Confused About FedEx SmartPost, UPS SurePost and Other Deferred Residential Parcel Options?
There are multiple operational distinctions as well. UPS-MI uses 17 separate regional processing facilities networked around USPS entry points, whereas SurePost is transported through the UPS Ground network. SurePost uses a UPS tracking label that includes USPS delivery confirmation, while UPS-MI uses a USPS tracking number. SurePost is always inducted at the DDU, whereas UPS-MI inducts at a combination of BMCs, SCFs and DDUs.
Other Providers
To this point, I've talked a lot about FedEx SmartPost and UPS SurePost. However, the USPS has multiple Parcel Select partners. Figure 1 below provides a partial list of domestic parcel providers under partnership with the USPS for Parcel Select and other products.
To obtain the best pricing and service, shippers should invest time in evaluating proposals for each of the major parcel expeditors.
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.
