What Is Difference Between Ups And Ups Freight?

ByScarlett Evans

Both UPS (United Parcel Service) and UPS Freight are shipping and logistics companies owned by UPS. However, there are some key differences between the two services.

UPS is best known for small package delivery services, offering air and ground delivery of parcels weighing up to 150 pounds. UPS delivers over 19 million packages per day to consumers and businesses in over 220 countries and territories around the world.

UPS Freight, originally known as Overnite Transportation, is a subsidiary focused on less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping for larger items weighing between 150 and 15,000 pounds. UPS Freight offers regional, interregional, and long-haul LTL freight services across North America.

History

UPS was founded in 1907 as the American Messenger Company in Seattle, Washington by teenagers Claude Ryan and Jim Casey. In 1913, the company was renamed United Parcel Service. UPS expanded to California in 1919 and throughout the West Coast by 1929. By 1975, UPS Next Day Air service was introduced for urgent delivery needs.

UPS Freight was founded in 1982 as Overnite Transportation, a less-than-truckload shipping company based in Richmond, Virginia. Overnite merged with Motor Cargo Industries in 1986. In 2005, UPS acquired Overnite Corporation and rebranded it as UPS Freight in 2007. UPS Freight specialized in heavy freight shipping across North America.

For more on the history and origins of UPS, see: https://about.ups.com/us/en/our-company/our-history.html

Services

UPS and UPS Freight offer some overlapping services but also have some key differences. UPS provides small package delivery services for parcels under 150 pounds, while UPS Freight transports heavier freight shipments usually over 150 pounds (https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/freight/freight-shipping-guide.page). UPS handles next day and multi-day deliveries within the US and internationally. UPS Freight offers ground freight services within the US, Canada, and Mexico. Both provide freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply chain services (https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/freight.page).

A key difference is that UPS focuses on small package express delivery of individual parcels directly to end consumers. UPS Freight transports bulk shipments between businesses. UPS also provides more delivery speed options for time-sensitive packages, while UPS Freight moves heavy freight over 1-5 days. For supply chain logistics, UPS manages solutions across the entire delivery process, while UPS Freight coordinates the freight component specifically (https://reveelgroup.com/resources/freight-vs-parcel/).

Delivery Types

UPS and UPS Freight handle different types of deliveries. UPS focuses on small parcels weighing up to 150 lbs while UPS Freight transports freight shipments weighing more than 150 lbs (Source).

Specifically, UPS handles small parcels, letters, documents, and pallet shipments. They specialize in smaller, time-sensitive express shipments. UPS Freight focuses on larger LTL (less than truckload) and FTL (full truckload) freight shipments. They transport cargo that is too large or heavy for parcel carriers like UPS to handle (Source).

ups handles small parcels while ups freight transports bulk freight shipments

So in summary, UPS handles small parcels and pallets while UPS Freight specializes in LTL and FTL freight transportation. UPS is optimized for smaller, express packages while UPS Freight transports heavier freight shipments across longer distances.

Delivery Speed

UPS and UPS Freight offer different delivery speeds depending on the size and weight of the package. For small parcels under 150 pounds, UPS delivery times range from 1-5 business days for ground shipping and 1-3 business days for air shipping. UPS advertises delivery in 3 days or less to most of the continental US. In contrast, UPS Freight focuses on less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping for heavier packages between 150-15,000 lbs. Transit times for LTL freight are typically 4-10 business days. So UPS standard shipping is faster for lightweight packages, while UPS Freight offers more competitive transit times for heavy freight.

Delivery Area

One key difference between UPS and UPS Freight is the delivery area. UPS provides package delivery services worldwide to over 220 countries and territories, with air and ground delivery capabilities (UPS Freight Shipping Guide). In comparison, UPS Freight focuses on less-than-truckload shipping within the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As UPS states on their website, “UPS Freight offers reliable less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico” (UPS Freight Forwarding Services). They serve over 99% of U.S. zip codes but do not provide international freight forwarding outside of North America.

In summary, UPS has a much broader worldwide delivery network for packages, while UPS Freight concentrates on domestic LTL freight shipping in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Package Tracking

UPS and UPS Freight offer different levels of package tracking and visibility for customers. UPS provides detailed real-time tracking with frequent updates throughout the shipment journey. Customers can track on the UPS website or mobile app using the UPS tracking number. UPS uses barcode scanners and RFID technology to provide granular tracking data including pickup scan, origin scan, in transit scans, and delivery scan.

In comparison, UPS Freight tracking has less detail and frequency. Customers are given a UPS Freight tracking number and can view basic tracking status and delivery date estimates online. However, there are fewer milestone scans provided compared to UPS small package. UPS Freight uses GPS and EDI data from the driver’s handheld device to show shipment locations.

So UPS offers more advanced tracking technology and higher visibility for customers shipping smaller packages. UPS Freight tracking is more high-level and provides the basic delivery status needed for LTL freight moves.

UPS Tracking
UPS Freight Tracking

Pricing

UPS and UPS Freight use different pricing models for shipping. UPS bases shipping rates on the weight and distance of the package, with additional charges for fuel surcharges, oversize packages, and other services. According to the UPS website, UPS shipping rates start at around $10 for an envelope and can go up to hundreds of dollars for larger, heavier packages going long distances.

In contrast, UPS Freight uses a more complex pricing model based on shipment characteristics like freight class, distance, and weight. Rates are calculated using a UPS Freight zone chart and tariff. Fuel surcharges also apply. Unlike UPS, UPS Freight has minimum charges that start around $150-$200 for less-than-truckload shipments. So UPS Freight is better suited for larger, bulkier freight, while UPS ground shipping works better for smaller packages.

In general, UPS Freight rates tend to be cheaper than UPS rates for heavier shipments traveling longer distances. But UPS ground shipping is more affordable for lightweight packages going shorter distances. Shippers need to evaluate both options to find the best rate.

Technology

UPS and UPS Freight utilize different technologies that are tailored to their respective services. UPS uses a route optimization and execution system called ORION (On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation) to plan delivery routes and provide recommendations to drivers in real time based on traffic, weather and other factors. ORION helps UPS optimize efficiency and reduce fuel costs across its global delivery network [1].

In contrast, UPS Freight leverages telematics and fleet management technology to track shipments and assets in transit. Sensors and GPS tracking provide real-time visibility into the location and condition of freight, enabling UPS Freight to monitor shipments and quickly address any exceptions. The telematics platform also analyzes driver behavior data to promote safety and fuel efficiency. This technology is tailored to the long haul, bulk freight shipments that UPS Freight specializes in [2].

So in summary, the routing algorithms and telematics systems are customized to the distinct services of UPS and UPS Freight. This showcases how implementing technology specifically suited to a company’s operations and objectives can enhance service quality and optimize delivery performance.

Conclusion

In summary, the key differences between UPS and UPS Freight are:

  • UPS focuses on small package delivery, while UPS Freight specializes in LTL freight shipping.
  • UPS offers faster transit times and more delivery options for small packages, while UPS Freight is better for heavy, bulk items.
  • UPS has a larger delivery network reaching more destinations, while UPS Freight services the continental US, Canada, Mexico.
  • UPS provides more technology and tracking services for packages, while UPS Freight tracking is more basic.
  • UPS rates are calculated by package weight and destination, while UPS Freight has individual negotiated contracts.

For individuals and small businesses shipping small packages and letters, UPS is likely the better choice with more delivery options, speed, and tracking capabilities. UPS Freight is preferable for larger companies regularly shipping palletized freight and LTL loads, given their capacity for heavy freight and lower rates through volume discounts. Both offer reliable shipping with strong networks and technology to meet varying needs.

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