In today’s fast-paced e-commerce and logistics industry, businesses and consumers alike demand reliable, efficient, and cost-effective shipping solutions. Two names that often come up in discussions about regional and national shipping services are Fastrac and Ontrac. While both companies offer competitive delivery solutions, they cater to different needs and markets.
This blog post will provide an in-depth comparison of Fastrac vs. Ontrac, covering their services, coverage areas, pricing, delivery speeds, customer service, and overall reliability. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which service might be best suited for your shipping needs.
1. Introduction to Fastrac and Ontrac
What is Fastrac?
Fastrac is a logistics and delivery service provider known for its fast, regional shipping solutions. While not as widely recognized as giants like FedEx or UPS, Fastrac specializes in same-day and next-day deliveries, particularly for e-commerce businesses that need quick turnaround times.
What is Ontrac?
Ontrac (now rebranded as “OnTrac”) is a regional parcel carrier operating primarily in the Western United States. Founded in 1991, OnTrac has built a reputation for cost-effective, fast deliveries, particularly for businesses shipping within the West Coast. It competes directly with USPS, FedEx, and UPS but often at a lower cost.
2. Service Offerings: Fastrac vs. Ontrac
Fastrac Services
- Same-day and next-day delivery (ideal for local businesses)
- E-commerce fulfillment
- Last-mile delivery solutions
- B2B and B2C shipping
- Limited national coverage (mostly regional focus)
Ontrac Services
- Ground shipping (1-3 business days)
- Next-day delivery (within regional zones)
- E-commerce and retail shipping solutions
- Delivery to residential and business addresses
- Saturday delivery options
- Wider coverage in the Western U.S. (compared to Fastrac)
Key Takeaway:
- Fastrac is better for ultra-fast, same-day deliveries (ideal for local businesses).
- Ontrac is more established with broader regional coverage and competitive pricing for next-day and ground shipping.
3. Coverage Areas: Where Do They Operate?
Fastrac Coverage
Fastrac’s service area is more limited compared to Ontrac. It primarily serves:
- Select metropolitan areas (exact regions may vary)
- Local and regional deliveries (not nationwide)
Since Fastrac is a smaller carrier, businesses should verify if it operates in their desired shipping zones.
Ontrac Coverage
Ontrac has a much larger footprint, covering:
- Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
- Parts of Texas and other neighboring states
Ontrac is a strong choice for businesses shipping within the Western U.S. but does not offer nationwide coverage like FedEx or UPS.
Comparison:
| Feature | Fastrac | Ontrac |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Coverage | Local/Regional | Western U.S. |
| National Reach | No | Limited (Western states) |
| Best For | Same-day local deliveries | Regional next-day & ground shipping |
4. Delivery Speed and Reliability
Fastrac Delivery Speed
- Same-day delivery (for local orders)
- Next-day delivery (within certain regions)
- Limited long-distance shipping options
Pros:
Extremely fast for local shipments
Good for urgent deliveries
Cons:
Limited tracking capabilities
Not ideal for cross-country shipping
Ontrac Delivery Speed
- Next-day delivery (within regional zones)
- 1-3 business days (for Western U.S. ground shipping)
- Saturday deliveries available
Pros:
Faster than USPS Ground in many cases
Reliable for e-commerce businesses
Better tracking than Fastrac
Cons:
Not available nationwide
Delays can occur in peak seasons
Which is Faster?
- For same-day: Fastrac wins (if available in your area).
- For next-day regional: Ontrac is more consistent.
5. Pricing: Which is More Cost-Effective?
Both Fastrac and Ontrac position themselves as budget-friendly alternatives to FedEx and UPS.
Fastrac Pricing
- Competitive for same-day/local deliveries
- May be pricier for long-distance shipments (due to limited network)
Ontrac Pricing
- Generally cheaper than FedEx/UPS for regional shipments
- Discounts for high-volume shippers
- No residential surcharges (unlike FedEx/UPS)
Pricing Comparison Example (Hypothetical):
| Service | Fastrac (Local) | Ontrac (Regional) | FedEx Ground |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same-Day | $15-$25 | N/A | $30+ |
| Next-Day | $20-$30 | $12-$20 | $25-$40 |
| 3-Day | N/A | $8-$15 | $10-$20 |
Verdict:
- Ontrac is cheaper for regional shipments.
- Fastrac is cost-effective for same-day (if available).
6. Tracking and Customer Service
Fastrac Tracking
- Basic tracking features
- Less advanced than major carriers
- Customer support may vary by region
Ontrac Tracking
- Real-time tracking updates
- Better integration with e-commerce platforms
- Customer service is more established
Which Has Better Support?
Ontrac generally provides more reliable tracking and customer service due to its larger infrastructure.
7. Pros and Cons Summary
Fastrac Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Super-fast same-day delivery
- Good for local businesses
- Competitive pricing for urgent shipments
Cons:
- Limited coverage
- Less advanced tracking
- Not ideal for long-distance shipping
Ontrac Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable regional shipping
- Next-day delivery in Western U.S.
- No residential surcharges
- Better tracking than Fastrac
Cons:
- Limited to Western states
- Not as fast as Fastrac for same-day
8. Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Fastrac If:
- You need same-day or hyper-local deliveries.
- Your business operates in a Fastrac-covered region.
- Speed is more critical than cost for your shipments.
Choose Ontrac If:
- You ship within the Western U.S. and want reliable next-day service.
- You need cost-effective ground shipping.
- You prefer a more established carrier with better tracking.
9. Final Verdict: Fastrac vs. Ontrac
Both Fastrac and Ontrac offer unique advantages depending on your shipping needs.
- Fastrac excels in same-day, ultra-fast local deliveries but lacks broad coverage.
- Ontrac is the better choice for regional e-commerce businesses needing affordable, next-day shipping in the Western U.S.
If you need nationwide shipping, you may still need to rely on USPS, FedEx, or UPS. However, for regional speed and cost savings, Ontrac is a strong contender, while Fastrac is ideal for last-minute local deliveries.
10. Conclusion
Choosing between Fastrac and Ontrac depends on your shipping priorities—whether it’s speed, cost, or coverage.
- Local businesses needing instant deliveries → Fastrac
- E-commerce stores in the Western U.S. → Ontrac
Before deciding, check each carrier’s service availability in your area and compare rates. Both offer valuable alternatives to traditional carriers, helping businesses save money while maintaining reliable delivery speeds.
