USPS Ground Advantage: A Guide

Learn about USPS Ground Advantage, offering delivery between 2-5 business days, and how it differs from USPS first class and priority mail here.
SendTech Staff Pitney Bowes
10/05/2023 Office

The new USPS Ground AdvantageTM service launched on July 9, 2023. The service replaces USPS Parcel Select Ground®, USPS Retail Ground® and USPS First-Class Package Service® as well as Ground Returns and First-Class Package Return Service. If you need fast service by air, rest assured USPS Priority Mail® isn’t going away. In this article, we’ll help you compare your USPS package service options. First, we’ll answer “What is USPS Ground Advantage?”

Table of contents

  1. What is USPS Ground Advantage?
  2. USPS Ground Advantage weight and size requirements
  3. Does USPS Ground Advantage include insurance?
  4. Does USPS Ground Advantage deliver on Sunday?
  5. USPS Ground Advantage vs First Class
  6. USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail
  7. How can you prepare to save on shipping and mailing costs in 2023?

What is USPS Ground Advantage?

USPS Ground Advantage is a relatively new service designed to simplify pricing and service options for packages up to 70 lbs. and up to 130 inches in length plus girth. You can send packages within 2–5 business days to all 50 states, U.S. military bases and territories. USPS Ground Advantage is a compelling option for shippers of all sizes for both outbound shipping and returns.

More advantages: USPS will pick up your package from your home or office and is the only carrier that can offer the convenience of mailbox delivery, supported by their integrated last-mile delivery operations. And because it’s the USPS, service includes forwarding, undeliverable as addressed (UAA), and return to sender (RTS) at no additional cost. If you’re sending hazardous materials that are only mailable using ground transportation, USPS Ground Advantage is the primary option.

USPS Ground Advantage offers reliable service at a fair price. Retail rates start at just $4.75, but commercial rates will be lower. Among USPS services, USPS Ground Advantage is the most cost-effective option for items under one pound. Heavier packages are charged by the pound (rounded up). Notably, there are no fuel or residential surcharges.

You might be wondering how this is different from other USPS services you’ve used in the past. We’ll start with the basics and then discuss “What is USPS Ground Advantage vs First Class?” and “What is USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail?”

USPS Ground Advantage weight and size requirements

When deciding if USPS Ground Advantage is right for your package, you’ll need to know more than “What is the weight limit for USPS Ground Advantage?” See the table below for an overview of the size requirements for this service level. Note that additional fees may apply for oversized packages.

USPS Ground Advantage Specifications
feature feature

Additional Fee

Weight

Up to 70 lbs.

n/a

Size

130” length + girth

n/a

Non-Standard Length

22” – 30”

$4

Non-Standard Length

>30”

$7

Cubic Size

>2ft3

$15

Does USPS Ground Advantage include insurance?

Yes, USPS Ground Advantage comes with $100 of insurance. You can purchase up to $5,000 in additional coverage for loss or damage to merchandise. For peace of mind, USPS Tracking® service is included in the price.

Does USPS Ground Advantage deliver on Sunday?

USPS Ground Advantage packages are not delivered on Sunday, but the USPS will deliver on Saturday at no extra charge.

What is USPS Ground Advantage vs First Class?

Essentially, USPS First-Class Package Service is being renamed USPS Ground Advantage. The main difference is that Ground Advantage includes insurance. Going forward, USPS First-Class Mail® will only accommodate postcards and envelopes.

What is USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail?

USPS Priority Mail® is a faster service that ships your package by air within 1–3 days and will cost more. Like USPS Ground Advantage, USPS Priority mail includes tracking and $100 of insurance. Be aware that USPS Priority Mail limits size to 108 inches in length plus girth.

How can you prepare to save on shipping and mailing costs in 2023?

Even though USPS Ground Advantage reduces the number of service offerings from USPS, comparing your options can still be daunting. Pitney Bowes shipping software can make it easier to choose the right service level. Pitney Bowes can also help you save on shipping packages with instant access to special discounts below already discounted USPS Commercial Pricing shipping rates.