Wondering how to offer FedEx Ground vs UPS Ground shipping options in your WooCommerce store, without complex setups or high shipping costs? For many e-commerce businesses, providing affordable, trackable, and timely shipping is critical to customer satisfaction and conversion. However, WooCommerce doesn’t support these carriers natively.

That’s where this free shipping plugin steps in – ELEX EasyPost WooCommerce Shipping Plugin

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best free WooCommerce UPS plugin that enables FedEx Ground and UPS Ground shipping, complete with real-time rates, label printing, and tracking, all from your WordPress dashboard. Plus, we’ll help you understand how each carrier compares, so you can choose the best fit for your store.

What Is Ground Shipping?

Ground shipping refers to a shipping method where parcels are transported over land using delivery trucks and vans. It is generally slower than air shipping but significantly more cost-effective, making it ideal for businesses focused on budget-friendly domestic deliveries.

Advantages of Ground Shipping

• Cost-effective for regional and national deliveries.
• Suited for small and medium-sized packages.
• Ideal for eCommerce businesses with low urgency for delivery.
• Broad service coverage across the US states.

Limitations to Consider

• Not suitable for overnight or expedited deliveries.
• Restrictions on hazardous and oversized goods.
• May exclude remote or military addresses (such as P.O. boxes).

FedEx Ground vs UPS Ground

FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground, initially launched as Roadway Package System in 1985, became FedEx Ground in 2000 and remains a leading choice for efficient and affordable domestic shipping. FedEx Ground is favored by e-commerce businesses that value detailed tracking and flexible delivery management.

Key Features of FedEx Ground

• Delivery Timeline: 1–5 business days in the contiguous US, 3–7 days for Hawaii and Alaska.
• Delivery Days: Monday through Friday (no weekend delivery).
• Coverage: All 50 US states.
• Package Limits: Max 150 lbs weight, 108 inches in length, and up to 130 inches in length plus girth
• Declared Value: Up to $100 included.
• Pickup Options: Offers scheduled and paid package pickups.
• Delivery Attempts: Three attempts before returning the package.
• Tracking: Excellent tracking tools via FedEx Delivery Manager.
• Restrictions: No delivery to P.O. boxes.

UPS Ground

UPS Ground is a cost-effective domestic shipping service from United Parcel Service (UPS), offering dependable delivery across the United States. UPS Ground is known for its predictable delivery schedules and broad regional reach.

Key Features of UPS Ground

• Delivery Timeline: 1–5 business days, depending on the destination.
• Delivery Days: Monday through Friday.
• Coverage: All 50 states in the US.
• Package Limits: Up to 150 lbs.
• Declared Value: Up to $100 coverage included.
• Delivery Attempts: Three attempts included.
• Restrictions: No P.O. box deliveries.
• Pickup Services: Typically not included with free services.
• Tracking: Reliable, though slightly less detailed than FedEx’s system.

Key Factors Comparison Chart – FedEx Ground vs UPS Ground

Cost & Speed Comparison: FedEx Ground vs. UPS Ground

Is FedEx Ground Cheaper Than UPS Ground?

The cost comparison between FedEx Ground and UPS Ground isn’t one-size-fits-all—it varies based on key shipping factors like the package weight, dimensions, destination, and any additional services such as insurance or delivery confirmation. While both carriers offer competitive rates, UPS Ground is often slightly more affordable for lightweight shipments over shorter distances.

On the other hand, FedEx Ground may provide better rates for larger parcels or when bundled with volume-based discounts for small to mid-sized businesses. It’s also worth noting that both carriers frequently update their pricing models and may offer custom quotes for businesses with regular shipping needs.

If you’re a WooCommerce store owner, the most efficient way to compare real-time rates is by using a plugin like ELEX EasyPost. This tool connects your store to FedEx and UPS, allowing you to fetch accurate live shipping rates at checkout, ensuring your customers always see the most cost-effective option.

Is UPS Ground or FedEx Ground Faster?

Both UPS Ground and FedEx Ground deliver within 1 to 5 business days across the contiguous United States. However, the actual speed of delivery can vary depending on the origin and destination ZIP codes, regional logistics, and carrier-specific delivery networks.

In general, FedEx Ground is slightly faster in some regions and is praised for offering more detailed tracking updates, which is a plus for businesses wanting greater visibility over their shipments. UPS Ground is equally reliable and often performs exceptionally well in urban and high-volume areas, where their network is highly optimized.

While neither service includes standard weekend delivery, Saturday delivery can be arranged for an additional fee. For WooCommerce store owners, showing accurate delivery estimates at checkout can reduce cart abandonment and build trust. This can be easily implemented using tools like the ELEX EasyPost plugin, which integrates UPS and FedEx Ground services with your store and provides real-time transit estimates.

How to Use UPS & FedEx Ground in WooCommerce?

By default, WooCommerce does not offer built-in support for UPS Ground or FedEx Ground shipping services. This can be a roadblock for store owners who want to provide accurate shipping rates, real-time tracking, and streamlined label generation, all crucial for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Fortunately, this limitation is easily resolved by using the ELEX EasyPost WooCommerce Shipping Plugin for WooCommerce.

Best Free WooCommerce UPS Plugin: ELEX EasyPost Shipping Plugin

The ELEX EasyPost Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce is a powerful, free plugin (with premium upgrade options) that enables you to display real-time shipping rates, print labels, and offer tracking from major carriers including UPS, FedEx, USPS, and Canada Post. This plugin is ideal for small to medium-sized WooCommerce businesses looking to simplify their shipping workflows while offering professional-level logistics capabilities.

Highlighted Features

• Live Shipping Rates at Checkout
  Display real-time shipping rates for UPS Ground and FedEx Ground based on package weight, dimensions, and destination.
• Label Generation
  Print shipping labels for UPS and FedEx directly from your WooCommerce dashboard, no manual entry needed.
• Shipment Tracking
  Automatically generate tracking numbers for each order and share them with your customers.
• Multi-Carrier Support
  Easily switch between or offer multiple services (UPS, FedEx, USPS, Canada Post) based on cost and speed.
  
  
• Free Tier Available
  Handle up to 50 shipments/month at no cost, with paid options available for higher volume stores.

Pro Tip: You can customize the shipping methods shown at checkout, so you only offer the most affordable or fastest options for each region.

Last Shot

Shipping inefficiencies lead to abandoned carts and lost sales. By integrating reliable ground shipping options like FedEx Ground and UPS Ground into your WooCommerce store, you can offer your customers clarity, speed, and trust. With the ELEX EasyPost WooCommerce Shipping Plugin, store owners get access to real-time rates, seamless label printing, and shipment tracking, all for free up to 50 shipments per month. It’s a hassle-free, budget-friendly solution for B2B WooCommerce stores targeting US customers.

Start simplifying your shipping process today with ELEX EasyPost, the best free WooCommerce UPS plugin for your store.

FAQ’S

1. What is the best free WooCommerce UPS plugin?
   The ELEX EasyPost Shipping Plugin is the best free option, offering real-time UPS rates, shipment tracking, and label generation.
2. Can I enable both FedEx Ground and UPS Ground in WooCommerce?
   Yes. With the ELEX EasyPost plugin, you can enable both services and let your customers choose at checkout.
3. Is WooCommerce UPS shipping available without a plugin?
   No. WooCommerce does not natively support UPS or FedEx. Integration requires a third-party plugin like ELEX EasyPost.
4. Is FedEx Ground faster than UPS Ground?
   They’re comparable, but FedEx generally offers better tracking and more flexible scheduling.
5. How do I show UPS shipping rates in WooCommerce checkout?
   Install the ELEX EasyPost plugin, configure your API settings, and enable UPS shipping. Real-time rates will appear at checkout.

Further Reading

• UPS Ground Saver: Everything You Need To Know
• How to Add UPS Shipping to WooCommerce for Free?
• FedEx Weekend Delivery: Everything You Need to Know