What is USPS Ground Advantage? 2024 Ultimate Guide

Are rising shipping costs hurting your profits? The DHL 2024 Mid-Year eCommerce Survey shows that shipping costs are a major worry for online businesses. Unsurprisingly, 40% of US businesses surveyed stated that high shipping costs are currently the top threat to their business.

For many successful online store owners, finding cheap and reliable shipping options is essential to stay profitable and keep customers happy. This quick guide will explore one key option available to all growing eCommerce business throughout the US, from Hawaii to Houston.

What is USPS Ground Advantage Shipping?

Launched in July 2023, USPS Ground Advantage took over from USPS Parcel Select Ground®, USPS Retail Ground®, USPS First-Class Package Service®, Ground Returns, and First-Class Package Return Service.

The service is a cheap and dependable way to send packages across the United States. It works in all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States. 

USPS Ground Advantage Specs:

• Weight: Up to 70 lbs.
• Size: 130 inches (length + girth)

Why Should You Use USPS Ground Advantage Service for Your Online Store?

USPS Ground Advantage is now the cheapest USPS service for both lightweight and heavy packages up to 70 pounds. In short it has two key benefits every store owner will love:

• Delivers within 2 to 5 business days
• Affordable for any US destination

As the most cost-effective shipping service offered by the United States Postal Service, it is a great tool for eCommerce sellers to maximize profit.

While USPS Ground Advantage is a slower service compared to USPS Priority Mail, with delivery timeframes ranging from 2 to 5 business days depending on the distance, it offers significant savings. 

USPS Priority Mail typically delivers in 1 to 3 business days but at a higher cost. By choosing Ground Advantage USPS services, eCommerce businesses can reduce shipping expenses and improve their bottom line.

How to Find the Cheapest USPS Ground Advantage Rates with Easyship

Shipping across the U.S. doesn't have to be expensive if you use the right tools. The Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator allows you to find the cheapest shipping rates available by comparing pre-negotiated rates from over 250 couriers. Here's an example of the rates available for shipping a small package from several major U.S. cities using the following dimensions:

• Package’s Weight: 2 lbs
• Box Dimensions: 12 in x 11 in x 1.5 in
• Contents: Accessory (No battery)

Using Easyship's Shipping Rate Calculator, you can find significant savings on shipping costs, making USPS Ground Advantage packages an excellent choice for cost-conscious business customers.

How Does USPS Ground Advantage Compare Against Other Popular Services?

To compare USPS Ground Advantage shipping services against other popular shipping solutions on Easyship, we will add the same package dimensions and destination in to the Easyship Shipping Calculator:

• Weight: 0.5 lbs
• Box Dimensions: 12 in x 11 in x 1.5 in
• Contents: Accessory (No battery)
• Origin: New York City
• Destination: Los Angeles

Comparison Rates:

As you can see, USPS Ground Advantage offers competitive pricing compared to other popular services, making it a great value for shipping packages across the U.S. quickly and cheaply.

Summary

For growing online stores, keeping shipping costs low is important for making money. USPS Ground Advantage is a cheap and reliable way to ship packages in the U.S., saving you a lot of money compared to other services.

Using tools like Easyship’s Shipping Rate Calculator, businesses can find the best shipping rates to keep customers happy and costs down. As shipping costs stay a big worry, using USPS Ground Advantage can help online store owners make more profit and run their businesses better.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

FAQs

Is USPS Ground Advantage better than Priority Mail?

USPS Ground Advantage is cheaper than Priority Mail but slower. It takes 2-5 business days, while Priority Mail takes 1-3 days. Both include tracking and insurance options. Choose Ground Advantage if you want to save money and don’t need fast delivery.

Can you use any box for USPS Ground Advantage?

Yes, you can use any strong box for USPS Ground Advantage. The box must be less than 70 pounds and measure less than 130 inches in length and girth combined. Make sure it is sturdy to protect your items.

How long does USPS Ground Advantage Shipping take to deliver?

USPS Ground Advantage shipping takes 2-5 business days. It is a good choice if you want to save money and don’t need quick delivery. You can track your package using USPS tracking service.

What is Ground Advantage Shipping USPS?

USPS Ground Advantage is a new shipping service that started on July 9, 2023. It replaced older services like USPS Parcel Select Ground, USPS Retail Ground, and First-Class Package Service. It’s a cheap and reliable way to send packages up to 70 pounds across the U.S., including to military bases and territories.

Is Ground Advantage the same as First Class Package Service?

No, Ground Advantage is not the same as First-Class Package Service. First-Class is for lightweight packages up to 13 ounces, while Ground Advantage is for packages up to 70 pounds. Ground Advantage is cheaper for bigger packages.

What box do I use for USPS Ground Advantage?

You can use any box that is strong and fits within the size limits for USPS Ground Advantage. The box should be less than 70 pounds and no more than 130 inches in combined length and girth. Make sure it is durable for ground shipping.

How long is ground shipping for USPS?

USPS Ground Advantage shipping usually takes 2-5 business days. It is a good option if you want to save money and don’t need your package to arrive quickly. You can track your package with USPS tracking.

Can you ship hazardous materials with USPS Ground Advantage?

Yes, you can ship hazardous materials (HAZMAT) with USPS Ground Advantage. It is the primary option for sending hazardous materials that cannot be shipped by air transportation. When using this service, make sure to follow all USPS hazmat guidelines.

Does USPS Ground Advantage include insurance?

Yes, USPS Ground Advantage comes with $100 of insurance for your packages. For added peace of mind, Easyship offers insurance options that cover up to $10,000, ensuring your shipments are protected while in transit.