USPS Alternatives for eCommerce Businesses

Shipping is crucial in eCommerce, directly affecting customer satisfaction and business growth. However, rising USPS costs, delivery delays, and limited flexibility lead many businesses to seek alternatives.

Easyship offers an all-in-one shipping solution for scaling eCommerce brands. With access to 250+ couriers, Easyship lets you compare shipping rates, delivery times, and features to choose the best service per order. Whether you need faster delivery, lower costs, or advanced tracking, Easyship simplifies logistics and helps you stay competitive in a fast-moving market.

That said, read this guide to find out more about transitioning to better shipping options and optimizing your logistics strategy.

Top USPS Alternatives for eCommerce and International Shipping

Here are some of the best USPS alternatives for small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses:

FedEx

• Known for reliable domestic and international shipping with advanced tracking. 
• Ideal for high-value shipments, urgent deliveries, and businesses requiring consistent delivery timelines.

UPS

• Offers a robust network for ground and air shipping with dependable service. 
• Best suited for businesses shipping both domestically and internationally, especially those needing diverse package options and supply chain solutions.

Sendle 

• An eco-friendly courier offering flat-rate, carbon-neutral shipping. 
• Designed for small businesses with consistent shipping volumes seeking sustainable and affordable delivery options.

Amazon FBA 

• Manages warehousing, packing, and shipping, ensuring fast delivery through Amazon's logistics network. 
• Suitable for businesses aiming to scale while leveraging Amazon Prime's customer base for quick fulfillment.

DHL Express 

• Specializes in international shipping with competitive rates and efficient customs processes. 
• A great choice for businesses expanding globally, especially in Europe and Asia.

Aramex

• Focused on international logistics with strong support for cross-border eCommerce. 
• Ideal for businesses entering emerging markets or needing reliable global shipping solutions.

Asendia 

• Provides cost-effective international shipping with a focus on eCommerce and direct mail solutions. 
• Best suited for businesses targeting European and global markets, particularly for lightweight packages and affordable cross-border delivery.

Multi Carrier Shipping Software

• It can be risky to rely on just one courier option. Using a multi carrier shipping software like Easyship can help you choose the right courier for your business at any time.
• By using a multi carrier software, you can bypass any hurdles since you’ll always have a number of options at your disposal.

A great case study to understand how looking into diverse courier service providers can help is checking out Shopify’s integration with Easyship. Using their collaboration with Easyship, Shopify Australia gave their merchants access to a range of different couriers, discounted rates, and integrated logistics solutions, which in turn allowed their merchants to scale their businesses globally.

Here’s an insight into the Easyship rates for shipping within the United States. For a box with a volumetric weight of 2.2lbs (1kg), these are the indicative prices for shipping from New York City, New York, to Los Angeles, California:

Here’s an insight into Easyship rates for international shipping from the United States. For a box with a volumetric weight of 2.2lbs (1kg) being shipped from New York City, USA to London, UK, here are the indicative prices:

Compare rates from multiple couriers on Easyship today, it’s free!

Why eCommerce Businesses Are Exploring USPS Alternatives

Shipping efficiency and reliability are competitive advantages in eCommerce. Late deliveries, damaged items, or high shipping costs can lead to negative reviews and lost sales. As customer expectations for faster, cheaper, and more reliable shipping grow, many businesses find that USPS services no longer meet their needs. Frequent rate increases and limited service options make it harder to stay competitive. In contrast, USPS alternatives offer better pricing, advanced tracking, and affordable shipping solutions.

For example, a small business selling handcrafted items may struggle with the postal service’s inconsistent delivery times during the holiday season. Switching to a service like FedEx or UPS ensures timely deliveries, keeping customers satisfied and encouraging repeat purchases. Looking into using software provided by Easyship to compare rates from different courier service providers can also help them understand all the alternatives available.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a USPS Alternative

Choosing the right shipping provider involves evaluating several key factors:

• Cost and Pricing: Using tools provided by Easyship, compare rates across providers, including pre-negotiated discounts and hidden fees. Shipping expenses can significantly impact your bottom line, so it's crucial to find cost-effective solutions. Alternatives like Sendle often offer flat-rate pricing, which can save small businesses significant amounts.
• Service Reliability: Ensure consistent delivery times and package handling. Providers like FedEx and DHL are known for their reliability, even during peak seasons.
• Features and Integrations: Look for services that integrate with your eCommerce platforms, such as Shopify or WooCommerce. This reduces manual work and streamlines order fulfillment. Services like priority mail cubic offer pricing advantages based on package dimensions rather than weight, making it a valuable option for both small and large eCommerce businesses.

Advantages of Switching to Professional Shipping Companies and Logistics Services

Switching to a logistics provider has several benefits:

• Cost Savings: Logistics companies negotiate bulk discounts with carriers, passing the savings to you. This lowers your per-package costs and improves margins.
• Advanced Technology: Tools like AI-driven route optimization and automated notifications improve delivery speed and customer communication.
• Scalability: As your order volume grows, logistics providers scale their services to match your needs, from warehousing to last-mile delivery.

Unlike relying on the post office, a growing apparel store that outsources shipping can focus on product development while their logistics partner handles storage, packing, and shipping. This division of labor ensures the store operates efficiently while keeping customers happy.

An example of how a company outsourced their logistics and saw significant positive outcomes is the Dragon’s Vault using Easyship to scale their international fulfillment. Here’s a statement by Aston, who handles community and distribution management for Dragon’s Vault:

“Setting up Easyship was a little bit of work on the front end, but it saved so much time going forward. Once the products were in the system, we didn’t have to manually input sizes or weights, which made creating 600 shipments as easy as uploading a CSV file.”

The Future of eCommerce Shipping

The landscape of eCommerce shipping is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. Here are some trends that will shape the future of eCommerce shipping:

1. Increased Focus on Sustainability: As consumers become more environmentally conscious, eCommerce businesses will need to prioritize sustainability in their shipping practices. This may include using eco-friendly packaging materials, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing recycling programs. Companies like Sendle are already leading the way with carbon-neutral shipping options.
2. Rise of Alternative Delivery Options: Alternative delivery options, such as same-day delivery, locker delivery, and in-store pickup, will become more popular as consumers demand faster and more convenient delivery options. Businesses that offer these services can gain a competitive edge by meeting customer expectations for speed and convenience.
3. Increased Use of Technology: Technology will play a larger role in eCommerce shipping, with the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize shipping processes and improve customer experience. For example, AI-driven route optimization can reduce delivery times and lower shipping costs, while IoT devices can provide real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments.
4. Growing Importance of International Shipping: As eCommerce businesses expand globally, international shipping will become increasingly important. Businesses will need to navigate complex international shipping regulations and logistics to reach customers worldwide. Using Easyship’s tax and duties calculator can simplify this process significantly.
5. More Emphasis on Customer Experience: Customer experience will become a key differentiator in eCommerce shipping, with businesses focusing on providing fast, reliable, and personalized delivery options to meet customer expectations. Offering features like branded tracking pages, proactive delivery updates, and seamless return processes can enhance the overall customer experience and build loyalty.

By staying ahead of these trends and continuously optimizing your shipping strategy, you can ensure your eCommerce business remains competitive and meets the evolving needs of your customers.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.

Our most popular App features:

• Discounted Shipping Rates: Get instant access to the largest selection of pre-negotiated volume discounts on shipping labels (up to 91% off retail rates).
• Multi-Carrier Comparison: Effortlessly compare 550+ global courier services to find the best option with our intelligent courier selection algorithm.
• Simple Set-Up & Integration: Connect your store and sales channels to Easyship in minutes to automatically sync orders and manage all shipments in one dashboard.
• Instant Rates At Checkout: Increase conversions by showcasing the cheapest, fastest and best value shipping rates live at checkout.

USPS Alternatives FAQs

What are the best USPS alternatives for eCommerce businesses?
The best alternatives depend on your specific needs. FedEx and UPS are great for reliable domestic and international shipping, Sendle offers eco-friendly flat-rate options for small businesses, and DHL is ideal for international shipping. Easyship allows you to compare rates and services across these and many other couriers to find the best match.

How can I save money when using USPS alternatives?
You can save money by consolidating shipments, leveraging bulk discounts, and using tools like Easyship to compare rates across multiple couriers. Flat-rate pricing options from providers like Sendle or cost-efficient international shipping through Asendia can also reduce costs.

How does Easyship simplify eCommerce shipping?
Easyship provides a single platform to compare shipping rates, generate labels, and manage customs documentation for international shipments. It integrates with over 250 couriers and eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, making logistics easy to manage and cost-efficient.

Can Easyship help with international shipping?
Yes, Easyship offers tools to calculate taxes and duties, generate customs paperwork, and manage international shipments efficiently. With access to couriers like DHL, Aramex, and FedEx, Easyship ensures seamless global logistics for businesses of any size.

What factors should I consider when choosing a shipping provider?
Consider costs, delivery reliability, service features, and integration options. Tools like Easyship help you evaluate multiple couriers on these factors, enabling you to choose the best provider for your shipping needs.