Based on my own personal experience, my own choice is USPS, without a second thought.

With the possible exception of maybe one package every 2 – 3 years, I do not use FedEx Ground because the drop off point is 30 miles away (no more “Ground” drop off boxes now, for security reasons) and I never have enough packages for a pick-up. Packages that I receive do seem to arrive in good condition, though.

RE: UPS, I had a UPS account for a while a few years ago until I read the fine print on the back of the waybill about what is (more importantly, what is NOT) covered by their “insurance,” and my own as well as friends’ long time experience is that it seems to be in their best interest to fight claims. Packages that arrive at my house by UPS often arrive damaged, while USPS packages are almost never damaged. (The trick being, of course to pack anticipating damage so hopefully the item will be OK regardless of what happens to the box.) I WILL use UPS for an occasional very large, HEAVY item, but their flat rates and smaller packaging are simply nothing I will ever use.

I seldom use USPS Flat Rate because what I ship usually doesn’t fit well into those boxes or envelopes (regular rates or Regional being cheaper), but I surely am grateful for the free Priority supplies!!!! I find Regional A and B boxes and rates often very helpful. And I REALLY wish they had not discontinued Regional C, which helped me significantly !!

I don’t understand why anyone might complain about any of the individual service or packaging choices, because having all those choices gives us the opportunity to pick the most cost effective and best protection of the bunch.