United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) and FedEx Corp. (FDX) are two leading delivery service companies and major competitors, at least in the public eye. However, for those who follow them closely, the two companies are very different in their business models and strategies. Here we examine and compare how the two companies address a range of business challenges, such as online commerce, logistics, express services, and ground deliveries.

UPS vs FedEx: An Overview

While UPS is widely known for national ground parcel delivery, FedEx is primarily recognized for its global express air freight. The two companies also differ in terms of their approach to customer service, how they performed in the e-commerce environment and the different business structures unique to each company.

Parcel delivery and express service are where the two companies have made a name for themselves. Every company has other delivery services that make everything they do seemingly overlap.

UPS is also a common carrier in air freight and FedEx has a similar package delivery unit called FedEx Ground. In fact, UPS's ground shipping operations and FedEx's air freight operations are, respectively, the bread and butter of each company.