July 25, 2025 • 9 mins
Regular Mail Vs. Private Carriers
Shipping decisions shouldn't be a guessing game. In this illuminating episode, James Banks, owner of ParcelPedia, demystifies the age-old question of when to trust USPS and when to opt for private carriers like FedEx, UPS, or DHL.
The episode dives deep into the fundamental differences between these shipping options. USPS emerges as the budget-friendly champion, consistently offering the most economical rates while maintaining an unparalleled national infrastructure. James highlights how the postal service remains the only viable option for delivering to PO boxes and military APO/FPO addresses, making it indispensable despite its sometimes slower delivery times.
Private carriers shine in different arenas. FedEx, UPS, and DHL excel with time-sensitive shipments, larger packages, and their money-back guarantees for missed delivery windows—a crucial differentiator from USPS, which typically only covers lost or damaged items. The discussion extends to international shipping, where DHL's global infrastructure gives it an edge, though FedEx continues narrowing this gap with increasingly competitive pricing and delivery times.
Rather than declaring an absolute winner, James emphasizes that shipping choices should be tailored to specific needs: "Knowing is half the battle." Whether you're shipping holiday gifts, business equipment, or urgent documents, understanding each carrier's strengths allows you to make cost-effective, efficient decisions without overspending.
Ready to make smarter shipping decisions? Mention "podcast" at our ParcelPedia store to receive 10% off select shipping services. Visit us at 8992 Preston Road in Frisco, Texas, or call 972-335-1450 to discover how we can make your shipping experience a breeze.
To learn more about ParcelPedia visit:
https://www.ParcelPedia.com
ParcelPedia
8992 Preston Road, Suite 110
Frisco, Texas
972- 335-1450
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to the Parcelpedia Podcast, the
ultimate guide to all thingsshipping and business services
in Frisco, texas, from US mailand FedEx to private mailboxes
and packing supplies.
We've got you covered.
Stay tuned for a specialdiscount code to save on your
next order.
And now delivering expert tipsand insider insights with a
(00:26):
smile, here's your host, jamesBanks.
Owner of Parcelpedia.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
When should you trust USPS and when does a private
carrier like UPS or FedEx makemore sense?
In this episode, james breaksdown cost, speed, tracking and
convenience to help you shipsmarter.
Welcome back everyone.
I'm Sofia Yvette, co-host andproducer.
Back in the studio with ownerof Parcelpedia, james Banks.
(00:54):
Hi James, how's it going today?
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Hey, sofia, I'm doing great.
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
I'm also doing great and it's great to have you back
on today.
Thank you doing great and it'sgreat to have you back on today.
Now, this is a classic dilemmafor a lot of folks, so I'm
excited to hear your take on it.
Regular mail versus privatecarriers let's get into it.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
All right, the great debate.
So there are definitely somesimilarities and some
differences between US mail andthe carriers.
Happy to go over all of it withyou.
So some simple things, somebasic things to know.
Us mail is what most peoplewould call like just regular
mail or snail mail, sometimesfor the speed.
But that is our government runUnited States Postal Service.
(01:35):
So that is the mail that willgo directly into a mailbox.
That's the mail that will go toa post office box.
It's the mail that typically,even if it's the most rural area
in the country, that is anoption that will get there.
So US mail, what we like tocall them, is more of our budget
carrier.
They typically are always thebest rate available, no matter
(01:56):
who you choose or what type ofservice you choose.
But they are also the largestinfrastructure as far as
throughout the nation andthey're also run by the
government.
So they're a little bit slowercompared to a private carrier,
but they are dependable whenyou're needing to ship to, again
a post office box or, myfavorite, an FPO or an APO,
which is for the military bases.
(02:16):
So definitely love to utilizethem for that because, again,
that's the only way you can send.
That way.
That is one of the maindifferences that they're just a
little bit better, economically,a little bit slower, but they
are the one where you know, nomatter where it's going, it's
going to be available throughthe USPS.
Now, when we switch over to theprivate carriers we're talking
about FedEx, we're talking aboutDHL, ups they typically are
(02:37):
better when it comes to quickershipments.
If you need things in a hurry,like documents, medicine, things
of that nature or larger itemsUnited States because of course
you know the post office they'lldeliver these about anywhere.
They don't typically like thoselarge packages.
They get very expensive.
They have an oversize rate thatstarts at a smaller size, about
18 inches, compared to thecarriers.
(02:58):
So FedEx and UPS, they'rebetter for the bigger boxes.
So if you're moving across thecountry shipping some big heavy
equipment, they're betterutilized for that.
And then you have thedifferences in guarantees, money
back and insurance.
So all carriers, even US Mail,they all offer insurance.
You can always pay forinsurance to make sure your
package has some what can I saytraceable value, so that once
(03:22):
it's shipped, from beginning toending, we always know that
there's a value.
So if something happens, youcan get your money back.
But the biggest difference inthe guarantee is that the
carriers will give you moneyback on a timing guarantee
versus just a loss or damage.
So US Mail will only typicallyhonor damages or lost items.
They don't ever really give youa guarantee time on anything.
(03:42):
Even if it's like the fastestservice they offer, there's no
guarantee that's gonna be therelike the next day, whereas for
FedEx or UPS they do offermoney-back guarantees on missed
windows, missed delivery windows.
So that's good to keep in mindwhen you're in a hurry or
compared to just fragile,fragile items.
All this knowledge is alwayshere at parcel Pia, not just
with me.
Who's there?
(04:03):
Our associate of my partner,paul arjun, another associate we
have on the weekends.
You can always come by and askus, you can call us, you can
email us parcelpedia mail atgmail or contact parcelpediacom.
It's listed on the website.
Um, anytime you have a questionabout these things, we're happy
to inform you and let you know.
The most important thing, though, I don't want to leave y'all
waiting price points.
We'll really dig into that.
(04:23):
No matter what you do, us mailis the best price.
It's always going to be yourmost economical option.
However, as we mentioned before, service kind of comes with
that.
So FedEx and UPS can be moreexpensive and it may feel like
it hurts you oh, it's likedouble the price of US mail.
But when you don't have to do afollow-up, or if everything
gets there on time faster withtracking and insurance, you feel
(04:47):
like you get your money's worth.
So it's always a bargaininggame to decide what you need to
do or what you're wanting to do,but we're here to help you.
That's why Pulse Speed is great.
You have all those options laidout.
You have US Mail, you haveFedEx, you have UPS, you have
DHL.
We'll show you all of them sideby side and that way you'll
know which one you need andwhich one's best for you.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
James, do you have personal experience with the two
different types of carriers?
Speaker 3 (05:09):
Oh, of course, Everyone has personal experience
with the mail, the US mail,right?
That's one of those things Likeif you ever went to your
mailbox and grabbed even if it'sjunk mail or a letter from your
grandma telling you happybirthday that you're dealing
with the US mail, the UnitedStates Postal Service, and
that's what the beautiful thingabout it is that you can keep
contact with family members,friends, companies.
You contact with family members, friends, companies.
You can always exchangecorrespondence through the us
mail pretty easily and prettyaffordably.
(05:31):
But I feel like most peoplehave experience with maybe
ordering off amazon.
You see that ups truck pull upand you're like, yes, my toy is
here.
Finally I get my xbox orwhatever it may be, um, and so
we have that experience too.
Or like a missing package.
So I, of course, have personalexperience with all the carriers
, every single one, even some Ididn't even mention on this
college because they're a littlebit more rare.
But they all have their ups,they all have their downs, pros
and cons.
(05:51):
Knowing what fits best for youis what helps you make the right
choice, and that's why we'rehere, that's why we work as a
broker.
That way you can see all youroptions.
You don't feel like you'restuck in a corner.
You have to pick one thing.
But personal experience goodand bad, I don't want to point
any fingers at anybody.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So now what about international shipping?
Who handles it better?
Speaker 3 (06:14):
Oh, man, see you're trying to get me in trouble.
You want the carriers to comeafter me.
I will say international to inthe in the broad, in the broad
aspect.
Dhl I mean that's what they'reknown for is their international
infrastructure.
They're just everywhere.
They're fast.
You have a reliable speed andpricing.
(06:34):
Fedex is really over the pastfew years they're really.
If DHL is here and FedEx wasthere, they're like inching up.
I mean, every year it seemslike they're getting more
competitive with pricing andspeed.
Us Mail unfortunately lack inthe international department.
Unless you do the international, what's called the Global
Express, it's basically thefastest, most serious shipment.
(06:55):
You can do the US MailInternational and it's good.
But it's kind of similar topricing with the carriers and
sometimes their speed is stillfaster.
So you have that option.
But they're shipping to themilitary bases.
What's really great with USPS?
So the United States PostalService handles all of those FPO
, apo boxes and they're reallygood about it.
They get it to them fast, ourtroops.
They're not waiting for a longtime to get their goods from
(07:16):
their family members.
So I think that's honorable, Ithink that's very good and
something we should acknowledgeand appreciate because the
troops matter.
It's good that they're able toget their things.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Definitely.
And on that note a finalquestion for you today who's
better?
Speaker 3 (07:35):
when it comes to holiday shipments oh man, I
don't know about this verbiage,ms Sophia, trying to get me in
trouble.
Better worse, top low.
Oh man, I would say it dependson what your needs are.
Each carrier has their ups anddowns or pros and cons that can
help you specifically.
I don't want to add, I want toput anyone in the hot seat.
I say they're all great.
They're all great, I got togive you a political answer Okay
(08:00):
, all right, james.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
So do you have any final words that you do want to
say about regular mail versusprivate carriers?
Speaker 3 (08:12):
They both have their benefits.
I mean, sometimes if you needto ship to PO Box, you have to
use US Mail, and if you want toship international in a hurry,
you use a carrier.
I think your needs matter andit's important just to use
what's good for that moment, soyou don't make a mistake or
spend money you don't need tospend, so just knowing is half
(08:34):
the battle.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
You've heard that one before, right, I certainly have
.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
And if you need the knowledge, come to Parsipedia,
mail us, email us, you can writeus a letter.
I'll write you back, you know,and we can use that USPS.
So, however, you need tocommunicate with us.
We're here for you, got it.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Those are some great insights today, James Secret
insights, but thanks forclearing up when and why to go
private with shipping.
I'll catch you next time on theParcelpedia podcast.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
All right, see you.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Thanks for joining us on the Parcelpedia Podcast.
Don't forget mention podcast atour store.
To snag 10% off select shippingservices, Stop by at 8992
Preston Road, Suite 110, Frisco,Texas, or give us a ring at
972-335-1450.
(09:29):
We're here to make yourshipping a breeze.
Until next time, keep shippingand smiling.
Welcome to the Parcelpedia Podcast, the
ultimate guide to all thingsshipping and business services
in Frisco, texas, from US mailand FedEx to private mailboxes
and packing supplies.
We've got you covered.
Stay tuned for a specialdiscount code to save on your
next order.
And now delivering expert tipsand insider insights with a
(00:26):
smile, here's your host, jamesBanks.
Owner of Parcelpedia.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
When should you trust USPS and when does a private
carrier like UPS or FedEx makemore sense?
In this episode, james breaksdown cost, speed, tracking and
convenience to help you shipsmarter.
Welcome back everyone.
I'm Sofia Yvette, co-host andproducer.
Back in the studio with ownerof Parcelpedia, james Banks.
(00:54):
Hi James, how's it going today?
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Hey, sofia, I'm doing great.
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
I'm also doing great and it's great to have you back
on today.
Thank you doing great and it'sgreat to have you back on today.
Now, this is a classic dilemmafor a lot of folks, so I'm
excited to hear your take on it.
Regular mail versus privatecarriers let's get into it.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
All right, the great debate.
So there are definitely somesimilarities and some
differences between US mail andthe carriers.
Happy to go over all of it withyou.
So some simple things, somebasic things to know.
Us mail is what most peoplewould call like just regular
mail or snail mail, sometimesfor the speed.
But that is our government runUnited States Postal Service.
(01:35):
So that is the mail that willgo directly into a mailbox.
That's the mail that will go toa post office box.
It's the mail that typically,even if it's the most rural area
in the country, that is anoption that will get there.
So US mail, what we like tocall them, is more of our budget
carrier.
They typically are always thebest rate available, no matter
(01:56):
who you choose or what type ofservice you choose.
But they are also the largestinfrastructure as far as
throughout the nation andthey're also run by the
government.
So they're a little bit slowercompared to a private carrier,
but they are dependable whenyou're needing to ship to, again
a post office box or, myfavorite, an FPO or an APO,
which is for the military bases.
(02:16):
So definitely love to utilizethem for that because, again,
that's the only way you can send.
That way.
That is one of the maindifferences that they're just a
little bit better, economically,a little bit slower, but they
are the one where you know, nomatter where it's going, it's
going to be available throughthe USPS.
Now, when we switch over to theprivate carriers we're talking
about FedEx, we're talking aboutDHL, ups they typically are
(02:37):
better when it comes to quickershipments.
If you need things in a hurry,like documents, medicine, things
of that nature or larger itemsUnited States because of course
you know the post office they'lldeliver these about anywhere.
They don't typically like thoselarge packages.
They get very expensive.
They have an oversize rate thatstarts at a smaller size, about
18 inches, compared to thecarriers.
(02:58):
So FedEx and UPS, they'rebetter for the bigger boxes.
So if you're moving across thecountry shipping some big heavy
equipment, they're betterutilized for that.
And then you have thedifferences in guarantees, money
back and insurance.
So all carriers, even US Mail,they all offer insurance.
You can always pay forinsurance to make sure your
package has some what can I saytraceable value, so that once
(03:22):
it's shipped, from beginning toending, we always know that
there's a value.
So if something happens, youcan get your money back.
But the biggest difference inthe guarantee is that the
carriers will give you moneyback on a timing guarantee
versus just a loss or damage.
So US Mail will only typicallyhonor damages or lost items.
They don't ever really give youa guarantee time on anything.
(03:42):
Even if it's like the fastestservice they offer, there's no
guarantee that's gonna be therelike the next day, whereas for
FedEx or UPS they do offermoney-back guarantees on missed
windows, missed delivery windows.
So that's good to keep in mindwhen you're in a hurry or
compared to just fragile,fragile items.
All this knowledge is alwayshere at parcel Pia, not just
with me.
Who's there?
(04:03):
Our associate of my partner,paul arjun, another associate we
have on the weekends.
You can always come by and askus, you can call us, you can
email us parcelpedia mail atgmail or contact parcelpediacom.
It's listed on the website.
Um, anytime you have a questionabout these things, we're happy
to inform you and let you know.
The most important thing, though, I don't want to leave y'all
waiting price points.
We'll really dig into that.
(04:23):
No matter what you do, us mailis the best price.
It's always going to be yourmost economical option.
However, as we mentioned before, service kind of comes with
that.
So FedEx and UPS can be moreexpensive and it may feel like
it hurts you oh, it's likedouble the price of US mail.
But when you don't have to do afollow-up, or if everything
gets there on time faster withtracking and insurance, you feel
(04:47):
like you get your money's worth.
So it's always a bargaininggame to decide what you need to
do or what you're wanting to do,but we're here to help you.
That's why Pulse Speed is great.
You have all those options laidout.
You have US Mail, you haveFedEx, you have UPS, you have
DHL.
We'll show you all of them sideby side and that way you'll
know which one you need andwhich one's best for you.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
James, do you have personal experience with the two
different types of carriers?
Speaker 3 (05:09):
Oh, of course, Everyone has personal experience
with the mail, the US mail,right?
That's one of those things Likeif you ever went to your
mailbox and grabbed even if it'sjunk mail or a letter from your
grandma telling you happybirthday that you're dealing
with the US mail, the UnitedStates Postal Service, and
that's what the beautiful thingabout it is that you can keep
contact with family members,friends, companies.
You contact with family members, friends, companies.
You can always exchangecorrespondence through the us
mail pretty easily and prettyaffordably.
(05:31):
But I feel like most peoplehave experience with maybe
ordering off amazon.
You see that ups truck pull upand you're like, yes, my toy is
here.
Finally I get my xbox orwhatever it may be, um, and so
we have that experience too.
Or like a missing package.
So I, of course, have personalexperience with all the carriers
, every single one, even some Ididn't even mention on this
college because they're a littlebit more rare.
But they all have their ups,they all have their downs, pros
and cons.
(05:51):
Knowing what fits best for youis what helps you make the right
choice, and that's why we'rehere, that's why we work as a
broker.
That way you can see all youroptions.
You don't feel like you'restuck in a corner.
You have to pick one thing.
But personal experience goodand bad, I don't want to point
any fingers at anybody.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
So now what about international shipping?
Who handles it better?
Speaker 3 (06:14):
Oh, man, see you're trying to get me in trouble.
You want the carriers to comeafter me.
I will say international to inthe in the broad, in the broad
aspect.
Dhl I mean that's what they'reknown for is their international
infrastructure.
They're just everywhere.
They're fast.
You have a reliable speed andpricing.
(06:34):
Fedex is really over the pastfew years they're really.
If DHL is here and FedEx wasthere, they're like inching up.
I mean, every year it seemslike they're getting more
competitive with pricing andspeed.
Us Mail unfortunately lack inthe international department.
Unless you do the international, what's called the Global
Express, it's basically thefastest, most serious shipment.
(06:55):
You can do the US MailInternational and it's good.
But it's kind of similar topricing with the carriers and
sometimes their speed is stillfaster.
So you have that option.
But they're shipping to themilitary bases.
What's really great with USPS?
So the United States PostalService handles all of those FPO
, apo boxes and they're reallygood about it.
They get it to them fast, ourtroops.
They're not waiting for a longtime to get their goods from
(07:16):
their family members.
So I think that's honorable, Ithink that's very good and
something we should acknowledgeand appreciate because the
troops matter.
It's good that they're able toget their things.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Definitely.
And on that note a finalquestion for you today who's
better?
Speaker 3 (07:35):
when it comes to holiday shipments oh man, I
don't know about this verbiage,ms Sophia, trying to get me in
trouble.
Better worse, top low.
Oh man, I would say it dependson what your needs are.
Each carrier has their ups anddowns or pros and cons that can
help you specifically.
I don't want to add, I want toput anyone in the hot seat.
I say they're all great.
They're all great, I got togive you a political answer Okay
(08:00):
, all right, james.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
So do you have any final words that you do want to
say about regular mail versusprivate carriers?
Speaker 3 (08:12):
They both have their benefits.
I mean, sometimes if you needto ship to PO Box, you have to
use US Mail, and if you want toship international in a hurry,
you use a carrier.
I think your needs matter andit's important just to use
what's good for that moment, soyou don't make a mistake or
spend money you don't need tospend, so just knowing is half
(08:34):
the battle.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
You've heard that one before, right, I certainly have
.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
And if you need the knowledge, come to Parsipedia,
mail us, email us, you can writeus a letter.
I'll write you back, you know,and we can use that USPS.
So, however, you need tocommunicate with us.
We're here for you, got it.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Those are some great insights today, James Secret
insights, but thanks forclearing up when and why to go
private with shipping.
I'll catch you next time on theParcelpedia podcast.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
All right, see you.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Thanks for joining us on the Parcelpedia Podcast.
Don't forget mention podcast atour store.
To snag 10% off select shippingservices, Stop by at 8992
Preston Road, Suite 110, Frisco,Texas, or give us a ring at
972-335-1450.
(09:29):
We're here to make yourshipping a breeze.
Until next time, keep shippingand smiling.
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