How Package Delivery Works in the U.S.: A Guide for International Students

• “Walmart says my order has shipped, so why did UPS show up?”
• “What’s the difference between USPS, UPS, and FedEx?”
• “Is there anything like CJ Logistics or BlueDart in the U.S.?”

If these sound familiar, welcome to the club.

For many international students, the American delivery system can be… a little confusing at first. This post breaks it down for you👇

• Who’s actually delivering your packages
• What those acronyms mean (eg. UPS/ USPS/ FedEx)
• What to expect and be aware of when living (and shopping) in the U.S. 

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📭1. American “postal service”

In the States, the USPS (United States Postal Service) is only one player in a much bigger delivery ecosystem.

USPS is a government-run postal agency, while most day-to-day parcels, like your Amazon or Walmart orders, are handled by private carriers.

🟡 In short:

• The postal service = USPS
• The delivery services = UPS, FedEx, Amazon Logistics, and others

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📦2. American “Big Four” Delivery Services

1. USPS – United States Postal Service

The official government postal system.

• ✅ Used for university mail, tax forms, and government letters.
• 📬 Delivers to every address in the U.S. (including Alaska, Hawaii, and island territories)!

2. UPS – United Parcel Service

You’ll recognize their brown trucks immediately.

• 🔸 One of the world’s largest logistics companies.
• ⚡ Fast, reliable tracking, and widely used by brands like Walmart, Apple, and Nike. At HIPOND, we use UPS, too!
• 💡 That’s why your Walmart order might arrive via UPS as retailers often outsource delivery to major carriers.

3. FedEx – Federal Express

Known for speed and accuracy.

• ✈️ Operates its own cargo aircraft network.
• 🚀 Offers overnight or 2-day shipping options. YES! HIPOND uses FedEx for urgent orders!

4. Amazon Logistics

Amazon’s own delivery fleet. If your package says “Amazon Delivery,” it’s handled entirely by Amazon’s system.

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🌏3. How this differs across Asia

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💡4. HIPOND Tips for International Students

✅ Pro tip:

U.S. couriers rarely call before delivery. Instead, every parcel comes with a tracking number, and you can follow it through your email or text updates.

If you live in an apartment, your package might be left at:

• a front desk,
• a package locker, or
• your doorstep (yes, it’s normal here!).

✅ Check your address format carefully.

Example:

Chizi Kim
1234 Massachusetts Ave Apt 5B
Washington, DC 20001

✅ Track, don’t wait.

Use your tracking number to see when and where your package is delivered - often with photo proof.

✅ Be alert for scams.

Fake texts claiming “delivery failed — click to update info” are common. Only track via official websites (USPS.com, UPS.com, FedEx.com).

✅ Return packages easily.

Amazon and Walmart both let you return items at UPS Stores or drop-off points without printing a label.

🏡 

Whether you’re waiting for your first bed set, textbooks, or a care package from home, knowing who’s actually delivering it will make your American life a lot smoother. That’s why we have this blog for you all❤️

Moving abroad means adapting to new spaces - including your mailbox! At HIPOND, we make settling in easier. Check out HIPOND.shop to make your new space feel like home 🩵

HIPOND/ Claire Kuang🖊️