USPS Parcel Select Ground: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer

Please note that USPS Parcel Select Ground has been replaced by the new USPS Ground Advantage™ service as of July, 2023. This new service combines the benefits of Parcel Select Ground and First-Class Package options, offering a faster and more affordable solution for domestic shipping.

With USPS Ground Advantage™, you can ship packages weighing up to 70 lbs with delivery times of 2-5 business days, including features like free package pickup, tracking, and returns service. For more information and to explore the new rates, please visit the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator.

USPS Parcel Select Ground is often the cheapest way to ship large or heavy packages in the US. However, it's also one of the slowest at 2-8 business days.

USPS Parcel Select Ground is a great choice if you're short on money and long on time. And when you ship with this or any other USPS service with Easyship, you'll guarantee access to discounted shipping costs. You can instantly compare these rates and millions of others by using our free shipping calculator.

Let’s take a look at what USPS Parcel Select offers.

What is USPS Parcel Select Ground?

USPS Parcel Select Ground is the spiritual successor of a now-lapsed USPS delivery service known as Parcel Post. This delivery service is designed to help merchants lower their shipping costs even if the packages are big and heavy.

USPS Parcel Select Ground Is Best For Cheap, Slow Shipping

USPS Parcel Select Ground is a good option for online merchants looking for a cheap way to ship heavy or large packages weighing less than 70 pounds. Since delivery speeds for Parcel Select are 2-8 business days, this option should only be used when the recipient isn't in a rush to receive the package.

This is doubly true because Parcel Select doesn't guarantee delivery dates. In other words, the quoted delivery lead time could be shorter or longer. USPS Parcel Select Ground isn't the most reliable, however, it is a money-saver.

Delivery Areas For USPS Parcel Select Ground

USPS Parcel Select Ground delivers within the domestic US, but not internationally. You can use Parcel Select when shipping to every state, including Hawaii and Alaska.

That said, you should expect deliveries to faraway regions to take at least 8 business days. For remote locations in Hawaii and Alaska, your deliveries could take longer than 8 business days.

How USPS Parcel Select Ground Rates Are Calculated

Rates for USPS Parcel Select Ground are based on the distance to delivery, package weight, and box dimensions.

Rates start at $7.01 for the regions (zones) closest to your origin address, then increase steadily the further away you want to send the package.

Here's the pricing table for USPS Parcel Select Ground.

These rates apply to any packages weighing 70 pounds or less. This means that Parcel Select Ground is a great way to ship heavy or large packages.

However, if your package is oversized – measuring 108" in length, or a combined 130" or more in combined girth and length – you'll incur added fees for shipping an oversized package.

Here's an example of what it costs to ship USPS Parcel Select with Easyship. In this example, we'll ship a 60-pound package from New York to Los Angeles.

As we can see with our free shipping rate calculator, there are two options. USPS - Parcel Select Signature, and USPS - Parcel Select. There is not much difference in the price, however, the delivery time varies. In this scenario, you're probably better off opting for the Parcel Select without signature if you can go without it.

Delivery Times For USPS Parcel Select Ground

With USPS Parcel Select Ground, delivery times range between 2-8 business days. That said, if you're shipping to remote areas of faraway regions like Hawaii or Alaska, your delivery time can be even longer.

Delivery times for Parcel Select are not guaranteed, either. This means they get there when they get there. If you use this service, make sure your packages don't need to arrive at a set time.

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Restrictions On USPS Parcel Select Ground

For domestic shipments made with Parcel Select Ground delivery, the maximum weight for packages is 70lbs and the maximum combined length and girth is 140”. There are also limitations on restricted, USPS which include smokeless tobacco and cigarettes.

Also, USPS Parcel Select Ground is not available at US Post Office locations. You can only ship with Parcel Select online, and via USPS shipping partners like Easyship.

USPS Parcel Select Features

As a USPS service, Parcel Select is entitled to the usual shipping features of USPS shipments, including:

USPS Parcel Select Ground Insurance

While Parcel Select Ground doesn’t offer insurance in its fees, you can choose to pay an additional charge to insure your shipment.

Scheduled Pickup

With this USPS ground shipping service, your customers have the option to schedule a pickup at their own convenience.

USPS Parcel Select Ground Tracking

USPS Parcel Select Ground offers free tracking on all domestic shipments. This way, merchants and customers can track shipments en route until delivery is confirmed.

Additional Information

This service comes with longer transit times and unfortunately, that also means higher risks. There’s a higher chance of your package being jostled and handled roughly while making its way to your customer. That’s why it’s important that your packages are properly packed and sealed. That way, you minimize any potential damage. Additionally, this service does not offer a return option. Other perks of using this option include:

• Signature confirmation
• Adult signature
• Discounted retail pricing
• Additional confirmation options offered with extra fees

How to Use Parcel Select Ground

To make the most of USPS Parcel Select Ground, it is important that you have a good understanding of how to use the service. The Parcel Select Ground offers five different service options, all of which come with specific requirements and a standard set of rates. Here are the five service options:

• Parcel Select Ground: This service mainly targets online postage customers with no minimum package thresholds.
• Parcel Select Ground - NDC Presort: This comes with a minimum requirement of 50 Parcel Select Ground pieces. The packages have to be pre-sorted to select the NDC/ASF destinations.
• Parcel Select Ground - Destination Entry: Like the NDC Presort, this service also comes with a minimum requirement of 50 Parcel Select Ground pieces.
• Parcel Select Ground - ONDC Presort: This is also similar to the two service options above as it is only available on a minimum requirement of 50 Parcel Select Ground pieces.  Packages must also be pre-sorted to select destinations.
• Parcel Select Ground - Lightweight: This USPS Parcel Select service is aimed at merchants with packages that weigh less than 1lb. It is also subject to a specific volume.

Convenience is hugely important when considering shipping service. That’s why you should know that Parcel Select Ground is not widely available at post office locations. However, if you’re a merchant who uses authorized USPS business partners, you may still be able to use this service from a post office.

How Easyship Can Help

If you’re sending out shipments domestically, things could be a lot easier and cheaper for you if you use one of the USPS Parcel Select Package options. All you need to do is pick a service that suits your needs. Easyship partners with USPS and offers their over 100,000 customers many ways to improve their shipping.

Create your free account today to use Parcel Select and save money with discounted shipment rates. Also, if you send fewer than 100 shipments per month – Easyship is 100% free for you to use, and you'll only pay for your discounted rates.

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USPS Parcel Select FAQ

What is the difference between USPS Parcel Select Ground and USPS Retail Ground?

Parcel Select Ground is a USPS ground delivery service that offers low rates for large or heavy packages. Unlike Retail Ground, this rate can only be purchased online through USPS partner sites like Easyship. Otherwise, Select Ground and Retail are basically the same, but Retail Ground rates are slightly higher.

Is USPS Parcel Select Ground slow?

Yes, USPS Parcel Select Ground is one of the slowest delivery services available from the US Post Office. You can expect delivery in 2-8 business days.

Is USPS Parcel Ground cheaper than Priority?

Yes, USPS Parcel Select Ground is generally cheaper than USPS Priority Mail to most regions.