Postal Letter

I need to send a screw to someone for a device. Should I use US Postal Service or UPS?

The destination is only 100 miles from me, and obviously the package will be very light and very small. I want it to get there quickly though, preferably overnight, and last time (when I used UPS Ground service) it got there overnight without having to pay extra. Which will both fast, cheap, and reliable?

Public Comments

1. Use what's proven to do the best service for you before. UPS, even Ground service gives you a trancking number, so you can track your package. With USPS, you have to pay extra for the service with the tracking number.
2. ~~It's easy to compare rates through their internet sites. www.usps.com www.ups.com I have found it cheaper from one to the other for no apparent reason or difference so I always go and check them both. It must depend on the location and packaging.~~
3. I tend to think personally UPS is cheaper but you can get quotes if you go to the website for each company to find out which is the cheapest. I think that for the most part both companies are fast and reliable. I'm sure people can come up with horror stories for both companies but I work for a manufacturing company and we use both of these companies plus DHL and they are all basically the same to me. DHL seems like it is the cheapest most of the time and I know that they are reliable and fast. I say get quotes and go with the cheapest. However, personally if it were me and just a screw I'd stick it in an envelope put 43 cents on it and snail mail it, but that's just me.
4. Mail it in the regular mail wrapped in bubble wrap. Most mail does arrive overnight anyhow so unless it is worth sending Fedex next day paying $25 or so you can send it for 42 cents. For 100 miles you could drive there cheaper than overnighting it.
5. The USPS will be less expensive and should deliver within two days if not sooner.