What is USPS Ground Advantage? Affordable Shipping Option Explained
The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently launched a new ground shipping service called USPS Ground Advantage. It aims to provide an affordable and reliable option for shipping packages across the continental United States. This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions like what is USPS Ground Advantage, how does it work, what are the benefits, and how it compares to other shipping methods.
USPS Ground Advantage is a combined domestic ground shipping service that replaces two former services – First Class Package and Parcel Select Ground. By consolidating these into one option, USPS aims to simplify pricing and services for packages up to 70 lbs.
Overview of USPS Ground Advantage
USPS Ground Advantage is a ground-based shipping service for packages weighing up to 70 lbs and measuring up to 130 inches in combined length and girth. It offers delivery within 2-5 business days to all 50 U.S. states, territories, and military bases.
Some key features of this service include:
- Delivery timeframe of 2-5 business days
- $100 insurance included by default
- Free package pickup from home or office
- No fuel or residential surcharges
- Tracking included
- Limited Saturday delivery at no extra cost
- Primary option for shipping hazardous materials via ground
Benefits of Using USPS Ground Advantage for Shipping
There are several advantages that make USPS Ground Advantage an appealing option for shippers:
Cost-Effective Pricing: With consolidated pricing across weight ranges, Ground Advantage offers affordable rates compared to other shipping methods – especially for heavier packages over 1 lb.
Built-In $100 Insurance: Every Ground Advantage shipment includes $100 insurance coverage for loss or damage. Additional insurance can be purchased up to $5,000.
Free Tracking and Pickup: You get free USPS tracking and can schedule free carrier pickups from your home or office.
Hazmat Shipping Option: Ground Advantage is the only USPS service that allows shipping hazardous materials that cannot go by air.
How USPS Ground Advantage Pricing Works
USPS Ground Advantage has a tiered, zone-based pricing structure based on weight ranges and distance traveled:
- For packages under 1 lb, there are four weight tiers: 1-4 oz, 4-8 oz, 8-12 oz, 12-15.999 oz
- Over 1 lb, pricing is by pound up to 70 lbs maximum
- Pricing varies by zone (1-9) based on shipping distance
Here are some example retail pricing ranges across different weights and zones:
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | $4.75 | $4.85 | $4.90 | $5.00 | $5.05 | $5.10 | $5.15 | $5.25 | $5.25 |
| 8 oz | $5.40 | $5.50 | $5.55 | $5.60 | $5.65 | $5.70 | $5.75 | $5.85 | $5.85 |
| 12 oz | $6.15 | $6.25 | $6.30 | $6.35 | $6.40 | $6.45 | $6.55 | $6.65 | $6.65 |
| 15.999 oz | $7.60 | $7.75 | $7.85 | $8.00 | $8.15 | $8.25 | $8.40 | $8.55 | $8.55 |
| 1 lb | $7.60 | $7.75 | $7.85 | $8.00 | $8.15 | $8.25 | $8.40 | $8.55 | $8.55 |
| 2 lb | $8.50 | $9.00 | $9.55 | $10.25 | $11.00 | $11.80 | $12.90 | $14.90 | $14.90 |
Commercial pricing through online shipping tools or negotiated rates can be lower. Prices are generally 1.4% below former First Class Package and Parcel Select Ground rates.
There are also potential fees for non-standard lengths over 22″ ($4 fee) or 30″ ($8.40 fee), and cubic pricing for packages over 2 cubic feet ($18 fee).
Delivery Speed and Service Area
USPS Ground Advantage advertises delivery timeframes of 2-5 business days depending on the shipping distance. This domestic ground service ships to all 50 U.S. states as well as U.S. territories and military bases worldwide.
Packages shipped via Ground Advantage travel by truck and are not flown. Saturday delivery is included at no extra cost, but the service does not offer Sunday delivery.
USPS Ground Advantage vs Other Shipping Services
To better understand how Ground Advantage compares, let’s look at some key differences from the services it replaced and other major carrier options:
Compared to First Class Package and Parcel Select Ground
USPS Ground Advantage essentially combines and replaces these two former ground shipping options from USPS:
- First Class Package covered packages up to 13 oz with max dimensions of 108 inches combined length and girth. It transported via air.
- Parcel Select Ground covered packages from 1-70 lbs with larger dimensions. It was a ground-only service.
The major upgrade with Ground Advantage is that it includes $100 insurance automatically which the previous services lacked. It uses a consistent pricing structure across all weights.
Compared to USPS Priority Mail
Priority Mail is USPS’ faster 1-3 day delivery service that transports packages via air. Some key differences:
- Speed: Priority is faster at 1-3 days, Ground Advantage is 2-5 days
- Cost: Ground Advantage is cheaper, especially for heavier items
- Insurance: Both include $100 insurance by default
- Flat Rate: Priority offers flat rate pricing options, Ground Advantage does not
- Restrictions: Hazmat can only go Ground Advantage
For non-urgent shipments, Ground Advantage can provide significant cost savings over Priority Mail – especially when shipping heavier items across longer zones.
Compared to Other Carrier Ground Services
Ground Advantage is USPS’ primary competition to ground delivery services from major carriers like:
- UPS Ground
- FedEx Ground
- DHL Ground
USPS touts Ground Advantage as providing comparable transit times of 1-5 business days with these carrier services. However, the pricing structure and maximum weights differ.
Using Ground Advantage for E-Commerce Orders
For e-commerce merchants, USPS Ground Advantage provides an affordable option to reduce shipping costs – especially for non-urgent orders over 1 lb.
It can be ideal for shipping larger items like:
- Oversized goods
- Hazardous materials (batteries, electronics, dry ice, etc.)
- Heavy freight shipments up to 70 lbs
E-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and shipping software should integrate with Ground Advantage rates once available. Sellers may consider leveraging cubic pricing for larger package dimensions.
How to Ship Using USPS Ground Advantage
There are a few ways to access and use the USPS Ground Advantage service:
Online Shipping Tools: Print shipping labels and request pickups through USPS.com, shipping software like Stamps.com, Pirate Ship, or e-commerce platform integrations.
Retail Counters: Take packages to a local Post Office and have a clerk apply Ground Advantage postage at the retail counter.
Postage Meters: Businesses with postage meters or USPS accounts can access commercial Ground Advantage pricing.
Just select “USPS Ground Advantage” when purchasing postage. Packages should be properly packaged and labeled per USPS requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s cover some of the most common questions about using USPS Ground Advantage:
Does it deliver on Saturdays/Sundays?
Ground Advantage only delivers Monday-Saturday currently. There is no Sunday delivery option.
Can I ship restricted items?
Most restricted items cannot go Ground Advantage, including ammunition, explosives, gasoline, marijuana. Limited allowances for lithium batteries and dry ice when properly packaged and labeled.
What if my package is lost or damaged?
File a claim with USPS for the included $100 insurance. Additional insurance can be purchased.
How does it differ from First Class and Parcel Select Ground?
The key differences are the consolidated pricing structure across all weights, included $100 insurance, and shipping option for hazmat items.
How do I get discounted commercial pricing?
Businesses can access lower commercial pricing for Ground Advantage through online shipping tools, e-commerce platform integrations, or USPS business accounts.
Conclusion
In summary, USPS Ground Advantage is a compelling new affordable shipping option from the U.S. Postal Service. It provides reliable 2-5 day ground delivery to all 50 states with key benefits like:
- Cost-effective pricing, especially for heavier packages
- $100 insurance included automatically
- Free tracking and package pickup
- Ability to ship hazardous materials
- No extra fees like fuel or residential surcharges
For businesses looking to reduce shipping costs on non-expedited orders, USPS Ground Advantage is definitely worth considering as part of your shipping strategy. Take advantage of discounted commercial pricing through integrations or USPS business accounts.
The consolidation and improvements made with this new ground service demonstrate USPS’ commitment to simplifying and enhancing its shipping offerings.
