Buzz
A thorough guide to USPS’s distinctive shipping service
USPS provides a wide range of shipping options, such as Ground Advantage, Priority, Priority Express, and First Class. When is Ground Advantage the best choice, and what sets it apart? It's USPS's fastest ground shipping option, making it perfect for shipments that cannot be flown or are only traveling short distances. This guide will explain how Ground Advantage works and help you determine when it's the right option for you (or not).
What is USPS Ground Advantage?
USPS Ground Advantage is a service that enables shipments across the US in less than five days. It includes $100 in insurance coverage and is one of the few options for shipping hazardous materials that cannot be transported by air.
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What is USPS Ground Advantage?
Ground Advantage: 2-5 day shipping for items up to 70 pounds. Ground Advantage is a more cost-effective alternative to overnight shipping while being more dependable and faster than standard options. With this service, you can send packages (under 70 pounds / 32 kg) anywhere in the United States in 5 business days or less.
- Ground Advantage is essentially a rebranding of USPS’s former First-Class Ground Package Service, which was renamed a few years ago.
- This service isn’t limited to the continental US. Ground Advantage also delivers to US territories, military bases, and associated states.
Features
2-5 day delivery across the US Ground Advantage ensures your package reaches its destination in under a week. Note that the 5-day timeframe only counts business days—if you ship on Thursday, your package may not arrive until the following Thursday.
Complimentary $100 insurance No need to purchase basic insurance for your package—it's included with Ground Advantage. This coverage applies to both the delivery and any returns.
- If desired, you can buy extra insurance at any USPS office or kiosk.
Complimentary package pickup Simply fill out a pickup request form and USPS will collect your package for you. The 2- to 5-day delivery window remains the same!
Free tracking Tracking services are included at no extra cost with Ground Advantage. After you drop off your package, you’ll receive a tracking number so you can monitor its progress every step of the way.
- This applies to all priority services, not just Ground Advantage. Just so you know!
Shipping HAZMAT materials that can't be flown If you need to ship hazardous materials and can’t use air transport, Ground Advantage is likely the best option. Your package will arrive within 5 business days.
- This is the reason it's called “ground” advantage—it's USPS's fastest ground-only shipping service.
- HAZMAT items that cannot be shipped by air include radioactive materials, corrosive substances, explosives, ammunition, fireworks, aerosols, flammable liquids, oxidizers, and most infectious materials.
Does Ground Advantage work for businesses?
Yes, but you'll need to contact USPS for tailored pricing and services. If your business often requires fast and reliable shipping, USPS provides business solutions for Ground Advantage. Pricing and services are customized based on the specific needs of your business, so be sure to complete a business services form and USPS will reach out to you.
Pricing
Pricing begins at $5, with costs increasing based on weight. For packages weighing 4 ounces or less, you'll pay between $5.00 and $5.55, depending on the shipping distance. Prices rise gradually, capping at $165.05 for a 70-pound (32 kg) package.
- View the full pricing schedule online here.
- Oversized packages, with a combined length and girth exceeding 108 inches (270 cm), incur additional fees, as do unusually long, flat, or irregularly shaped parcels.
- For packages over 15.999 ounces, the rates increase per pound (rounded up). For example, if your package weighs 7.4 pounds, you’ll pay the rate for an 8-pound item.
USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail
Priority Mail is faster and may involve air transport. Ground Advantage delivers within 2-5 days, while Priority Mail guarantees delivery in 1-3 days. Additionally, Priority Mail may involve air travel at some point. Despite these key differences, Ground Advantage and Priority Mail are very similar. The prices are almost identical (with Priority Mail being slightly more expensive), the size and weight limits are the same, and both services include tracking and $100 insurance.
- The main consideration for you as a shipper is whether air travel matters. If not, Ground Advantage is the slightly cheaper choice, but if speed is a priority, you might prefer Priority Mail.
Is USPS Ground Advantage worth it?
If you’re shipping something under 15.999 ounces, it’s an excellent value. If you’re on a tight schedule and the 2-5 day delivery window suits your needs, this is an outstanding option for lighter items. The pricing for packages under 15.999 ounces is the most affordable you’ll find.
- For heavier shipments, First Class or Priority might offer better deals.
If you need $100 insurance, it’s included at no extra cost. The typical USPS insurance charge is $2.50, but for light shipments, you’re paying around $5.00. Essentially, you’re paying $2.50 for priority shipping, which is a better deal than other USPS options. So, if insurance is important to you, Ground Advantage is likely a great choice.
- Of course, this assumes you need your item to arrive within 2-5 days. If that’s not a concern, you can just insure your package and send it via standard shipping.
Ground Advantage isn’t the fastest option available. If speed is your top priority and your destination is far away, Ground Advantage might not be the best fit. For quicker delivery, you’d likely want to choose Priority Mail Express, which offers next-day or 2-day shipping.
