Confused About FedEx SmartPost, UPS SurePost and Other Deferred Residential Parcel Options?

By Rob Martinez

Categorically, they're not the same. Infrastructures vary greatly, which of course impacts how quickly and where your parcel is entered into the USPS delivery stream. Some companies consolidate packages and won't send a truck to larger sorting facilities or USPS entry points until the truck is mostly or entirely full, leading to additional delays.

While FedEx SmartPost uses a network of 25 SmartPost hubs that distribute scheduled loads into all three types of USPS entry points, UPS SurePost packages are transported via the UPS ground network and are always inducted at the DDU, the closest postal facility to the consignee's place of residence.

What About Pricing?

Rates can vary, too. Packages inducted at the DDU receive the best pricing from the USPS. However, it costs the parcel aggregator more to deliver to the DDU than further upstream the USPS network.

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Rob Martinez Author's page

Rob Martinez is the CEO of Shipware LLC, a professional services firm that transforms businesses through intelligent distribution solutions and strategies. Rob has helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands reduce parcel shipping costs an average of 25 percent through contract negotiations, rate benchmarking, modal optimization, invoice audit and other savings vehicles. A cum laude graduate of UCLA, Rob has 20 years of transportation industry experience, including executive positions at DHL and Stamps.com, in addition to his work as an outside consultant since 2001.