able to provide you with methods of quick communication, regular updates on the delivery status of the product, evidence of delivery, and customer feedback.

14. Extra Benefits 

Although looking for additional benefits may not be on top of the criteria list, it is a key factor to look out for during your search for the best courier service in the United States of America for your business.

These additional benefits will help increase efficiency and smoothly fulfill orders. Some of these benefits to keep an eye out for and ask your potential service provider are storage, inventory management, aiding customs clearance, the printing of shipping labels, and other such logistics that your business may require.

15. Track Record And Retailer Reviews 

Most shipping companies in the USA, especially the bigger ones like FedEx, USPS, and Blue Dart, provide insights about what sets their company apart from the rest of the market on their website/blog.

It can be observed that the most established companies have spent years creating a strong foundation and building a reputation. By looking at the reviews given by their customers, you can get a clear perspective on whether or not this courier service company is efficient and capable enough to fulfill your needs.

Conclusion

A courier partner with a keen eye for customer satisfaction can help you take your business up a notch. By ensuring timely and glitch-free deliveries as well as smooth returns, it can eliminate bottlenecks while creating a strong customer base for your eCommerce business.

We hope our list of the 10 best courier services in the U.S given above will help you fulfill the needs of your customers in the best way possible. All the above-mentioned companies are well reputed and have been in the business for quite some time.

With the assistance of 15 key criteria provided, shortlist and select a courier service company in the United States that best fits your requirements. 

FAQs

1. Which is the best courier and delivery service company in the US?

Some of the best ecommerce courier service providers in the US are FedEx, USPS, UPS, Aramex, ShipBob, and DHL. These courier companies provide various fast delivery and shipping services that ecommerce retailers can choose from like same-day delivery, next-day delivery, on-demand delivery, and more.

2. Which is the best last-mile courier delivery company in the US for ecommerce?

The best courier service companies in the United States for last-mile delivery operations are FedEx, UPS, and LaserShip.