USPS Ground Advantage: What You Should Know About It

Finding the right balance between speed and affordability when shipping products is challenging. But what if there is a service that offers reliable ground shipping at competitive rates?

This guide will help you understand USPS Ground Advantage's benefits and features. You will discover how this shipping option helps streamline your deliveries and improve your bottom line.

Key Takeaways

• USPS Ground Advantage is a domestic shipping option by the USPS. It replaced three older services: Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground, and First-Class Package Service. This consolidation simplifies shipping choices, making it easier for customers to select the right service.
  
  
• It offers competitive rates for ground shipping. It offers both weight-based and cubic pricing options. This allows customers to choose the cheapest method based on their package's size and weight. With discounted commercial rates and no hidden fees, it adds to its cost-effectiveness.
  
  
• This service provides nationwide coverage, delivering packages across all 50 states, US territories, and even military bases overseas. The service offers mailbox delivery for eligible packages, reducing the need for recipients to be home to receive their deliveries.

What is USPS Ground Advantage

USPS Ground Advantage is a domestic shipping service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). It is an option that combines affordable and reliable shipping for packages up to 70 lbs (31 kg). With this service, it only takes 2-5 working days to arrive at the destination.

USPS Ground Advantage vs the Three Services it Replaced

It replaced three older services (Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground, and First-Class Package Service) with a single, streamlined option.

USPS Retail Ground

Retail Ground was a former USPS option for sending packages within the US. While affordable, it wasn't the fastest option for every shipper. The packages typically take 2-8 business days to arrive at their destination.

USPS Ground Advantage builds on this concept to solve this issue. It simplifies the service and offers even better rates than Retail Ground shipping.

USPS Parcel Select Ground

This postage option was another budget-friendly option offered by USPS for packages up to 70 lbs. Like Retail Ground, it's a slower service than USPS Priority Mail. Meanwhile, it also does not include USD 100 insurance coverage, unlike USPS Ground Advantage.

USPS First-Class Package Service

First-Class Package Service was a USPS option for lightweight packages (up to 13 oz or 360 g). Despite its name, it offered airmail delivery. In fact, it has faster delivery times than other standard ground options. However, it lacked features like insurance and couldn't handle heavier items.

Key Benefits of USPS Ground Advantage

As mentioned, USPS Ground Advantage is a combination of services that USPS used to offer. Its primary goal is to provide seamless domestic shipping solutions to businesses and individuals without breaking their pockets.

Here are its benefits:

Cost-Effective Shipping Option

Here's why USPS Ground Advantage is a cost-effective shipping option:

• Competitive Rates. Ground Advantage offers some of the most competitive rates within the USPS for packages up to 70 lbs. This is especially true for lighter packages travelling shorter distances.
  
  
• Weight-Based or Cubic Pricing. You can choose between paying based on the weight of your package or its dimensional weight (length x width x height). This can save you money on lightweight, bulky items compared to strictly weight-based pricing.
  
  
• No Hidden Fees. USPS Ground Advantage doesn't have hidden fuel surcharges or residential delivery fees, unlike other carriers. This makes the upfront price you see more accurate.
  
  
• Discounted Rates for Businesses. Businesses with high shipping volumes can qualify for even lower rates through USPS commercial pricing programs.

Nationwide Coverage

This service has an impressive reach, delivering your packages across the entire US. The coverage includes all 50 states, no matter how remote. You can also ship to US territories, like Guam and Puerto Rico, and even military bases overseas (APO, FPO, DPO).

This extensive coverage helps you expand your business to any US location! Expect the package to be at your recipient's doorstep within 2-5 business days.

Mailbox Delivery For Eligible Packages

One of the unique advantages of this service is mailbox delivery for eligible packages. It means they can deliver the package straight to the recipient's mailbox.

What does this do?

It eliminates the need for someone to be home to sign for it. However, there are size restrictions. Generally, packages that fit in a standard mailbox (roughly 9x13x3 inches) qualify. This option is convenient for smaller packages, saving you and the recipient a trip to the post office.

How USPS Ground Advantage Works

While USPS Ground Advantage is offered mainly in the US, here’s how it works when shipping from Canada:

1. Finding Rates and Delivery Times

You cannot use this service if you intend to ship directly from Canada to the US. But there are ways you can bypass this problem. You can sign up with Stallion to maximize the benefits of USPS Ground Advantage. Note that Stallion also offers the cheapest shipping to the US!

Once done with the registration, input the shipping details accurately. Enter the package weight, dimensions, and destination zip code. This process will give you estimated delivery times and pricing based on your needs.

2. Packaging and Restrictions

Ensure your package is secure and adheres to USPS size and weight limits (up to 70 lbs and 130 inches in length + girth). Pack fragile items appropriately and consider purchasing additional insurance if needed.

Stallion provides Stallion Protection as an extra protection plan for USPS Ground Advantage packages. This optional service gives you peace of mind as your products travel to their destination.

Remember to familiarize yourself with restrictions on what you can ship via Ground Advantage. For example, sending hazardous materials may need special handling and a permit.

3. Pay For the Shipping Costs

After entering the details, you must pay for the shipping costs. Stallion offers two payment methods to make it easier for sellers to pay for the service. Once done paying, print the shipping labels and place them correctly on the packages.

4. Schedule Pickup or Drop-Off

You can drop off the packages at the nearest Stallion branch. However, if you don't have the time to do this, you can schedule a pickup delivery for a minimal charge. Also, suppose you have reached a certain number of deliveries per week or month. In that case, you can reach out to Stallion's customer support to get the free package pickup option within a specific route.

5. Tracking Your Shipment

USPS tracking is also included as standard in USPS Ground Advantage. Use the USPS website or mobile app to monitor your package's progress and estimated delivery date.

Conclusion

USPS Ground Advantage simplifies shipping, offering affordable and reliable packages under 70 lbs. It delivers nationwide (including territories and military bases) within 2-5 business days. With features like mailbox delivery for eligible packages and free tracking, it's an excellent option for non-urgent shipments.

Also, if you want to save more on shipping, ship packages with Stallion! We have the lowest US shipping rates, allowing you to compete with US sellers without breaking the bank.

Aman Chopra

Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.