Choosing the right shipping service is crucial for any Shopify merchant it affects delivery speed, costs, and customer satisfaction. UPS is a top choice for many due to its reliable network, competitive rates, and flexible domestic shipping options.
This guide explores the most popular UPS domestic services for Shopify stores, including UPS Ground, 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air. We’ll break down delivery times, ideal use cases, and how to integrate these services into your Shopify store. Along with that, we’ll show you how to automate the entire shipping process using the PluginHive Multi Carrier Shipping Label (MCSL) app for faster label generation, real-time order tracking, and seamless order fulfillment to help you choose the best UPS shipping service for your needs.
In this Article:
- Why use UPS for domestic shipping on Shopify
- Best domestic shipping services for Shopify
- Shipping with PluginHive MCSL
- Comparison of UPS domestic shipping services
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Why Use UPS for Domestic Shipping on Shopify
Now let’s get into why UPS is a top choice for domestic shipping on Shopify, offering speed, reliability, seamless integration, and cost-effective solutions.
1. Speed, Reliability & National Coverage
- Consistent transit times with UPS Ground (1–5 business days), 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air options to meet every delivery timeline promise.
- Extensive network covering all 50 states, ideal for merchants serving urban and rural customers alike.
- Easy drop off or pickup: Easy to schedule UPS pickup from your store or warehouse, or use UPS drop off at thousands of locations nationwide.
2. Seamless Integration with Shopify & PluginHive MCSL
- Built-in support in Shopify Shipping for quick rate quotes and label printing.
- PluginHive Multi-Carrier Shipping Label (MCSL) app automates rate comparison, bulk label generation, and order mapping across UPS shipping services.
- Automated UPS pickup requests and scheduling directly from your Shopify dashboard no manual carrier portal login required.
3. Cost-Efficiency & Advanced Tracking
- Competitive negotiated rates and volume discounts for frequent shippers using their own UPS account via PluginHive MCSL.
- Real-time tracking updates are pulled into the tracking tab of the app.
- Easy returns management with UPS Return Services, helping you reduce support tickets and improve customer satisfaction.
Best UPS Domestic Shipping Services for Shopify
Choosing the right UPS service depends on how quickly you want the package delivered and how much you’re willing to spend. Here’s a breakdown of the top domestic UPS shipping options that Shopify merchants can use, including integration details via PluginHive MCSL.
1. UPS Ground
Delivery Time: 1–5 business days
Features:
- Reliable and affordable for most standard shipments
- Nationwide coverage with reliable delivery
- You also get free tracking information for your shipment, 24/7.
Best for: Cost-effective delivery when speed is not urgent.
2. UPS 3 Day Select
Delivery Time: 3 business days
Features:
- Guaranteed delivery within 3 days across the U.S.
- Faster than Ground, more affordable than Air
Best for: Time-sensitive deliveries that don’t require overnight service.
3. UPS 2nd Day Air
Delivery Time: 2 business days
Features:
- Second-day delivery by the end of the day
- Includes tracking and Saturday delivery (to some locations
Best for: Medium-urgency shipments at a lower cost than Next Day Air
4. UPS Next Day Air
Delivery Time: Next business day by morning, noon or end-of-day,
Features:
- Fastest domestic option for urgent shipments
- Packages up to 150 lbs. and up to 108” long can be shipped
Best for: Time-critical deliveries, high-value items.
5. UPS(Ground Saver) SurePost
Delivery Time: 2–7 business days
Features:
- Cost-effective service for lightweight, non-urgent deliveries
- Final delivery made by USPS (last-mile)
- Available via PluginHive MCSL app.
Best for: Budget shipping for low-priority or high-volume orders.
Shipping with PluginHive MCSL
PluginHive MCSL is an app designed to simplify and automate your entire shipping process. When paired with UPS, it unlocks advanced features that go beyond Shopify’s built-in shipping capabilities, ideal for merchants looking to scale efficiently.
How It Enhances UPS Shipping on Shopify
PluginHive MCSL directly integrates with your UPS account and Shopify store, allowing you to access real-time UPS rates, generate shipping labels in bulk, request pickups, and manage domestic orders without ever leaving your Shopify dashboard.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Rates at Checkout: Show accurate UPS shipping rates to customers at checkout, based on package weight, destination, and delivery speed.
- Automated Label Generation: Instantly generate and print UPS shipping labels for all domestic orders with just a few clicks.
- UPS Pickup Scheduling: Request and schedule UPS pickups directly within the app, no need to log in to the UPS website.
- Tracking & Notifications: Automatically update order tracking in Shopify and notify customers with live tracking links.
Comparison of UPS Domestic Services
| Service | Delivery Time | Best For | Saturday Delivery | Available via PluginHive MCSL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Ground | 1–5 business days | Standard, cost-effective shipping | Yes, to most residential addresses. | Yes |
| UPS 3 Day Select | 3 business days | Guaranteed mid-speed delivery | Yes | Yes |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | 2 business days | Medium-urgency, affordable air delivery | Yes | Yes |
| UPS Next Day Air | Next business day (AM) | Urgent shipments needing AM delivery | Yes | Yes |
| UPS Ground Saver (SurePost) | 2–7 business days | Low cost, non-urgent residential shipping | No, delivery is USPS-dependent | Yes |
Conclusion
UPS offers a range of domestic shipping options to suit every Shopify store, from affordable UPS Ground and SurePost(Ground Saver) for standard deliveries to faster options like 2nd Day Air and Next Day Air for time-sensitive orders. Small stores can save with low-cost services, while high-volume merchants benefit from faster shipping and automation. All these businesses using PluginHive MCSL can streamline the entire process with automated label generation, real-time rates, and pickup scheduling all within Shopify, making their shipping faster, easier, and more efficient.
FAQ’s
- Which UPS domestic service is best for standard, everyday shipping?
UPS Ground is the most cost-effective option for standard deliveries, offering 1–5 business day service with full tracking and nationwide coverage.
- What’s the fastest UPS shipping option for urgent orders?
UPS Next Day Air is the fastest, with guaranteed next-business-day delivery often by morning, noon, or end of day, ideal for time-critical or high-value shipments.
- Can I show UPS rates at checkout on my Shopify store?
Yes. With the PluginHive MCSL app, you can display real-time UPS rates at checkout based on the customization criteria desired.
- Do I need a UPS account to use these services?
No, Shopify offers some UPS features by default, but using your own UPS account via PluginHive MCSL unlocks better rates, service options, and full automation tools.
