When you’re running a business that ships frequently—or even just trying to reduce the cost of personal packages—major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS often seem like the default option. But they’re not the only ones in the game. Regional carriers can offer faster delivery times, lower rates, and more personalized service, especially if you’re shipping within a specific zone or state line. Here’s how to save by switching—or supplementing—with regional delivery options.

Why regional carriers are worth considering

Major national carriers are powerful, but they come with national-level pricing and network constraints. Regional carriers, on the other hand, specialize in smaller coverage areas and can offer:

• Lower shipping rates for deliveries within their service area
  
• Faster delivery windows—often next-day or two-day service
  
• Fewer fees and surcharges, especially for residential or rural deliveries
  
• More responsive customer service
  

Top regional carriers to know

Some of the most trusted regional shipping providers in the U.S. include:

• OnTrac: Covers Western states like California, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. Known for fast and affordable next-day delivery.
  
• LaserShip: Operates across the East Coast, Southeast, and Midwest with competitive ground delivery options.
  
• Lone Star Overnight (LSO): Strong in Texas and surrounding states, great for B2B deliveries and healthcare shipments.
  
• Spee-Dee Delivery: Serves the Midwest with low rates and warehouse-friendly pickup options.
  
• DHL eCommerce: Not just global—DHL’s domestic eCommerce solutions partner with USPS for last-mile delivery, often at reduced costs.
  

How to integrate regional shipping into your process

If you run an e-commerce operation or regularly ship from home, integrating regional carriers is simpler than it seems. Many platforms like ShipStation, EasyPost, and Shippo allow you to compare regional rates alongside major carriers.

Be sure to:

• Analyze where most of your packages are going—regional carriers are ideal for intra-zone delivery.
  
• Test regional options with non-urgent orders to benchmark delivery performance.
  
• Negotiate rates or request volume pricing if you’re a business shipping frequently.
  

Use rewards tools to double down on savings

Shipping gets even cheaper when paired with the right cashback tools. You can earn cashback with a DHL gift card if you’re using DHL’s eCommerce or Express services. These savings stack on top of negotiated rates or seasonal promotions.

Fluz allows you to pay using exact-amount digital gift cards, meaning you can apply cashback immediately—even on daily shipping costs. For other carriers like USPS, you can also save money on USPS shipping by buying gift cards through the platform. It’s a practical way to offset delivery expenses in real-time.

To see which carriers are available, visit Fluz.

Final thoughts

Regional shipping carriers are no longer just a niche option. For many businesses and individuals, they’re the smart choice—offering speed, savings, and flexibility that national carriers can’t always match. When paired with tools like Fluz, they become even more valuable. Whether you’re shipping across town or across a state line, taking the time to evaluate your regional options can lead to real savings with no sacrifice in service.