Best Shipping Option in St. Thomas – USPS, FedEx, or DHL?

If you need to ship a package from St. Thomas, one of the first questions you’ll face is: which carrier should you use—USPS, FedEx, or DHL? The answer depends on where your package is going, how fast it needs to get there, what you're shipping, and how much you're willing to spend.

Each shipping carrier operating in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers unique advantages. At Mail Plus, located in Tutu Park Mall, we are authorized agents for all three, and we help customers daily to choose the most effective shipping method for their needs. This guide provides a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.

USPS is the most widely used service for domestic mail and small package delivery in the U.S., including the Virgin Islands. It’s often the most affordable option for standard-sized parcels and envelopes.

Best use cases for USPS:

Mailing to PO Boxes
Sending letters and small parcels
Affordable flat-rate boxes
Non-urgent deliveries

Common USPS services in St. Thomas include:

First-Class Mail (3–7 days to mainland U.S.)
Priority Mail (2–5 days)
Priority Mail Express (1–2 days, limited availability)
Flat Rate Boxes for predictable pricing

USPS is especially useful if cost is your main concern. It is also the only carrier that can deliver to P.O. Boxes, which are common in the islands.

Limitations:

Slower than private carriers
Limited customer support and tracking
Can be delayed during peak seasons or weather events

At Mail Plus, we assist with USPS label printing, flat-rate box selection, and tracking updates.

FedEx offers fast, trackable shipping with a strong reputation for reliability and customer service. It is often the preferred choice for time-sensitive documents, high-value items, or business shipments.

Best use cases for FedEx:

Time-sensitive delivery
Business documents and contracts
Fragile or valuable items
Commercial or e-commerce fulfillment

Common FedEx services available at Mail Plus:

FedEx Express (Overnight to 2-day delivery)
FedEx Ground (3–5 days to most U.S. locations)
FedEx International Priority and Economy

FedEx’s Express service can be the best option if you need guaranteed delivery on a specific date. The company also offers robust tracking and excellent customer service for lost or delayed items.

Limitations:

More expensive than USPS
Limited service to P.O. Boxes
May require exact delivery addresses for residential areas

Mail Plus is a FedEx Authorized ShipCenter, which means we offer on-site pickup scheduling, label printing, packaging supplies, and live help with shipping quotes.

DHL is a global leader in international shipping. While not always the best fit for domestic packages, it excels in cross-border logistics. It’s frequently used by international businesses, travelers, or anyone needing to ship outside of the U.S.

Best use cases for DHL:

International delivery to Europe, Asia, or Latin America
E-commerce shipping with global customers
Business documents that require fast overseas transit
International returns

DHL services include:

DHL Express Worldwide
Time-definite international delivery (1–6 business days)
Customs documentation support

DHL may be the best option for packages headed to locations outside of the U.S. or if the destination is not easily accessible by other carriers.

Limitations:

Higher pricing for international delivery
Not ideal for domestic or P.O. Box shipments
May require customs forms and additional handling

Mail Plus can assist with all DHL documentation, packing, and tracking for international shipments.

Feature	USPS	FedEx	DHL
Domestic Delivery Speed	3–7 days	1–3 days	Not Ideal
International Delivery	Limited	Available	Excellent
Cost	Low	Moderate to High	High
P.O. Box Delivery	Yes	No	No
Tracking	Basic	Advanced	Advanced
Ideal For	Everyday mail, letters	Business, fast delivery	International parcels

If you run a small business in the Virgin Islands, your needs may vary based on customer location and order volume.

USPS is ideal for bulk mail, marketing flyers, and low-cost fulfillment.
FedEx provides speed and tracking for time-sensitive deliveries or B2B shipments.
DHL supports international order fulfillment and returns.

Mail Plus works with many local businesses to provide daily, weekly, or as-needed shipping solutions. We also offer bulk mail services and can help with packaging for commercial products.

What is the cheapest way to ship to the mainland U.S. from St. Thomas?
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are usually the most cost-effective for small to medium items.
Which is the fastest shipping service available?
FedEx Express is the fastest for U.S. deliveries. DHL Express is fastest for international shipments.
Can I get insurance for all carriers?
Yes, all three carriers offer optional insurance. Our staff can help you choose the right level of coverage based on the value of your shipment.
Do I need a customs form for shipping from St. Thomas?
Not if you’re sending to the mainland U.S. Since St. Thomas is a U.S. territory, shipments are considered domestic. However, customs forms are required for international shipments.