USPS Ground Advantage: Everything You Need to Know

USPS Ground Advantage launched in 2023, combining several services into one streamlined option. This guide explains everything about the new service and how to use it effectively.

What is USPS Ground Advantage?

Service Overview

Ground Advantage Replaces

• First Class Package Service
• USPS Retail Ground
• Parcel Select Ground

Key Features

• Single service for ground shipping
• 2-5 day delivery
• Up to 70 lbs
• Included tracking
• Insurance up to $100 included

Why USPS Made This Change

Simplification

• Fewer service choices
• Easier rate calculation
• Clearer delivery expectations
• Reduced confusion

Competitive Positioning

• Better rates vs UPS/FedEx Ground
• Faster than previous ground options
• Enhanced tracking
• Improved reliability

Ground Advantage Rates

Pricing Structure

Rate Factors

• Weight (actual or dimensional)
• Distance (zones)
• Package dimensions
• Commercial vs retail rates

Weight Breaks

• Under 1 lb: Most affordable tier
• 1-5 lbs: Competitive rates
• 5-15 lbs: Best value range
• 15-70 lbs: Heavy package rates

Commercial vs Retail Rates

Commercial Plus Pricing

• Available through shipping software
• Up to 40% cheaper than retail
• Requires USPS business account
• Volume commitments may apply

Retail Rates

• Post office window prices
• Higher cost per package
• No account needed
• Good for occasional shippers

Rate Comparison Example

2 lb package, Zone 5:

• Ground Advantage Commercial: ~$6.50
• Ground Advantage Retail: ~$9.00
• UPS Ground: ~$12.00
• FedEx Ground: ~$11.50

Key Insight: Ground Advantage is often cheapest for packages under 10 lbs

Delivery Times

Transit Time Expectations

General Timeline

• Zone 1-2: 2-3 days
• Zone 3-4: 3-4 days
• Zone 5-6: 4-5 days
• Zone 7-8: 5 days
• Zone 9: 5+ days (Alaska, Hawaii)

Important Notes

• Not guaranteed delivery dates
• Excludes Sundays
• May vary during peak
• Weather can impact

Comparing to Other Services

Package Requirements

Size Limits

Maximum Dimensions

• Combined length + girth: 130 inches
• Weight: 70 lbs
• Length: 108 inches

Minimum Size

• Length: 6 inches
• Height: 4 inches
• Thickness: 0.25 inches

Dimensional Weight

DIM Formula Length × Width × Height ÷ 166 = DIM weight

Billable Weight

• Whichever is greater: actual or DIM weight
• Important for lightweight, bulky items

Example

• Box: 18" × 12" × 8" = 1,728 cubic inches
• DIM weight: 1,728 ÷ 166 = 10.4 lbs
• If actual weight is 3 lbs, you pay for 11 lbs

How to Ship Ground Advantage

Through USPS.com

Go to USPS.com/ship

Enter addresses

Select Ground Advantage

Enter weight/dimensions

Pay and print label

Schedule pickup or drop off

Through Shipping Software

Benefits

• Commercial rates
• Batch printing
• Multi-carrier comparison
• Automation

Platforms Supporting Ground Advantage

• atoship
• ShipStation
• Pirateship
• Shippo
• EasyPost

Through Click-N-Ship

Process

• USPS online shipping tool
• Commercial Base rates
• Print labels at home
• Schedule pickups

Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail

When to Use Ground Advantage

Best For

• Non-urgent shipments
• Cost-sensitive orders
• Heavier packages (5-15 lbs)
• Budget-conscious sellers

Not Ideal For

• Time-sensitive delivery
• Customer expectations of speed
• Perishable items
• High-value items needing more insurance

When to Use Priority Mail

Best For

• Faster delivery needed
• Lighter packages (under 3 lbs)
• Free Priority boxes wanted
• Higher insurance needed

Cost Comparison At 3 lbs, Zone 5:

• Ground Advantage: ~$7.50
• Priority Mail: ~$9.50
• Difference: $2.00 for 1-2 days faster

Tips for Using Ground Advantage

Optimize Your Shipping

Always use commercial rates - 30-40% savings

Right-size packaging - Avoid DIM weight penalties

Print labels at home - Skip post office lines

Schedule free pickups - Save time

Track all packages - Monitoring and customer updates

Communicate with Customers

Set Expectations

• "Ships via USPS Ground"
• "Delivery in 2-5 business days"
• "Tracking provided"

Handling Delays

• Provide tracking link
• Note it's not guaranteed
• Offer Priority upgrade for rush orders

Combine with Other Services

Shipping Strategy

• Ground Advantage for standard orders
• Priority Mail for expedited
• Priority Express for urgent

Common Questions

Is Ground Advantage Tracked?

Yes, full tracking included on all packages.

Is Insurance Included?

Yes, up to $100 included. Additional available for purchase.

Can I Use Free Boxes?

No, Ground Advantage requires your own packaging. Free boxes are only for Priority Mail.

Saturday Delivery?

Yes, Ground Advantage delivers on Saturdays at no extra charge.

PO Box Delivery?

Yes, delivers to PO Boxes unlike UPS/FedEx.

Ground Advantage is an excellent option for e-commerce sellers looking to balance cost and delivery speed for most ground shipments.