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E-Commerce

Top 8 Shipping Carriers in the US For Ecommerce Fulfillment

Discover the top shipping carriers in the US for e-commerce fulfillment. Dive into our detailed guide to learn about their unique features, services, and benefits.

Team Hopstack
October 20, 2023

In this blog

In the dynamic world of e-commerce, finding the best shipping carriers can make or break your business. It's a decision that impacts not just your operational efficiency but also your customer satisfaction and brand reputation. 

With a myriad of options available, it's essential to understand the distinct strengths each carrier brings to the table. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the top 8 shipping carriers in the US for e-commerce fulfillment. 

Read on the top shipping companies in the US to explore their unique features, services, benefits, and more, providing you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Top 8 Shipping Carriers in United States (US) 

1. UPS (United Parcel Service) 

With a history that spans over a century, UPS has grown into one of the largest and most trusted best shipping carriers worldwide. Providing services like same-day delivery, international shipping, and freight services, UPS caters to a wide range of shipping needs. 

Its impressive on-time delivery KPI is backed by advanced real-time tracking options making it one of the best US shipping companies. Furthermore, its broad selection of delivery time frames offers flexibility to businesses. UPS also stands out with its My Choice service, allowing recipients to control delivery dates and locations. 

   - Company Name: United Parcel Service (UPS)

   - Year Founded: 1907

   - Founder Name: James E. Casey, Claude Ryan

   - Headquarters Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

   - Key Services: Package delivery, Freight forwarding, Logistics services

To learn more about UPS, visit our integrations page

2. FedEx

Known globally for its speed and reliability, FedEx is another outstanding choice from one of the best shipping carriers for e-commerce fulfillment. They offer a wide variety of shipping solutions from express to ground and freight services. 

With an extensive logistics network that spans the globe, they ensure reliable delivery times like same day or next day delivery. FedEx also offers the unique FedEx Delivery Manager, providing customers with flexible scheduling and location options. For businesses shipping perishable goods, FedEx offers temperature-controlled shipping options. 

   - Company Name: FedEx Corporation

   - Year Founded: 1971

   - Founder Name: Frederick W. Smith

   - Headquarters Location: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

   - Key Services: Express transportation, Ground transportation, Freight services, Supply chain management

To learn more about FedEx, visit our integrations page.

3. USPS (United States Postal Service)

As the national postal service, USPS as one of the popular US shipping companies stands out with its affordable rates, particularly for small and lightweight packages. Their delivery options range from Priority Mail Express for urgent deliveries to Media Mail for economical shipping of educational materials. 

USPS also offers same day/one day/two day delivery services to satisfy the needs of customers. Additionally, they also provide address validation services to avoid dispatching orders to wrong addresses. This prevents and minimizes the RTO (return-to-order) which is a major concern and overhead for ecommerce sellers.

USPS also has a unique advantage in delivering to every U.S. address, including P.O. boxes and military addresses. With their Click-N-Ship service, you can print shipping labels and schedule pickups online, making them an easy-to-use choice for small ecommerce businesses. 

   - Company Name: United States Postal Service

   - Year Founded: 1775

   - Founder Name: Benjamin Franklin

   - Headquarters Location: Washington D.C., United States

   - Key Services: Express transportation, Retail services, Supply chain management

To learn more about USPS, visit our integrations page.

4. DHL

With a strong international presence, DHL is a leader in the global list of shipping companies and courier services for e-commerce businesses with a global customer base.. They provide reliable and cost-efficient delivery options , leveraging its extensive logistics network. 

The company provides comprehensive tracking updates, offering peace of mind for both businesses and customers. With DHL, businesses can benefit from their flexible delivery options along with same day or next day delivery to match customer needs and their GoGreen solutions for sustainable shipping practices. 

Known for its expertise in customs clearance and dedicated customer support, DHL offers a seamless and stress-free international shipping experience, making it a leading choice for global e-commerce fulfillment.

 - Company Name: DHL International GmbH

   - Year Founded: 1969

   - Founder Name: Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn

   - Headquarters Location: Bonn, Germany

   - Key Services: International shipping and courier services, Supply chain solutions

To learn more about DHL, visit our integrations page.

5. Amazon Logistics 

Amazon Logistics has disrupted traditional logistics with its robust delivery network making it one of the best shipping carriers in the US. Especially for businesses using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and now it is expanding to fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) and other platforms as well, Amazon Logistics offers seamless integration and reliable, quick delivery. 

Additionally, Amazon's extensive locker system provides secure, convenient pick-ups and returns. Their advanced data analytics can also provide valuable insights for businesses aiming to improve their shipping strategies. 

  - Company Name: Amazon Logistics

   - Year Founded: 2012 (as part of Amazon.com, Inc. which was founded in 1994)

   - Founder Name: Jeff Bezos

   - Headquarters Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

   - Key Services: Package delivery, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon Locker

To learn more about Amazon, visit our integrations page.

6. OnTrac

Primarily serving the Western U.S., OnTrac as one of the leading US shipping companies provides competitive rates and rapid delivery times within its service areas. With same-day, overnight, and two-day delivery options, it's an excellent choice for ecommerce/online businesses focusing on West Coast markets. 

OnTrac's DirectPost service combines the speed of OnTrac Ground with the last-mile delivery network of USPS, providing a cost-effective option for businesses. 

   - Company Name: OnTrac

   - Year Founded: 1991

   - Founder Name: Not publicly disclosed

   - Headquarters Location: Chandler, Arizona, United States

   - Key Services: Regional package delivery services, Same-day delivery, Overnight delivery

7. Pitney Bowes

Known for their scalable e-commerce solutions, Pitney Bowes is a leader in cross-border shipping solutions. With their Global Ecommerce Suite, they assist businesses with everything from marketplace integration to customs and delivery. 

They also provide end-to-end tracking and seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms. Their API integration makes it easier for e-commerce platforms to process shipments, print shipping labels, and track packages. 

   - Company Name: Pitney Bowes Inc.

   - Year Founded: 1920

   - Founder Name: Arthur Pitney and Walter Bowes

   - Headquarters Location: Stamford, Connecticut, United States

   - Key Services: E-commerce solutions, Shipping and mailing services, Global logistics

8. R+L Carriers

As a family-owned global freight US shipping company, R+L Carriers prides itself on excellent customer service and a robust domestic network. They offer a variety of freight services, including next-day and two-day delivery, making them an excellent choice for businesses shipping bulk items. 

With additional services such as warehousing processes, logistics, and supply chain solutions, they can be a one-stop solution for businesses with complex shipping needs. 

   - Company Name: R+L Carriers

   - Year Founded: 1965

   - Founder Name: Ralph L. "Larry" Roberts Sr.

   - Headquarters Location: Wilmington, Ohio, United States

   - Key Services: Domestic and international freight services, Supply chain solutions

Choosing The Right Shipping Carriers

As we come to the end of our exploration into the top 8 shipping carriers in the US for e-commerce fulfillment, it's clear that the significance of these services in the world of online retail cannot be overstated. 

They serve as the vital link between businesses and their customers, facilitating the swift and efficient delivery of goods that defines the e-commerce experience.

Best Shipping carriers have a profound influence on a multitude of key business aspects. They directly impact customer satisfaction, delivery timelines, and overall brand reputation.

In a marketplace model, where the customer expects nothing less than prompt and efficient delivery, a reliable US shipping carrier can make all the difference. It's about more than just transportation; it's about delivering a promise and maintaining the trust of customers.

Moreover, each shipping carrier in the US brings unique strengths to the table. From extensive global networks to specialized local delivery, from high-speed express services to cost-effective solutions, the right carrier can elevate an e-commerce business to new heights. 

These carriers not only provide valuable logistical support but also serve as strategic partners, offering innovative solutions and data insights to drive business growth.

In conclusion, selecting the best shipping carrier is a critical decision in the e-commerce journey. As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital warehouse landscape, these carriers will remain at the heart of e-commerce order fulfillment, propelling the industry forward. 

By understanding the features, services, benefits, and unique offerings of the top carriers, businesses can make an informed choice, ensuring their goods reach customers efficiently and effectively - and that's what e-commerce fulfillment is all about.

Manage & Track Multi-Carrier Shipping with Hopstack’s Powerful Shipping Module

Hopstack’s advanced shipping module can be integrated with all your ecommerce/LTL/FTL carriers. Retrieve pricing and delivery times, and select the best shipping carriers for every order. 

Additionally, track the entire delivery lifecycle, right from pickup to delivery and pass on the information to the customers. With Hopstack,it  also tracks the performance of each carrier including metrics like pickup performance, on-time delivery rate, transit time and shipping cost per order. 

Schedule a demo to learn more about how Hopstack can help transform your fulfillment, order management, and delivery operations.

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