What Is USPS Ground Advantage? Fully Explained
The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently announced a major change coming July 2023 that will affect how you ship packages across the country.
USPS is launching a new consolidated ground shipping service called USPS Ground Advantage. This streamlined option combines previous services into one, aiming to provide affordable and reliable ground delivery within 2-5 days.
What exactly is USPS Ground Advantage and what does this new service mean for shippers large and small? Read on to learn all the key details about pricing, timelines, size limits, insurance, tracking, and how it compares to popular options like USPS Priority Mail. We’ll help you determine if Ground Advantage is the right domestic shipping choice for your ecommerce business or online selling needs.
What is USPS Ground Advantage?
USPS Ground Advantage is the new standard ground package delivery service being launched by the United States Postal Service on July 9, 2023. This new offering consolidates services that were previously available separately into one streamlined ground shipping solution.
Specifically, USPS Ground Advantage combines USPS Retail Ground, USPS First Class Package Service, and USPS Parcel Select Ground into a single integrated service. This aims to provide a reliable and affordable shipping option for packages within set size and weight limits.
The Postal Service is positioning USPS Ground Advantage as its flagship ground delivery service for shipments that do not require expedited transport faster than its 2-5 day timeframe. Packages up to 70 pounds traveling within the United States are eligible.
When Does USPS Ground Advantage Start?
As mentioned above, the official launch date for this new USPS domestic ground shipping service is July 9, 2023. Any mailings using previous services like First Class Package or Parcel Select Ground must switch on or after this date. These existing options will be retired.
The pricing and terms for USPS Ground Advantage are already available to view on the Postal Service website and will take effect on the July 9 launch. Any shipments before then must use the old service names and options still active.
USPS Ground Advantage Replaces Which Services?
To streamline its offerings, USPS made the decision to roll 3 previous ground delivery services into the single USPS Ground Advantage option. These now discontinued services are:
- USPS Retail Ground – For packages weighing over 1 pound up to the new 70 pound max. This was best for heavier ground shipments without time sensitivity.
- USPS First Class Package Service – For lighter packages under 1 pound. A ground option focused on affordability for lightweight mailings.
- USPS Parcel Select Ground – A ground shipping service for commercial/bulk shippers as an economical solution without time guarantees.
Shippers currently utilizing any of the above services for ground packages will be automatically transitioned to USPS Ground Advantage when sending new mailings after the July 9 date.
USPS Ground Advantage Delivery Time
The expected delivery timeframe for USPS Ground Advantage packages is 2 to 5 business days on average. This is unchanged from the previous ground shipping services it replaces. Complete transit times vary based on factors like:
- Origin and destination zip codes
- Distance and routes required
- Specific entry and exit USPS facilities
Shipments to destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other US territories may fall on the longer end of that 2-5 day window. Based on where your package enters the USPS system and its final delivery point, you can expect date ranges as follows:
- Short distance or regional delivery: 2-3 days
- Medium zone shipments: 3-4 days
- Long distance or extended zone packages: 4-5 days
- Remote US territories: 5+ days
USPS Ground Advantage parcels pick up extra transit days for each extended Zone they must cross to arrive at the destination. The USPS Zone map lets you estimate this based on origin and delivery zip codes.
Same-day or next day delivery is not available with USPS Ground Advantage since it utilizes surface transportation. This helps keep costs low, but for faster urgent shipments other expedited options like Priority Mail Express may be recommended.
USPS Ground Advantage Size and Weight Limits
When using the new USPS Ground Advantage, you must ensure your packages fall within size and weight restrictions to avoid extra fees. The maximum thresholds for this ground delivery service are:
Weight
- Up to 70 pounds
Size
- Combined length and girth (distance around the thickest portion) is 130 inches or less
- The longest side can measure up to 108 inches
Additional Fees
Non-standard size surcharges apply if:
- Any side is greater than 30 inches long = $7 fee
- Length is 22 to 30 inches long = $4 fee
USPS also assesses a dimensional weight fee by cubic space occupied if greater than 2 cubic feet volume.
Meeting size and weight limits ensures shippers avoid additional costs when using USPS Ground Advantage. You can use USPS packaging or your own boxes meeting requirements.
USPS Ground Advantage Pricing
Pricing for USPS Ground Advantage is based on the weight and zone traveled from origin zip code to delivery zip code:
Here is the shipping rate chart in a different format:
USPS First Class Shipping Rates by Weight:
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 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 |
| 1 lb | $7.60 | $7.75 | $7.85 | $8.00 | $8.15 | $8.25 | $8.40 | $8.55 | $8.55 |
| 2 lbs | $8.50 | $9.00 | $9.55 | $10.25 | $11.00 | $11.80 | $12.90 | $14.90 | $14.90 |
| 3 lbs | $8.85 | $9.50 | $9.95 | $10.80 | $11.80 | $12.90 | $14.90 | $17.65 | $17.65 |
| 4 lbs | $9.55 | $10.00 | $10.70 | $11.65 | $12.85 | $14.30 | $16.35 | $19.00 | $19.00 |
| 5 lbs | $10.20 | $10.65 | $11.40 | $12.45 | $13.75 | $15.40 | $17.65 | $20.50 | $20.50 |
| 10 lbs | $12.70 | $13.00 | $13.70 | $15.45 | $18.15 | $21.85 | $26.55 | $31.45 | $31.45 |
| 20 lbs | $18.20 | $18.40 | $19.60 | $21.90 | $28.15 | $35.25 | $44.40 | $55.50 | $55.50 |
| 40 lbs | $37.65 | $37.70 | $46.75 | $59.70 | $70.90 | $85.25 | $99.25 | $113.65 | $113.65 |
| 60 lbs | $46.65 | $46.75 | $55.65 | $70.20 | $92.85 | $109.15 | $124.95 | $141.20 | $141.20 |
| 70 lbs | $53.25 | $53.35 | $58.95 | $81.45 | $96.65 | $118.55 | $139.95 | $161.75 | $161.75 |
| Oversized | $89.05 | $91.55 | $113.40 | $137.75 | $161.90 | $186.15 | $209.50 | $233.75 | $233.75 |
USPS Priority Mail -Retail Shipping Rates by Weight:
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope | $9.65 | $9.65 | $9.65 | $9.65 | $9.65 | $9.65 | $9.65 | $9.65 | $9.65 |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $10.20 | $10.20 | $10.20 | $10.20 | $10.20 | $10.20 | $10.20 | $10.20 | $10.20 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box | $17.10 | $17.10 | $17.10 | $17.10 | $17.10 | $17.10 | $17.10 | $17.10 | $17.10 |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $22.80 | $22.80 | $22.80 | $22.80 | $22.80 | $22.80 | $22.80 | $22.80 | $22.80 |
| 1 lb. | $9.35 | $9.55 | $9.85 | $10.20 | $10.65 | $10.95 | $11.75 | $12.55 | $21.35 |
| 2 lbs. | $9.80 | $10.05 | $10.55 | $11.45 | $12.45 | $13.40 | $15.60 | $17.05 | $33.85 |
| 3 lbs. | $10.45 | $10.75 | $11.35 | $12.55 | $14.50 | $16.30 | $18.95 | $22.45 | $45.25 |
| 4 lbs. | $11.15 | $11.45 | $12.20 | $13.30 | $15.80 | $19.35 | $22.85 | $25.45 | $52.40 |
| 5 lbs. | $11.90 | $12.20 | $13.05 | $14.05 | $16.65 | $21.55 | $26.25 | $29.35 | $60.65 |
| 10 lbs. | $14.90 | $15.25 | $16.05 | $17.90 | $23.50 | $32.25 | $42.85 | $49.00 | $104.50 |
| 20 lbs. | $23.15 | $23.75 | $25.85 | $27.95 | $41.65 | $53.00 | $74.85 | $86.85 | $177.55 |
| 50 lbs. | $42.85 | $44.50 | $53.10 | $66.15 | $100.65 | $115.60 | $133.20 | $156.10 | $314.90 |
| 70 lbs. | $53.40 | $55.45 | $59.50 | $82.00 | $113.25 | $133.85 | $158.10 | $196.00 | $401.35 |
USPS Priority Mail Express Shipping Rates by Weight:
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope | $28.75 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 | $28.95 |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $29.45 | $29.45 | $29.45 | $29.45 | $29.45 | $29.45 | $29.45 | $29.45 | $29.45 |
| 0.5 lb. | $28.75 | $28.95 | $29.05 | $31.20 | $35.50 | $38.15 | $40.70 | $43.70 | $56.00 |
| 1 lb. | $29.20 | $29.90 | $31.55 | $35.80 | $42.40 | $45.90 | $48.75 | $51.65 | $66.30 |
| 2 lbs. | $29.70 | $30.90 | $34.10 | $40.40 | $49.30 | $53.65 | $56.80 | $59.65 | $76.60 |
| 3 lbs. | $30.15 | $31.85 | $36.60 | $45.00 | $56.20 | $61.40 | $64.85 | $67.60 | $86.95 |
| 4 lbs. | $30.65 | $32.85 | $39.15 | $49.60 | $63.10 | $69.15 | $72.90 | $75.60 | $97.25 |
| 5 lbs. | $31.10 | $33.80 | $41.65 | $54.20 | $70.00 | $76.90 | $80.95 | $83.55 | $107.55 |
| 10 lbs. | $46.80 | $50.70 | $62.10 | $83.95 | $104.25 | $112.30 | $119.20 | $122.90 | $158.55 |
| 20 lbs. | $69.30 | $79.15 | $108.45 | $131.05 | $150.55 | $156.45 | $165.65 | $171.70 | $221.95 |
| 50 lbs. | $149.10 | $176.90 | $260.25 | $300.55 | $338.75 | $350.35 | $366.00 | $382.00 | $494.15 |
| 70 lbs. | $206.65 | $245.20 | $360.75 | $417.30 | $465.85 | $486.45 | $504.85 | $530.50 | $688.20 |
Dimensional weight applies if a package exceeds one cubic foot. Additional non-standard size surcharges apply too.
USPS Ground Advantage Insurance
One included benefit of USPS Ground Advantage is automatic insurance worth $100 coverage per package at no extra charge. This matches the insurance provided for Priority Mail.
If your items require added protection beyond that $100 value, you can purchase additional insurance coverage:
- Up to $200 additional insurance = $2.50 fee
- Up to $300 additional insurance = $4.60 fee
- Up to $400 additional insurance = $5.80 fee
- Up to $5,000 coverage = $5.80 plus $1.15 per each $1000
Maximum insurance possible is $5,000 coverage per package, providing peace of mind.
USPS Ground Advantage Tracking
USPS Ground Advantage shipping rates include tracking information so you can follow your package’s journey during transit for security and planning needs.
Tracking updates provided include:
- Initial acceptance and origin facility handling
- Arrival and departure scans from postal routing facilities
- Delivery confirmation with name of recipient
- Estimated date of arrival updated during route
- Notifications if exceptional events delay expected transit
Having tracking visibility is crucial these days both for your own organization and for customers wanting to see real-time progress on shipments. USPS Ground Advantage provides modern tracking compared to old ground services formerly available.
USPS Ground Advantage Pickup Options
One convenience factor that accompanies USPS Ground Advantage is access to free package pickup services.
If you are unable to deliver your parcels to the Post Office or a blue collection box, USPS carriers can grab your properly packaged and labeled packages when delivering your mail. Pickup on Demand lets you schedule a truck dispatched just for collecting your ground shipments.
This pickup service helps avoid extra trips or having to wait in line during busy times. Any USPS customer can sign up for free package pickup options on the Postal Service website to use with Ground Advantage.
USPS Ground Advantage Special Services
USPS Ground Advantage shipments automatically include special services other carriers charge extra fees for, like:
- Package forwarding to another address
- Return to sender opted-in
- Undeliverable mail endorsement
Access to return shipping is also bundled with Ground Advantage when that situation arises. Forwarding avoids packages sent to an old address getting stuck in limbo.
You also get the reliability of the USPS delivery network reaching every address in the country, with extended support for rural and remote regions other carriers may not service well.
USPS Ground Advantage vs. Priority Mail
USPS Priority Mail is the other popular shipping choice many shippers consider for delivery within 2 to 3 days on average. Comparing its features and pricing to the new Ground Advantage offering helps decide the better option.
Delivery Speed
- USPS Ground Advantage – 2-5 business days
- USPS Priority Mail – 1-3 business days
Priority Mail is faster by at least a day, providing more expedited delivery.
Size Limits
- Ground Advantage – 130 inch length + girth
- Priority Mail – 108 inch length + girth
Ground shipments have more generous dimensions.
Weight Limit
- Both have 70 pound maximum
Pricing
- Ground Advantage offers more affordable commercial and retail rates
- Average savings ranging from 26% compared to Priority
- Lightweight packages see the biggest discounts
However, Priority Mail has flat rate options not available with Ground service.
Hazardous Materials
- Only Ground Advantage permits hazardous goods needing ground transport
Sunday/Holiday Delivery
- Priority Mail delivers 365 days per year
- Ground does not deliver Sundays
Included Insurance
- $100 coverage comes standard with both
Special Services
- Forwarding, return-to-sender, tracking, pickup options included for both
- Priority adds expected delivery date estimates
Evaluating the differences above will determine whether slower, affordable Ground Advantage or faster, costlier Priority Mail better suits your ecommerce shipping needs.
Is USPS Ground Advantage Right for You?
Deciding whether to utilize the new USPS Ground Advantage ultimately depends on your package contents, delivery urgency needs, and budget.
USPS Ground Advantage tends to work best when:
- You ship heavy packages over 1 pound gaining the most discounts
- Your items are durable and can withstand longer ground transit
- Saving the most money is the #1 priority over fast delivery
- You predominately ship regionally or to closer zones
- Speed is never less than 2 days for your customer requirements
- You cannot ship via air for restrictions (e.g. hazardous goods)
Whereas USPS Priority Mail is recommended for:
- Lightweight packages under a few pounds
- Faster delivery expectations of next day or 2 day transit
- Shipping higher value contents needing added speed + security
- You regularly have delivery deadlines to meet
- Recipient addresses vary greatly across farther zones
- Added assurances like expected date estimates bring value
Understanding differences between the new Ground Advantage vs. Priority Mail ensures you select the better fit and avoid overspending. Check USPS Zone maps to gauge transit times and retail vs. commercial rates for precise forecasting.
Conclusion
USPS Ground Advantage aims to make ground shipping easier and more affordable through consolidated services. This new offering launches January 21, 2024 starting at rates lower than Priority Mail and legacy ground options.
Ground Advantage combines previous services into one 2-5 day ground solution for commercial, small business, and residential customers alike. Perks like $100 default insurance, pickup options, and bundled tracking give peace of mind your packages are covered.
Be sure you understand the specifics like maximum weights, included features, and zone-based prices so surprises don’t eat your margins. Compare closely to faster Priority Mail which may better suit lightweight, urgent or high-value item delivery despite higher costs.
