I think USPS rates are closer to UPS's now, but their service for packages is TERRIBLE. Their tracking is an absolute joke. When I was sending a quilt via USPS, I talked with the clerk about tracking and was shocked by their inability to actually pinpoint where a package is, unless you pay to have it signed for at each exchange. I can't tell you how many times I've received orders that haven't had a shipping update in days, appearing to be stuck in a facility someplace (have also had that happen when they were short handed) only to have the box arrive on my doorstep.