The US package delivery and courier industry is highly competitive, with many companies vying for a share of the market. While it may seem that there are only four big options for parcel delivery in the United States, that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re seeing more and more start-ups and small businesses offering more personal and localized services. These new companies on the scene are giving the big providers a run for their money! The courier business in the US is rapidly evolving, adapting to changing consumer demands and technological advancements. One key differentiator among the largest package delivery companies is the range of clients and geographic areas each company serves, which can greatly impact their market presence and service offerings. The largest package delivery companies are UPS, FedEx, DHL Group, and Amazon Logistics.
This can make it challenging to determine which US courier company is the best option for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, below we have a list of delivery companies in the US, including those with the highest annual revenues in the industry. The continued rise of e-commerce has significantly impacted the courier business, driving companies to innovate and expand their services. As the industry evolves, technical expertise is becoming increasingly important for companies to adapt to new challenges and deliver superior service. The global parcel delivery market is projected to hit $568 billion in 2025, driven by the rise of e-commerce. But first, let’s take a closer look at the industry.
Parcel Delivery Industry Overview
The shipping industry plays a vital role in the global economy, facilitating the delivery of goods and services around the world. There are a variety of delivery companies that specialize in different types of shipments, from small parcels to large cargo containers. International logistics and freight forwarding are essential components for companies handling cross-border and large-scale shipments, as they provide comprehensive solutions for managing global trade, customs clearance, and efficient transportation. As the industry and available technology continue to evolve, delivery companies must continually work to improve their service offerings and capabilities. Courier operations are increasingly shaped by technological innovations and regulatory changes, which impact efficiency, sustainability, and scalability across the sector.
While the entire shipping industry is essential to running a business, small parcel package delivery companies are critical to customer satisfaction. Many e-commerce and other types of businesses rely on last-mile delivery companies to get their products to their customers.
This step is typically a major key to whether or not a customer is fully satisfied. As a result, businesses that rely on shipping services need to partner with experienced and reputable courier companies that can provide reliable, on-time deliveries as well as a cost effective solution for their shipping needs. When choosing a courier company, businesses should consider key factors such as network reach, service quality, and tracking capabilities, as these elements are crucial for ensuring dependable delivery performance. Unfortunately, the costs of package delivery companies are substantial, and with customers demanding free shipping, it’s businesses that have to foot the bill.
Types of Delivery Companies
The courier industry in the United States is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of delivery companies designed to meet the unique needs of businesses and consumers alike. A shipping company is a business that specializes in parcel and freight delivery services, playing a crucial role in the logistics ecosystem by ensuring goods move efficiently across regional, national, or international networks. From global giants to specialized local providers, each courier company brings its own strengths to the table, ensuring that there are shipping options for every situation.
At the top of the industry are global courier companies such as United Parcel Service (UPS), FedEx, DHL Express, and Japan Post Holdings. These companies are among the largest courier companies in the world, boasting extensive networks, high market capitalization, and the ability to handle international shipping with ease. UPS operates in over 220 countries and handles over 24 million packages daily. Their logistics solutions are designed to meet growing delivery volumes, offering efficient service, express shipping, and advanced tracking tools that help businesses manage their shipping operations across borders.
Regional couriers, like OnTrac, LaserShip, and Lone Star Overnight, are specialized last-mile delivery providers that operate within specific geographic areas. They focus on providing fast and affordable shipping within their regions, leveraging regional networks to offer flexible delivery schedules and competitive pricing. This makes them a popular choice for small businesses looking to save money on shipping costs. Their localized approach often results in improved delivery speed and customer satisfaction, especially for final delivery in densely populated areas.
Last mile delivery companies, including Amazon Logistics and Uber Direct, specialize in the crucial final step of the delivery process—getting packages directly to customers’ doors. As consumers shop online in ever-increasing numbers, the demand for same day and next day delivery has skyrocketed. Amazon Logistics handled 28.2% of all U.S. package shipments by volume in 2024. These last mile delivery solutions are essential for e-commerce businesses aiming to provide fast delivery and meet customer expectations for convenience and reliability.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) stands out as the official postal service, offering a comprehensive range of delivery services, including priority mail and other options for both individuals and businesses. With its nationwide network, USPS plays a vital role in domestic shipping, reaching every address in the country and supporting the needs of both urban and rural communities. The official postal service of the U.S. ranked as the largest domestic volume market share holder with 6.6 billion parcels in 2023.
E-commerce businesses often turn to fulfillment services and specialized courier services like DHL eCommerce and UPS, which provide tailored solutions for online retailers. Choosing the right courier service is essential for online stores to ensure fast and reliable deliveries. These services are specifically designed to support online stores and retail businesses with specialized logistics solutions, including automated sorting systems, reliable tracking, and competitive pricing, all designed to streamline shipping operations and improve efficiency downstream. By partnering with the right courier company, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and keep shipping costs under control.
The courier industry also faces ongoing challenges, such as global supply chain disruptions, failed deliveries, and the need for greater environmental responsibility. To address these issues, many delivery companies are investing in innovations like electric vehicles, automated sorting systems, and sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact and improve efficiency. Innovations like automated sorting systems, green vehicle fleets, and smart lockers are helping make deliveries faster and more efficient.
As online shopping continues to grow and consumers demand faster, more reliable delivery services, courier companies must continue to innovate and adapt. By understanding the different types of delivery companies and their specialized service offerings, businesses and individuals can make informed decisions—whether they need international shipping, last mile delivery, or affordable shipping solutions for their small business.
Considerations When Working With Delivery Companies
There is no shortage of reputable last-mile delivery companies in the United States. Still, there are some things that business owners should consider when working with any organization on our US courier company list.
Package delivery companies tend to have complex and confusing contracts that are very hard for the average person to understand. The documents contain confusing pricing and fine print that can leave your business without recourse. Because of this, you should always work with a professional third-party company like P3 Cost Analysts to help you negotiate these contracts for a cost effective solution.
On top of that, even when you have a solid understanding of your contracts, it’s up to you to enforce the terms. If these companies fail to deliver on time, it’s your company’s reputation that suffers. This is especially critical for time sensitive deliveries and urgent shipments, where delays can significantly impact your business reputation and customer satisfaction. When this happens, last-mile delivery companies like FedEx or UPS owe you a refund on that delivery.
In order to guarantee you’re getting all the refunds you’re owed, a company like P3 can continuously audit your shipping invoices to ensure you’re not being overcharged. We’ll scan for late deliveries and other billing errors that may pop up, saving your business up to 20 percent on shipping fees.
Fulfillment Services and Their Role in Package Delivery
Fulfillment services have become an essential link in the package delivery chain, especially as e-commerce continues to reshape the way consumers shop online. Acting as a bridge between online retailers and courier companies, fulfillment services manage everything from inventory storage and order processing to packaging and shipping operations. This partnership ensures that products move efficiently from warehouses to customers’ doorsteps, meeting the high expectations for delivery speed and reliability.
In the United States, fulfillment services work closely with major courier companies such as the United States Postal Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), and FedEx to provide seamless delivery services. By leveraging the extensive networks and expertise of these courier companies, fulfillment providers can offer a range of shipping options—including same-day, overnight shipping, and affordable flat rate shipping—to suit the needs of both small businesses and large e-commerce enterprises. For example, USPS’s priority mail and flat rate shipping options are popular choices for businesses seeking cost-effective and reliable delivery solutions.
The rise of e-commerce has driven fulfillment services to invest heavily in advanced logistics solutions and automated sorting systems. These innovations help streamline courier operations, reduce shipping costs, and improve operational efficiency. Companies like DHL Express have implemented state-of-the-art logistics solutions to enhance delivery speed and accuracy, while Amazon’s fulfillment network uses sophisticated inventory management systems to keep up with growing delivery volumes and ensure timely shipments.
One of the key advantages of using fulfillment services is their ability to negotiate competitive pricing with logistics providers and courier companies. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses and online retailers that may not have the shipping volume to secure discounts on their own. By pooling shipments and leveraging their relationships with shipping companies, fulfillment services can pass on savings to their clients, making global shipping and domestic deliveries more affordable.
Fulfillment services also play a critical role in supply chain management, offering real-time tracking, inventory monitoring, and efficient returns processing. This level of transparency and control helps businesses avoid stockouts, optimize shipping operations, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. For instance, Royal Mail, the official postal service in the UK, partners with fulfillment providers to offer a variety of delivery services, including same-day and next-day options, ensuring that customers receive their orders quickly and reliably.
In today’s competitive courier industry, fulfillment services have carved out a niche by providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of e-commerce businesses. Their focus on operational efficiency, cost-effective shipping, and exceptional customer service makes them invaluable partners for companies looking to scale their shipping operations and meet the demands of modern consumers.
In summary, fulfillment services are a vital component of the package delivery ecosystem. By collaborating with leading courier companies and investing in cutting-edge logistics solutions, they enable businesses to offer fast, reliable, and affordable shipping options. As the demand for efficient delivery services continues to grow, fulfillment services will remain at the forefront of innovation in the shipping industry, helping businesses of all sizes deliver on their promises to customers.
Top Delivery Service Companies
1. UPS
- Annual revenue: $97.287 Billion
- Number of employees: 534,000
- Headquarters: Atlanta, GA
UPS is a delivery company that handles shipping and logistics solutions for both businesses and individuals. Originally founded in 1907, UPS has since grown to become the largest courier company in the US and one of the biggest in the world, with a presence in over 200 countries. A key strength of UPS is its extensive network, which enables reliable and fast delivery services across a wide range of destinations.
UPS has same-day delivery and competitive rates for large packages, partly thanks to the fact that the company has its own airline for air cargo. With its global network, UPS is well-equipped to handle international deliveries and support cross-border logistics. In addition to shipping, UPS also offers logistics solutions, such as warehousing and distribution, as well as international freight forwarding services that support global commerce by managing cross-border shipments and customs clearance.
2. DHL Group
- Annual revenue: $90 Billion
- Number of employees: 590,000
- Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
While DHL is now based out of Germany, it was actually founded in San Francisco and is still one of the heavy hitters in the US parcel delivery industry. DHL’s courier services worldwide are a crucial part of the global e-commerce infrastructure, supporting the industry’s growth by enabling efficient international shipping and logistics. DHL operates in over 220 countries worldwide, providing extensive international shipping services. While the DHL Group contains Deutsche Post, Europe’s leading postal and parcel provider, it also includes DHL Express and DHL eCommerce, which focus on parcel and express shipping solutions within the US and internationally.
DHL Express is known for its express services, providing fast and reliable delivery options that improve efficiency and customer satisfaction for both businesses and individuals. Because of its heavy presence in the rest of the world, DHL is one of the best options for shipping internationally. They also offer extensive resources to help business owners navigate the complicated shipping process to other countries, like understanding import and export taxes.
3. FedEx
- Annual revenue: $83.959 Billion
- Number of employees: 547,000
- Headquarters: Memphis, TN
FedEx is one of the most popular delivery service companies for businesses, and for good reason. With a significant market cap, FedEx demonstrates its size and industry dominance among global courier companies. They offer home deliveries seven days a week, allowing companies to get their products into the hands of their customers even faster. Many businesses choose to ship with FedEx specifically because they can trust that their packages will be delivered safely and on time. FedEx offers package tracking, discounts, and small business grants to enhance customer experience.
It’s one of the largest courier companies on the planet and offers international shipping as well. FedEx International services, such as FedEx International Priority and FedEx International Economy, provide reliable global logistics solutions, including customs clearance and express delivery for time-sensitive international shipments. Other services that make FedEx attractive are its top-notch package tracking, discounts and perks, and even small business grants.
4. USPS
- Annual revenue: $77.041 Billion
- Number of employees: 630,000
- Headquarters: Washington DC
As the only last-mile delivery company that reaches every single address in the country, it’s not surprising that the United States Postal Service remains one of the biggest and best courier companies. In fact, it’s one of the largest employers in the country as well.
USPS remains popular with businesses because of the volume-based discounts and loyalty credits. The organization also offers free APIs for eCommerce businesses to track packages, check rates, and schedule pickups and deliveries.
Similarly, Royal Mail serves as the official national postal service in the UK, providing extensive parcel delivery options and a wide-reaching network much like USPS in the United States.
5. LaserShip/OnTrac
- Annual revenue: $1.7 Billion
- Number of employees: 4,879
- Headquarters: Vienna, VA; Chandler, AZ
LaserShip and OnTrac are combining their regional networks to create a full, transcontinental last-mile delivery company. Their goal is to create a functional and competitive alternative to the large national carriers that have been dominating the industry over the past decades. By leveraging local couriers, they are able to support last-mile delivery and reach less accessible areas efficiently. With sorting centers and quick deliveries on the East and West Coasts, they’re looking to expand into Texas and beyond in the coming years, putting pressure on the other package delivery companies. In select regions, they also offer same day deliveries, meeting the growing demand for fast and flexible urban courier services in the American market.
6. Lone Star Overnight
- Annual revenue: $653 Million [*]
- Number of employees: 1,137
- Headquarters: Austin, TX
Another regional carrier company that carved out a decent chunk of the market is Lone Star Overnight, or LSO. Originally started in Texas, hence the name, it now serves other states across the country like Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
LSO continues to create strategic alliances with similar companies across the country to provide nationwide service with a focus on flexibility and responsiveness. With continued expansion, LSO may become another big contender.
7. Spee-Dee Delivery Services
- Annual revenue: $587 Million [*]
- Number of employees: 1,800
- Headquarters: St. Cloud, MN
This regional US courier company may have started small, but it’s been steadily growing ever since. It now serves a solid portion of the Upper Midwest. Since its focus is on a relatively small area of the country, where it delivers is the delivery speed. They also offer lower pricing than competitors within their service areas.
Spee-Dee also offers their clients free software that helps the entire shipping process run smoothly, with tools that print labels, track shipping, and store data.
8. GLS US
- Annual revenue: $387 Million [*]
- Number of employees: 1,008
- Headquarters: Santa Fe Springs, CA
As part of the much larger, international GLS Group, GLS US takes care of fast parcel shipping and freight delivery throughout the West. With their umbrella company raking in billions across the globe and recent expansions into Colorado, it’s clear that GLS US is here to stay.
This delivery company focuses on offering its customers a high-quality shipping experience, complete with dedicated account managers who help their clients find the best solutions for their shipping needs. They also have a green initiative in place to help ensure the sustainability of the shipping industry.
9. Onfleet
- Annual revenue: $36 Million [*]
- Number of employees: 100
- Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Recently listed on the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a collection of the fastest-growing technology companies in North America, this last-mile delivery company has only been around since 2015. Despite its young age, it’s already made a big splash in the parcel delivery industry.
Founded by a team of Stanford engineers from the StartX Accelerator Program, this courier company is mixing things up by using new technology to optimize route planning, enhance communication, and create mobile applications with exceptional customer experiences. Industry trends such as drone delivery are also shaping the future of last-mile logistics, highlighting the ongoing innovation in this space.
10. Sendle
- Annual revenue: $30 Million [*]
- Number of employees: 92
- Headquarters: Sydney, Australia
For businesses that are only worried about shipping small parcels within the United States, Sendle offers a unique business model that brings significant savings. This delivery company is based out of Australia but has made its way to the US to shake up the shipping industry. It uses connections with big business delivery networks to bring affordable shipping to small businesses with no subscription or hidden fees.
Plus, they offer 100 percent carbon-neutral shipping. They just officially announced they are Climate Neutral Certified, a certification given out by the non-profit of the same name that helps organizations get their carbon footprint down to zero.
How to Save Money on Parcel Shipping
A few major shipping companies have had the lion’s share of the market for a long time, but regional companies and tech start-ups are finally disrupting the industry. These major players are often recognized as top shipping companies due to their global network strength, market dominance, and ability to provide efficient, wide-reaching logistics solutions.
Regardless of which company you trust for your courier needs, constant contract negotiation and invoice auditing are vital to keeping shipping costs low. Factors such as supply shortages can significantly impact delivery timelines and increase costs, especially during global events or disruptions. Additionally, changes or delays in trade routes can affect shipping reliability and overall efficiency. Due to the confusing contract terms and endless lines of invoicing, it only makes sense to let a shipping expert like the professionals at tackle this lengthy process for you. Furthermore, our team of experts utilizes our database of vendor benchmarks on our clients’ behalf. We know exactly what your peers are paying in the industry, and how to leverage that in your favor.
Whether you’re shipping a high volume of small parcels or a lower volume of huge parcels, our experts can find you the best rates available for your specific needs. Delivery times can vary widely depending on the shipping method, destination, and external factors, so we can guide you when choosing the best provider and help you negotiate the highest savings possible.
Once we lock in on a contract, we will continue to monitor your invoices for errors or overcharges. We will fight to get your refunds processed quickly so that you don’t miss out on the money that’s rightfully owed to you.
Make Sure Your Courier Company Is Delivering the Goods
Despite what many business owners think, there are a lot of options when it comes to delivery companies. This US courier company list is just a start! Many of these providers offer similar services, but the regional or newer companies will often have lower prices. The most important thing to consider when shopping around for a courier company is your specific needs.
If this process seems overwhelming to you, or you want expert advice on this complicated business process, reach out to a shipping expert at P3 Cost Analysts here. We’ll schedule you a risk-free audit today so you can start saving money on shipping options as soon as possible!
