Has there ever been a better time to be a courier?
The rapid growth of online shopping, combined with more and more people working from home and companies getting rid of centralized office space, is created a boom for delivery companies across the United States and around the world. This is a business that is worth around $160 billion, and is expected to continue growing into the future.
Sooner or later, everybody needs a reliable courier. So which companies really know how to deliver?
Let’s take a look at the 10 best courier companies in the US and see who comes out on top.
| Company | Specialization | Geographic Coverage | Notable Services |
| UPS | General courier services | Global | Comprehensive shipping options, package tracking |
| FedEx | Express parcel delivery | Global | Overnight shipping, freight services, time-sensitive deliveries |
| DHL | International shipping | Global | Expedited international logistics, import/export expertise |
| Pace Couriers | Regional delivery services | Southeast U.S. | Same-day delivery, specialized in healthcare and retail industries |
| ShipBob | E-commerce fulfillment | National | Inventory management, order fulfillment, returns processing |
| Spee Dee Delivery | Regional delivery | Midwestern U.S. | Cost-effective alternatives to national carriers, overnight delivery |
| LaserShip | Last-mile delivery | Eastern U.S. | Quick delivery for e-commerce and retail sectors |
| Central Courier Company | Local courier services | Central California | Dedicated routes, same-day delivery, custom logistics solutions |
| Sky Postal | International parcel delivery to Latin America | Americas | Tailored shipping solutions to Latin America, tracking services |
| USPS | Mail and parcel services | National | Economical rates, PO boxes, reliable domestic delivery, media mail |
1. UPS
Based in Georgia, this huge delivery company has become iconic for its distinctive brown delivery vans. United Parcel Service was founded in 1907, and over the past century, they have grown to become one of the biggest companies for delivery not just in the United States, but around the world.
Top Features:
- Extensive domestic and international shipping options
- Advanced package tracking systems
- Offers time-sensitive and day-specific delivery
2. FedEx
Founded in 1971, FedEx is much younger than its rival UPS, but it has achieved strong growth in a much shorter time. While UPS wins the battle for revenue, at $53 billion, FedEx isn’t too far behind, at $42 billion. Interestingly, FedEx’s fleet of planes is bigger than that of UPS, so they tend to focus more on international airfreight, while UPS is more dominant in the domestic market.
Top Features:
- Reliable overnight shipping
- Broad portfolio including freight services
- Precise parcel tracking technology
3. DHL
DHL is not an American company, operating instead out of Bonn, Germany. However, this company, founded in 1969, has established a strong presence in the United States and is one of the best deliver companies for international shipping. DHL has profited a lot from the growth in overseas shipping thanks to companies like Alibaba, which have made it possible for regular consumers to source products direct from manufacturers in China and sell them online via drop shipping.
Top Features:
- Specializes in international express deliveries
- Expertise in customs, security, and insurance for international shipments
- Provides comprehensive logistics solutions
4. Pace Couriers
Pace Couriers may not have the international reach of some of the bigger companies on this list, but it wouldn’t be fair to call them a small company either. Founded in 1975 and based in Mobile, Alabama, the company provides shipping throughout the southeastern United States, with express couriers focused especially on retail clients.
Top Features:
- Strong presence in healthcare and retail logistics
- Offers same-day and next-day delivery options
- Tailored services for specific industries
5. ShipBob
This relative newcomer on the delivery company scene has come a long way in a short time. ShipBob is built around the booming e-commerce market, and has become one of the leading carrier companies in this popular niche. ShipBob offers simple integration with leading online retailers like Amazon and eBay that makes it an easy-to-use and reliable courier for online retailers.
Top Features:
- E-commerce integration for seamless order fulfillment
- Real-time inventory management
- Distribution across multiple fulfillment centers
6. Spee Dee Delivery
Based in Minnesota, Spee Dee Delivery has made a name for itself by providing unique shipping solutions that many other express couriers can’t. They offer less-than-truckload (LTL) delivery, along with on-call pickup service and other flexible options that make them a popular choice in their region, the Midwest. LTL shipping allows customers to ship small loads at more affordable prices, and they also provide a pick-up tag service that allows customers to tag their own shipments, streamlining the whole shipping process.
Top Features:
- Economical shipping alternatives to national carriers
- Expansive service area in the Midwest
- Specializes in overnight delivery services
7. LaserShip, is now OnTrac
Founded in 1986, LaserShip have rebranded recently to OnTrac. They are a great option if you need to ship a package in a hurry. OnTrac specialize in next day and same-day delivery across the East Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts, and are equally popular in the e-commerce space. Because of their focus on express delivery, they are also popular for shipments of perishable items such as food.
Top Features:
- Rapid last-mile delivery capabilities
- Partnered with major e-commerce retailers
- Specialized services for urban areas
8. Central Courier Company
This express courier company may not win any prizes for having the most original name, but maybe that’s because they prefer to focus on their shipping business instead.
Founded in 1977, Central Courier is based out of Ventura, California, and they provide shipping throughout central California, hence the name. Although they are limited in the geographical area they cover, within that area, they are one of the big players in the delivery game, providing same-day delivery, warehousing, and medical delivery services. They operate 24 hours a day every day of the year, so if you need something moved through California in a hurry, these are the guys to call.
Top Features:
- Dedicated route services
- Custom logistics solutions for local businesses
- Reliable same-day delivery
9. Sky Postal
Founded in 2001, Sky Postal was initially intended to address the demand for an affordable, convenient way to send packages between the United States and Latin America. However, the company has gone from strength to strength, and now offers shipping options around the world. They have become part of the Amazon Seller Central Partner Network, providing a way to ship products globally.
- Top Features:
- Focused services for deliveries to Latin America
- Comprehensive tracking and logistics solutions
- Tailored shipping services to meet regional needs
10. USPS
Finally, we couldn’t talk about express courier delivery companies without mentioning the granddaddy of them all, USPS. The United States Postal Service was founded in 1775, and still employs hundreds of thousands of people across the United States to this day.
USPS is one of the major players in both domestic and global shipping. In fact, they carry almost half the world's mail. They also offer a range of services, from express courier delivery to cargo shipping to money orders and banking.
- Top Features:
- Extensive domestic network with economical rates
- Offers services like media mail and PO boxes
- Reliable delivery with a wide range of service options
Choosing the right delivery company
Choosing the right delivery company starts with understanding your needs. Some companies only serve particular geographical regions, while others operate across the US and around the world. Some specialize in same-day delivery, while others are more focused on e-commerce.
But thanks to stiff competition, there are plenty of great choices for delivery companies in the United States.
