UPS, AmEx Launch Small Business Shipping Discounts

UPS teams with American Express to cut shipping costs for small businesses, offering discounts on base rates and surcharges through February.

UPS is rolling out a new savings program designed to ease shipping costs for small businesses just as the peak season ramps up. Through collaboration with American Express, qualifying small business card members can now access discounts on base transportation rates and a wide range of surcharges, including residential delivery and fuel fees. The program, which runs through the end of February, is being positioned as a direct response to inflationary pressures and ongoing supply chain volatility. “Our small business customers are navigating thinner margins than ever, and predictable shipping savings can make or break holiday operations,” said Kevin Warren, UPS Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

The mechanics of the program go deeper than flat-rate reductions. Businesses using eligible American Express cards can integrate the discounts directly into their UPS accounts, creating automated savings that apply at checkout across both ground and air shipments. Analysts say this approach reflects a broader trend in logistics, where carriers are bundling financial partnerships to reinforce customer loyalty in highly competitive markets. Beyond rate cuts, UPS has also embedded access to its digital shipping platform, giving small firms real-time cost visibility and predictive delivery estimates, features once reserved for enterprise shippers. Industry observers argue this move not only lowers costs but also democratizes supply chain technology for smaller players.

For startups and founders, the timing of the program signals an opening to rethink shipping as a competitive edge rather than a cost burden. Discount structures paired with digital tracking tools give young companies the chance to optimize fulfillment without heavy upfront investment. Venture-backed e-commerce brands, in particular, stand to benefit as they scale, since the combination of lower base rates and surcharge relief frees capital for growth initiatives. “This is about giving small firms access to the same kinds of tools global players use every day,” Warren added. For entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: UPS is betting that lowering shipping barriers now will lock in long-term loyalty from the next generation of supply chain disruptors.