Buzz
Explore the rates and advantages of this affordable shipping option in the US
If you've come across UPS SurePost, whether through word of mouth or as part of your business research, you're probably curious about how it can help reduce shipping costs. Whether you're a small business owner seeking savings or a regular customer, this guide will give you a thorough breakdown of the service, including its requirements and current pricing details.
Overview of UPS SurePost
UPS SurePost is an exclusive economy shipping solution designed for consumers, businesses, and e-commerce sellers. By partnering with both UPS and USPS, SurePost offers a 20% discount on shipping costs, while ensuring delivery every day of the week.
Steps to Use UPS SurePost
What is UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost is an affordable shipping option for non-urgent deliveries. Typically, when a package is shipped, UPS handles the delivery from the sender directly to the recipient. This direct delivery can lead to higher costs, especially over long distances. However, with SurePost, UPS collaborates with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to reduce delivery costs. UPS picks up the package, and USPS makes the final delivery.
- SurePost offers delivery seven days a week, with packages arriving in 2 to 6 days.
- This service is most cost-effective for packages under 10 lb (4,500 g).
- Packages can be tracked through UPS’s online tracker, though updates may be limited once the package is transferred to USPS.
- SurePost includes an optional carbon-neutral shipping option, though extra fees may apply.
What is the cost of UPS SurePost?
The cost of shipping a 1 lb (450 g) package ranges from $11 to $14. As of 2023, shipping a 1 lb (450 g) package with UPS SurePost within the U.S. costs anywhere between $11.17 and $13.97, depending on the destination. The final price is determined by the shipping zone.
- For exact pricing based on your shipping zone, refer to this chart.
- Packages must be under 130 in (330 cm) and weigh between 1 oz (28 g) and 70 lb (32,000 g) to be eligible for SurePost.
- The heavier the package, the more expensive the shipping will be. For example, a 10 lb (4,500 g) package costs around $19.45, while a 1 lb (450 g) package costs $11.17.
- Bound printed materials are priced similarly based on their weight.
Shipping rates for packages weighing less than 1 lb (450 g) range from $11.09 to $13.86. In 2023, the cost to ship a package weighing under 1 lb (450 g) is typically between $11.09 and $13.86, depending on the shipping zone. The price remains consistent for any package under 1 lb (450 g), regardless of its exact weight.
Additional fees apply for larger or bulkier packages. The overall dimensions of your package can result in extra charges for SurePost shipments. Below are the fees associated with various package sizes:
- Any package exceeding 2 cubic feet (3456 cubic inches) will incur an additional $18 surcharge.
- If the longest side of a package is between 30 in (76 cm) and 48 in (120 cm), the surcharge is $6.
- If the longest side is between 22 in (56 cm) and 30 in (76 cm), the surcharge is $2.
UPS SurePost: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Affordable: UPS SurePost offers significant savings compared to UPS’s regular ground shipping services, with an overall cost reduction of around 20% for businesses and consumers.
- Dependable: While SurePost may take longer, it remains a reliable shipping option. Both UPS and USPS provide tracking at no extra charge.
- Wide coverage: SurePost ships to almost all residential addresses in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Note that shipping to areas outside the continental US may add an extra 1 to 2 weeks.
Disadvantages
- Slower delivery: The collaboration between UPS and USPS may cause a delay of a day or two in delivery times.
- Size restrictions: SurePost works best for packages weighing 10 lb (4,500 g) or less. If your package exceeds 70 lb (32,000 g), a surcharge may apply, making shipping more expensive than regular ground shipping.
- Limited tracking updates: While UPS tracks the package, USPS may not update UPS’s tracking once the package is handed over to them.
How much can you save with UPS SurePost?
Save up to 20% with UPS SurePost. If you're regularly shipping multiple packages, SurePost can lead to significant savings. For example, shipping a package from Florida to New York would cost around $13.64 with UPS Ground, but only $10.52 with SurePost, saving you $3.12.
- One of the main perks of SurePost is that there are no extra charges for weekend delivery, as USPS operates every day of the week.
- Keep in mind that while shipping may be more affordable, delivery times could be longer (typically 2 to 6 days).
How fast is UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost delivers in 2 to 6 days. Packages are shipped Monday through Sunday with SurePost, taking between 2 and 6 days for delivery. In comparison, standard UPS Ground shipping typically delivers in 1 to 5 business days.
- Note that deliveries to areas outside the continental U.S. (such as Hawaii and Alaska) may take an additional 1 to 2 weeks.
Who benefits from UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost is great for those who send many packages weekly. Whether you're a small business owner or a consumer, if you're sending lightweight, low-cost packages in bulk, SurePost is a money-saving solution. For example, while UPS can’t deliver to military addresses, USPS can.
- SurePost is particularly well-suited for small business owners or online retailers who ship more than 20 lightweight, non-urgent packages each week.
UPS SurePost vs. UPS Ground
UPS SurePost is for lighter packages, while UPS Ground supports heavier shipments. Both services are affordable and usually deliver within a week, but the key difference lies in the weight and size limits. SurePost is ideal for packages under 10 lb (4,500 g) and 130 in (330 cm), while Ground accommodates packages up to 70 lb (32,000 g) and 108 in (270 cm). The cost for each service depends on the destination.
- To estimate the cost of shipping with UPS Ground, use this calculator.
Is UPS SurePost the right choice for you?
UPS SurePost is a great option for regular shipments of small packages. Whether UPS SurePost is the best fit for you depends on your shipping needs. If you frequently send small, inexpensive, non-urgent packages within the continental U.S., SurePost could save you up to 20% on shipping costs. It’s especially useful if speed isn’t your primary concern.
- Need more help? Reach out to UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877 for further support.
How to Register for UPS SurePost
Visit your nearest UPS store to enroll in SurePost. UPS SurePost is a contract-based service, which means you need to sign up directly with UPS. Head to your local UPS store to register for the service, whether for personal or business use, or call UPS customer support at 1-800-742-5877 for assistance.
