As someone who needed to send and receive a lot of packages, I got to see the good and bad of each shipper.
Overall, this is my opinion on shipping in the USA:
FedEX - Best means to ship larger packages. Damage rate higher than USPS, and dealing with a claim is more involved/less certain
UPS - Avoid, if possible. Highest rates, most likelihood of damage, most difficult to make a claim for damage, and least likely to pay on that claim
USPS - Best means to ship smaller packages. Priority Mail will get a package anywhere in the country within 2 (at most, 3) days (up to 5 days for comparable UPS and FedEX service), often at the best rate. The USPS handles packages safely, with an inordinately low damage rate, and is by far the easiest to deal with in terms of paying out on a claim
NOTE: Do not, under ANY circumstances send or receive a package via UPS when dealing with a USA/Canada border crossing. To do so is to invite a shocking degree of holdup in delivery, cost/fees incurred, and even higher probability of damage due to poor repacking after inspection.
Overall, this is my opinion on shipping in the USA:
FedEX - Best means to ship larger packages. Damage rate higher than USPS, and dealing with a claim is more involved/less certain
UPS - Avoid, if possible. Highest rates, most likelihood of damage, most difficult to make a claim for damage, and least likely to pay on that claim
USPS - Best means to ship smaller packages. Priority Mail will get a package anywhere in the country within 2 (at most, 3) days (up to 5 days for comparable UPS and FedEX service), often at the best rate. The USPS handles packages safely, with an inordinately low damage rate, and is by far the easiest to deal with in terms of paying out on a claim
NOTE: Do not, under ANY circumstances send or receive a package via UPS when dealing with a USA/Canada border crossing. To do so is to invite a shocking degree of holdup in delivery, cost/fees incurred, and even higher probability of damage due to poor repacking after inspection.