If you're looking for a reliable shipping service, you might be considering UPS and OnTrac.

UPS (United Parcel Service) vs OnTrac

Published:
July 1, 2024
|
Last Edited:
July 2, 2024
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Read time:
9 minutes
Anthony Robison
CEO & Founder
Anthony Robinson
Founder & CEO @ ShipScience

UPS (United Parcel Service) vs OnTrac

When it comes to shipping and delivery services, businesses and individuals have a variety of options to choose from. Two of the most popular shipping providers are UPS and OnTrac. Both of these companies offer a range of services that cater to different types of clients and their specific shipping needs. In this article, we will compare UPS and OnTrac to help you decide which one is the best fit for your business or personal shipping needs.

Introduction to UPS and OnTrac

UPS, or United Parcel Service, is a global shipping and logistics company that is known for its reliable services and extensive network. With over 500,000 employees and operations in more than 220 countries, UPS is one of the world's largest shipping providers. The company offers a wide range of services, including domestic and international shipping, air freight, warehousing, and much more.

OnTrac, on the other hand, is a regional shipping provider that operates primarily in the western United States. The company was founded in 1991 and has since grown to become a well-known player in the shipping industry. OnTrac's services include ground shipping, overnight delivery, and same-day delivery within its coverage area.

One of the key differences between UPS and OnTrac is their coverage area. While UPS operates globally, OnTrac is limited to the western United States. This means that if you need to ship something internationally or to a location outside of OnTrac's coverage area, you will need to use a different shipping provider.

Another difference between the two companies is their pricing structure. UPS tends to be more expensive than OnTrac, especially for smaller packages. However, UPS offers a wider range of services and has a more extensive network, which may make it a better choice for larger or more complex shipments.

History and Overview of UPS

UPS was founded in 1907 by James E. Casey in Seattle, Washington. The company started as a courier service for small packages and has since grown to become a global leader in logistics and shipment solutions. Today, UPS is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and has a fleet of over 125,000 vehicles worldwide.

UPS has a reputation for reliability, speed, and high-quality customer service. The company offers a wide range of shipping options, including ground shipping, air express, and international shipping. UPS also provides a range of online tools and resources that make it easy to manage your shipments, track deliveries, and get real-time updates on the status of your packages.

History and Overview of OnTrac

OnTrac was founded in 1991 and started as a small delivery service in California. The company has since expanded its operations to cover seven western states, including California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington. OnTrac prides itself on its fast and reliable delivery services, which are available to both businesses and individuals.

OnTrac offers a range of shipping options, including ground shipping, overnight delivery, and same-day delivery within its coverage area. The company has invested heavily in technology and infrastructure to ensure fast and efficient delivery of its packages. OnTrac has an online tracking system that allows customers to track their shipments in real-time and get updates on their delivery status.

Services Offered by UPS and OnTrac

Both UPS and OnTrac offer a variety of shipping services to their customers. However, there are some key differences between the two companies when it comes to the types of services they provide.

UPS's services include:

  • Ground shipping
  • Air express
  • International shipping
  • Warehousing and fulfillment
  • Customs brokerage
  • Supply chain management

OnTrac's services include:

  • Ground shipping
  • Overnight delivery
  • Same-day delivery (within its coverage area)

Both UPS and OnTrac also offer online shipping tools and resources, such as online tracking, package pick-up scheduling, and more.

Shipping Rates Comparison between UPS and OnTrac

When it comes to shipping rates, both UPS and OnTrac offer competitive pricing. However, there are some differences in the rates charged by the two companies.

UPS's shipping rates are typically higher than OnTrac's rates for shipments within the western United States. However, UPS offers more services than OnTrac and has a larger coverage area worldwide. These factors may make UPS a better choice for businesses or individuals who need to ship internationally or require additional services beyond ground shipping.

Delivery Time Comparison: Which is faster - UPS or OnTrac?

One of the most important considerations when choosing a shipping provider is delivery time. Both UPS and OnTrac offer fast and reliable delivery services. However, there are some differences in delivery times between the two companies.

UPS has a range of shipping options that offer different delivery times based on the distance of the shipment and the destination. The company's ground shipping service typically takes 1-5 business days for delivery within the United States. UPS's air express service offers faster delivery times, with next-day delivery and second-day delivery options available for shipments within the United States.

OnTrac, on the other hand, specializes in fast delivery services. The company offers overnight delivery and same-day delivery (within its coverage area) for many shipments. However, OnTrac's coverage area is limited to the western United States, which means it may not be the best choice for businesses or individual shipping needs that extend beyond this area.

Coverage Area Comparison: Which has better coverage - UPS or OnTrac?

As previously mentioned, UPS has a global network and offers shipping services to more than 220 countries worldwide. This makes UPS a great choice for businesses or individuals who need to ship internationally or require a wider coverage area.

OnTrac, however, is a regional shipping provider that operates primarily in the western United States. While the company offers fast and reliable delivery services within its coverage area, it may not be the best choice for businesses or individuals with shipping needs that extend beyond this region.

Tracking System Comparison between UPS and OnTrac

Both UPS and OnTrac offer online tracking systems that allow customers to track their shipments in real-time. However, there are some differences in the features and functionality of these tracking systems.

UPS's tracking system is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. The system allows customers to track their packages in real-time and provides detailed updates on the status of their shipments. Additionally, UPS's tracking system offers a range of features, such as delivery notifications, delivery scheduling, and more.

OnTrac's tracking system is also easy to use and provides real-time updates on the status of shipments. However, the system may not be as robust as UPS's tracking system when it comes to additional features and functionality.

Customer Service Comparison: Which has better customer service - UPS or OnTrac?

Both UPS and OnTrac have a reputation for providing high-quality customer service. However, there are some differences in the level of support provided by the two companies.

UPS has a dedicated customer service team that is available to help customers with their shipping needs. The company offers a range of customer support services, such as phone support, email support, and online chat support. UPS also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that provides answers to many shipping-related questions.

OnTrac also has a customer service team that is available to assist customers with their shipping needs. The company offers phone and email support, as well as an online chat support option. Additionally, OnTrac has a resources section on its website that provides helpful information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Reviews and Ratings of UPS vs OnTrac on popular review platforms

To get a better sense of the quality of service provided by UPS and OnTrac, we turned to popular review platforms to see what customers are saying about their experiences with these companies.

On Trustpilot, UPS has an overall rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars, based on over 9,000 reviews. Many customers have praised UPS for its reliable service and fast delivery. However, some customers have complained about issues with lost or delayed packages, as well as poor customer service.

On the same platform, OnTrac has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on over 2,700 reviews. Many customers have praised OnTrac for its fast delivery and reliable service. However, some customers have complained about issues with lost or damaged packages, as well as poor customer service.

Pros and Cons of using UPS for shipping needs

Here are some of the pros and cons of using UPS for your shipping needs:

Pros:

  • Global network and extensive coverage area
  • Reliable and fast delivery services
  • Wide range of services, including air express and international shipping
  • Robust tracking system with advanced features and functionality

Cons:

  • Higher shipping rates compared to some regional providers
  • Issues with customer service and lost or delayed packages reported by some customers

Pros and Cons of using OnTrac for shipping needs

Here are some of the pros and cons of using OnTrac for your shipping needs:

Pros:

  • Fast and reliable delivery services
  • Competitive pricing compared to some larger shipping providers
  • Easy-to-use online tracking system
  • Good customer service and support

Cons:

  • Limited coverage area (primarily in the western United States)
  • Issues with lost or damaged packages reported by some customers
  • May not offer the range of services needed for some businesses or individuals

Choosing the Right Shipping Provider for Your Business Needs: A Guide to Deciding between UPS and OnTrac.

When it comes to choosing a shipping provider, there are many factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding between UPS and OnTrac:

  • Consider the coverage area and services offered by each company and choose the one that best fits your business needs.
  • Compare shipping rates to ensure you are getting the best deal for your shipments.
  • Review the online tracking systems and customer support options available from each company.
  • Read reviews and ratings from other customers to get a sense of the quality of service provided by each company.

Conclusion: Final Verdict on which is better - UPS or OnTrac

When it comes to choosing between UPS and OnTrac, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both companies offer reliable and fast shipping services that cater to different types of clients and shipping needs. If you have shipping needs that extend beyond the western United States or require additional services beyond ground shipping, UPS may be the better choice. However, if you are primarily shipping within the western United States and want a provider that specializes in fast delivery, OnTrac may be the better fit. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific business needs and priorities.

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