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Comparing Top 15 US Shipping Carriers: 2025 Performance Guide

CRO at CARRIYO·August 8, 2025·7 min read
Comparing Top 15 US Shipping Carriers: 2025 Performance Guide

The US logistics landscape has fundamentally transformed, making multi-carrier strategies essential for competitive advantage. Research shows 89% of retailers now use alternative carriers alongside traditional providers. The U.S. e-commerce logistics market has reached $141 billion in 2025, growing at 8.9% annually toward $216 billion by 2030. Retailers adopting diversified carrier mixes report significant benefits – up to 90% savings on certain shipments through rate shopping and markedly improved delivery performance via strategic carrier selection.

This transformation reflects three critical shifts: consumer expectations for faster, more flexible delivery options; sustainability priorities (78% of consumers consider sustainability important when shopping, driving demand for eco-friendly shipping); and technology-enabled platforms that make multi-carrier management accessible to businesses of all sizes. Today’s successful retailers leverage carrier-agnostic shipping platforms to optimize every parcel across 15+ major carriers, each with distinct strengths.

The stakes are higher than ever – 98% on-time delivery is now the industry benchmark, and same-day delivery expectations have reached about 51% in urban markets. Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions, peak season capacity constraints, and evolving sustainability mandates all demand strategic carrier diversification. The solution lies not in choosing a single “best” carrier, but in architecting intelligent multi-carrier strategies that match each shipment to the optimal provider based on cost, speed, reliability, and specialized requirements.

Methodology

This comparison evaluates carriers across key performance metrics to inform a balanced multi-carrier strategy:

Each carrier profile below highlights 2025 performance, recent developments, and ideal use cases in an eCommerce logistics context. The goal is to help brands identify the right mix of carriers – not a one-size-fits-all winner, but the best combination for their needs.

Top 15 US Shipping Carriers: Performance Profiles & Specializations

  1. UPS – Widely regarded as the B2B logistics leader, UPS excels in heavy package delivery and commercial shipping. It handles parcels up to 150 lbs (far above most competitors’ 70 lb limits) and has invested $400+ million in a “Network of the Future” automation initiative through 2028 to enhance scalability for business shippers. UPS offers extremely reliable service and integrated supply chain solutions for mid-to-large enterprises. Like other major carriers, it implemented a ~5.9% general rate increase for 2025 (shippers should plan around these adjustments), and expanded peak-season surcharges may affect cost-sensitive shippers. Overall, UPS remains a top choice for enterprise and high-volume shippers requiring dependable nationwide coverage, heavy-weight capabilities, and robust logistics support.
  2. FedEx – FedEx maintains a leadership position in express delivery thanks to its extensive air network and global “SuperHub” in Memphis. It offers industry-leading expedited shipping (overnight and 2-day) and international service to 220+ countries. The company’s Priority Earth initiative targets carbon-neutral operations by 2040 with $2 billion committed to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious brands. FedEx’s One Rate program provides predictable flat-rate pricing (starting around $10.95 for envelopes). In 2025 FedEx also introduced a 5.9% rate increase (similar to UPS) which shippers must factor into budgets. With unmatched speed options and a reputation for secure, reliable handling of high-value goods, FedEx is best suited for businesses with time-critical deliveries, global distribution needs, or valuable shipments that demand extra care.
  3. USPS – The United States Postal Service offers unmatched universal service coverage and exclusive access to PO boxes, making it irreplaceable for certain deliveries. In 2023, USPS streamlined its parcel services under the new Ground Advantage product, improving reliability while maintaining the lowest costs for lightweight packages (under 20 lbs). USPS continues to serve every address in the nation at economical rates, though its technology integration lags behind private carriers – its API and tracking capabilities are more limited, which can be a drawback for highly automated shippers. USPS also announced moderate 2025 rate adjustments (ranging ~3–9% across services) that businesses should account for. Despite these limitations, USPS remains essential for small businesses, rural deliveries, and cost-conscious eCommerce shippers sending lightweight parcels, especially where private couriers don’t reach or when low cost is the priority.
  4. DHL eCommerce – DHL leverages its global logistics leadership to serve cross-border eCommerce shippers with competitive international rates. Domestically, DHL eCommerce solutions often involve DHL handling line-haul transport and handoffs to USPS for final-mile delivery. This hybrid approach gives broad coverage and cost savings for international parcels. DHL’s major sustainability programs (GoGreen) include carbon offset shipping services and deployment of 36,000+ electric delivery vehicles worldwide, aligning with many brands’ eco-friendly goals. While not always the fastest option domestically, DHL eCommerce specializes in efficient cross-border delivery for lightweight packages (under ~25 lbs) and is a strong choice for businesses expanding internationally who need an affordable, reliable way to reach customers overseas.
  5. Amazon Shipping – Amazon has extended its formidable logistics network to external merchants with Amazon Shipping, offering delivery services beyond its marketplace. This service leverages Amazon’s advanced fulfillment infrastructure and AI-driven routing (the proprietary Wellspring logistics technology) to optimize deliveries. A unique advantage is no fuel surcharges – Amazon Shipping provides pricing stability that many traditional carriers cannot match, insulating shippers from fuel price volatility. The company’s massive last-mile capacity (including a growing electric van fleet) and deep integration with eCommerce systems through APIs make it an attractive option for tech-savvy brands. Currently, Amazon Shipping’s availability is selective (focusing on sellers in the Amazon ecosystem or certain high-volume shippers), but for those who can use it, it offers fast, transparent, and potentially cost-competitive shipping with a strong focus on technology and sustainability.
  6. OnTrac – OnTrac (which acquired LaserShip) has created the first truly coast-to-coast regional carrier network. By merging Eastern and Western regional networks, OnTrac now covers 35 states and reaches about 70% of the U.S. population. Its regional focus enables very fast ground shipping – on average 1.9 days faster than national carriers in the lanes it serves. OnTrac also offers unique 7-day and weekend delivery capabilities that many majors lack. Notably, OnTrac kept its 2024 rate increase to 6.2%, remaining competitive as UPS/FedEx rates rose ~5.9%. With 10–35% cost savings typical in its regions, OnTrac is an excellent fit for eCommerce retailers who have high order volumes in the East, South, or West Coast and want to reduce costs while speeding up delivery. It’s an ideal secondary carrier to handle regional shipments more efficiently than the national networks.
  7. Pitney Bowes – Pitney Bowes operates differently from others on this list: it’s a comprehensive shipping technology platform rather than a traditional carrier. Serving 90% of Fortune 500 companies, Pitney Bowes offers the Shipping 360 SaaS platform that provides multi-carrier rate shopping, label printing, and parcel tracking in one solution. It integrates with 80+ marketplaces and carriers, with enterprise-grade security and API capabilities. Pitney Bowes effectively acts as a broker and technology provider, giving businesses access to discounted rates across carriers and tools to manage their shipping operations. This makes Pitney Bowes an optimal “carrier” for large organizations that need multi-carrier management and shipping automation at scale. Rather than moving parcels on its own trucks, Pitney Bowes helps businesses optimize shipments through the best carrier for each order, backed by powerful software and analytics.
  8. GLS US – General Logistics Systems (GLS) specializes in parcel delivery in the Western U.S., operating in 9 states with strengths in California and the Pacific Northwest. GLS prides itself on regional efficiency – often delivering packages a full day faster than national carriers for medium distances (e.g. 150–500 miles) within its area. The company offers aggressive pricing (reports of 35% off standard Ground rates for comparable shipments) and, through its European GLS network, provides integrated shipping solutions for U.S. companies exporting to Europe. In 2025, GLS’s expansion (e.g. into Colorado and beyond) and partnership with Royal Mail (its parent) make it a compelling choice for businesses centered on the West Coast or needing transatlantic service. GLS is best for Western region shippers (including niche segments like the wine industry) that want faster regional delivery and international reach than the big 3 can provide in those lanes.
  9. LSO (Lone Star Overnight) – LSO is a leading regional parcel carrier for the Southwest and Central U.S., offering next-business-day delivery across Texas and surrounding states. Texas-based LSO has long been known for courier-speed ground service and a “customer’s carrier” approach. The company’s on-time delivery performance is now around 97–98% network-wide, reflecting significant tech investments and network improvements in recent years. LSO has expanded its footprint beyond its core in Texas/Oklahoma – now reaching into Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and even Tennessee  – and it covers 100% of Mexico through a partner network for cross-border shipments. These expansions give LSO a reach of roughly 43 million people in the U.S. south-central region. With enhanced tracking visibility and API integration, LSO provides a responsive, flexible, and fast regional option. It is ideal for shippers in the Southwest who need reliable overnight ground delivery, high-touch service, and a cost-effective alternative to national carriers in that region.
  10. Jitsu (formerly AxleHire) – Jitsu is a technology-driven last-mile delivery provider specializing in metropolitan same-day and next-day services. It achieves over 99% on-time delivery through AI-powered route optimization and a gig-driver network. Jitsu handles about 250,000 packages daily (scaling to 700,000 at peak seasons) across major U.S. cities. In 2025, Jitsu expanded into six additional Midwest urban markets to broaden its coverage for enterprise clients (notable customers include brands like American Eagle and HelloFresh). The company focuses on premium delivery experiences – offering features like precise delivery windows, real-time visibility, and low damage rates – which makes it attractive for high-volume shippers in big cities who want to differentiate on delivery speed and quality. Jitsu is best for retailers requiring speedy, reliable last-mile service in dense urban areas, often as a complement to other carriers for the “last leg” to customers.
  11. Better Trucks – Better Trucks is a fast-growing regional last-mile parcel carrier that provides speedy residential delivery in the U.S. Midwest and beyond. As of 2025 it operates in 25+ metro areas across 17 states, focusing on next-day and two-day delivery services (with same-day offers in some cities). The company has aggressively expanded from its Chicago base into states like Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas to build a broader network. Better Trucks utilizes a hybrid model of dedicated delivery fleets and a gig-driver platform, allowing it to scale capacity on-demand (for example, flexing up quickly when a retailer’s sales surge). With a tech-forward approach (multiple eCommerce platform integrations and real-time tracking) and lower overhead, Better Trucks positions itself as a better, faster, cheaper alternative to national carriers for mid-sized eCommerce retailers. It’s especially appealing for cost-conscious brands in its coverage regions that want to offer Amazon-like delivery speed (next-day or same-day) without the high costs of the major carriers.
  12. Roadie – Roadie pioneered a crowdsourced delivery model and now has over 300,000 gig drivers covering 97% of U.S. households. Instead of a fixed network, Roadie matches shipments with drivers already heading in the right direction (“on the way” deliveries), which can reduce emissions by up to 80% and enable rapid service. Roadie has capabilities to handle oversized items (up to 300 lbs and very large dimensions) that many parcel carriers cannot, making it useful for furniture, hardware, and other bulky eCommerce orders. Its “Roadie Green” program also incentivizes use of hybrid/electric vehicles among drivers to further sustainability goals. With service available in all 50 states (primarily same-day or next-day for local-to-regional distance), Roadie is a niche but valuable option for businesses needing flexible, on-demand delivery or to reach customers in areas that traditional networks may underserve. It’s an ideal supplement for retailers offering same-day local delivery, those shipping unusually large products, or any brand prioritizing a more sustainable delivery approach.
  13. Veho – Veho is a technology-enabled regional carrier renowned for its customer experience focus. Operating in 50+ markets (covering over 100 million people, primarily across the East Coast, South, and Midwest), Veho uses an app-based driver network of 85,000+ gig drivers to execute mostly next-day deliveries for eCommerce brands. It boasts industry-leading performance, with 99%+ on-time delivery and a 4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating. Veho’s business model emphasizes personalization – customers can reschedule or reroute deliveries easily, and the delivery experience is branded to the retailer’s specifications. Retail clients like Macy’s, Sephora, and Lululemon have reported 40% increases in customer lifetime value and 70% reductions in delivery-related refunds when using Veho, due to the improved service quality. Veho operates 7 days a week, including evenings and holidays, and thus is an excellent carrier for premium eCommerce brands that want to delight customers with reliably fast, hassle-free deliveries and top-notch communication.
  14. TForce Logistics – TForce is a North America-wide final-mile delivery specialist, with a network of 75+ operating locations handling over 100 million shipments annually. It evolved from the same parent as UPS Freight and focuses on professional, high-touch delivery services. TForce’s capabilities include scheduled sameday/next-day delivery, specialized medical courier services, financial document transport, and other B2B logistics needs that require uniformed, security-checked drivers and chain-of-custody handling. With ~98% on-time performance and a standard API for integration, TForce brings the scale of a national carrier combined with the personal service of a courier. It’s often used by businesses that need a secure, reliable courier partner – for example, hospitals (for lab samples or pharmaceuticals), banks, or retailers offering white-glove home delivery for large items. Any shipper needing rigorously managed delivery with enhanced security or scheduling (beyond what UPS/FedEx typically provide) could benefit from including TForce in their carrier mix.
  15. XPO Logistics – XPO is a major third-party logistics (3PL) provider that also ranks among the largest last-mile carriers for heavy goods. It handles over 500 million shipments annually in North America, including freight and parcel. XPO specializes in heavy and bulky deliveries: furniture, appliances, exercise equipment – the kinds of items that often require two-person teams, special trucks, and sometimes in-home setup. XPO offers “white glove” services, meaning they can schedule delivery windows, bring items indoors, assemble products, and remove packaging waste. Its proprietary technology platform and network of 750+ service centers enable complex logistics coordination. While XPO may not be used for small parcel shipping, it is a critical carrier for retailers selling large-format products or any business with specialized delivery needs beyond standard parcels. In a multi-carrier strategy, XPO fills the heavy/oversized delivery niche, ensuring those items are delivered with care and professionalism in line with customer expectations.

Comparative Performance Table

The table below summarizes key performance metrics and specializations for each carrier (as of 2025):

Legend:

Strategic Insights for Multi-Carrier Success

The performance profiles and trends above reveal several insights that can guide shippers in optimizing their carrier mix:

Key Considerations in Carrier Selection: To build an optimal carrier portfolio, shippers should evaluate potential carriers on several levels:

Recommendations for Building a Carrier Mix: There is no one-size-fits-all solution – an optimal mix depends on business size, customer promises, and shipping patterns. However, a few common strategies apply:

The overarching theme is flexibility. A multi-carrier strategy gives you the flexibility to respond to changing conditions – whether it’s a spike in demand, a carrier outage, or new customer requirements. Brands that master multi-carrier shipping can allocate volume dynamically to maintain service levels and control costs in any situation.

How Carriyo Enables Multi-Carrier Excellence

Implementing a successful multi-carrier operation can be complex, which is where a shipping technology platform like Carriyo comes in. Carriyo is a post-purchase eCommerce logistics platform that connects businesses to 100+ carriers (including all major US providers in this report) and automates the end-to-end shipping process. It acts as the “central brain” for your multi-carrier strategy, ensuring each order is shipped with the optimal carrier and service. Key capabilities of the Carriyo platform include:

In summary, the future of eCommerce shipping lies in intelligent automation and agility – using data-driven decisions to route each order via the best carrier solution, and adapting in real-time to changes. Embracing a multi-carrier strategy enables retailers to deliver the speed, cost-effectiveness, and reliability that modern customers expect. Platforms like Carriyo provide the technological foundation to execute this strategy at scale, transforming shipping operations from a cost center into a competitive advantage. By choosing the right mix of carriers and managing them through Carriyo, brands can delight customers with fast, transparent delivery experiences while controlling costs and maintaining the flexibility to thrive in a dynamic logistics landscape.


Get Started with Carriyo

The future of eCommerce shipping lies in flexibility, automation, and intelligent carrier selection. With Carriyo, you can build and scale a high-performing multi-carrier delivery strategy—faster than ever.

Whether you're shipping with national, regional, or last-mile carriers, Carriyo provides the infrastructure, integrations, and automation to optimize every shipment.

Our platform is backed by robust developer documentation, a unified API, and expert onboarding support—so your team can go live in days, not months.

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