USPS Ground Advantage: Big Savings for Small Shipments

USPS is a trusted U.S. carrier providing cost-effective, reliable shipping services for both individuals and businesses. They offer a range of shipping options for domestic and international deliveries. In this guide, we’ll explore the features and benefits of USPS Ground Advantage. We’ll also show you how to ship with USPS within e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce or Shopify.

On This Page

• What is USPS Ground Advantage?
• Key Features of USPS Ground Advantage
• USPS Ground Advantage Pricing
• Is USPS Ground Advantage the Right Choice for Your Business?
• Benefits of USPS Ground Advantage for eCommerce Stores
• USPS Ground Advantage Shipping in WooCommerce
• USPS Ground Advantage Shipping in Shopify
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is USPS Ground Advantage?

USPS Ground Advantage is a domestic shipping service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides affordable, reliable delivery for both lightweight and heavier packages. It was designed to streamline previous USPS services, offering an efficient alternative to faster, more expensive shipping methods like Priority Mail.

This shipping service is ideal for eCommerce businesses looking to reduce costs without compromising on delivery speed. USPS Ground Advantage ensures predictable delivery times (2-5 business days) and is available for shipments across the U.S., including PO Boxes, military bases, and rural areas.

Key Features of USPS Ground Advantage

1. Affordable Rates: USPS Ground Advantage is one of the most cost-effective options for domestic shipping, especially for businesses that are conscious about their bottom line. It is ideal for shipping packages that don’t require urgent delivery but must arrive within a reasonable time frame.

2. Predictable Delivery Times: With transit times ranging between 2 to 5 business days, USPS Ground Advantage provides reliable delivery without the premium prices attached to express services.

3. Size and Weight Limits: The service is flexible enough to handle both small and large packages.

• Max weight: 70 lbs
• Max size: 130 inches (length + girth combined)

4. Comprehensive Coverage: This service ships to all U.S. addresses, including PO Boxes, military bases, and rural areas, ensuring that your products reach customers regardless of location.

5. Free Tracking: All USPS Ground Advantage shipments come with free tracking, so both businesses and customers can monitor the delivery status in real time.

6. Insurance Included: Every package includes $100 in insurance coverage for loss or damage. You can also purchase additional coverage if needed.

7. Eco-Friendly Option: USPS Ground Advantage is an environmentally friendly option, making it an excellent choice for businesses focused on sustainability.

USPS Ground Advantage Pricing

USPS Ground Advantage pricing depends on the package’s weight, shipping zone, and whether you’re a retail or commercial customer. Zones are determined by the distance between the origin and destination, from 1 (the closest to the shipper) to 9 (the farthest from the shipper).

USPS Retail Pricing

For individuals and small businesses, USPS Ground Advantage has reasonable rates, which vary by weight and delivery distance (shipping zone):

• 4 oz Package:
  • Zone 1 (nearby): $5.00
  • Zone 9 (farther): $5.55
• 1 lb Package:
  • Zone 1: $8.00
  • Zone 9: $9.00
• 20 lbs Package:
  • Zone 1: $19.20
  • Zone 9: $58.55

Prices go up as the shipping distance (zone) increases.

USPS Commercial Pricing

For businesses shipping in bulk, USPS offers lower rates through commercial pricing. To qualify, businesses need a USPS account and must ship at least 200 pieces or 50 lbs of mail.

Example rates for businesses:

• 4 oz Package:
  • Zone 1: $3.79
  • Zone 9: $4.36
• 1 lb Package:
  • Zone 1: $6.83
  • Zone 9: $8.91
• 20 lbs Package:
  • Zone 1: $14.50
  • Zone 9: $31.72

Commercial customers can save a lot by using approved software and shipping in bulk.

USPS Cubic Pricing

USPS also offers Cubic Pricing for businesses shipping small but heavy items. Instead of pricing by weight, this method is based on the package size and shipping zone. To qualify, packages must:

• Weigh 20 lbs or less
• Be no larger than 18 inches in any dimension
• Not exceed 1 cubic foot

This pricing can be cheaper for small, dense packages.

Extra Fees

There are some extra fees for oversized packages:

• If the combined length and girth of the package exceed 108 inches (but less than 130 inches), you’ll pay an extra oversized fee.
• Packages over 30 inches in length incur an additional $8.40 fee

Is USPS Ground Advantage the Right Choice for Your Business?

It offers a blend of affordability, reliability, and flexibility, but is it the perfect fit for your business? Let’s compare it with USPS Priority Mail and First Class Package services and see which one suits your needs best.

USPS Ground Advantage is perfect for businesses looking for cost-effective, reliable shipping without the need for fast delivery. It is especially well-suited for:

• Retailers with Bulkier Items: Businesses selling large or heavy products like furniture, electronics, or household goods that don’t need urgent delivery.
• Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises: Companies offering items like books, tools, or apparel, where the shipping speed isn’t as critical, but affordability is.

Benefits of USPS Ground Advantage for eCommerce Stores

Ground Advantage works seamlessly with platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, and PrestaShop, simplifying the shipping process and offering additional benefits, as mentioned below.

• Cost Savings: It offers a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive shipping services, such as Priority Mail, without sacrificing reliability. For businesses shipping large quantities of goods, the savings can be significant.
• Nationwide Reach: This service ensures that your products can be delivered to nearly any corner of the U.S., including rural and hard-to-reach areas. This broad coverage makes it an excellent choice for businesses catering to a national customer base.
• Customer Satisfaction: Predictable delivery times and free tracking enhance the customer experience. Offering a reliable shipping option can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the number of delivery-related inquiries.
• Versatility: This service can be used to ship both lightweight and heavy items, making it perfect for a wide variety of products. Whether you’re selling small gadgets or large items, this service can accommodate your shipping needs.
• Streamlined Integration: It integrates seamlessly with both WooCommerce and Shopify, allowing store owners to automate the shipping process and focus more on their business.

USPS Ground Advantage Shipping for WooCommerce

WooCommerce does not support USPS shipping by default. However, using the USPS Shipping Plugin simplifies the process.

All you need to do is select the USPS Ground Advantage service in the plugin’s settings and it will automatically display the live shipping rates on the WooCommerce checkout page.

This plugin also helps you generate shipping labels directly from your store.

To learn more about USPS shipping in WooCommerce, check out the video below.

USPS Ground Advantage Shipping for Shopify

Shopify users can do USPS Ground Advantage shipping with the Shopify USPS Shipping App, which automates rate calculations, label generation, and tracking.

Select the USPS Ground Advantage service in the app’s settings, and it will automatically display the live shipping rates on the Shopify checkout page.

This app also helps you generate shipping labels directly from your store.

To learn more about USPS shipping in Shopify, check out the video below.

Conclusion

USPS Ground Advantage is a versatile and affordable shipping solution within the US. Its wide coverage, competitive rates, and eco-friendly approach make it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their logistics. By integrating ground advantage with tools like the WooCommerce USPS Shipping plugin, and Shopify USPS Shipping App, you can automate your shipping process, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. For additional support or inquiries, reach out to PluginHive Customer Support.

FAQs

1. Who Handles USPS Ground Advantage?

USPS Ground Advantage is handled by the United States Postal Service (USPS). It merges elements of First Class Package and Retail/Parcel Select Ground to offer dependable and cost-effective ground shipping.

2. How Long Does USPS Ground Advantage Take?

This service typically delivers packages within 2-5 business days. Delivery time may vary depending on the origin and destination locations. This makes it an ideal choice for non-urgent shipments that don’t require expedited service.

3. Does USPS Ground Advantage Move on Weekends?

USPS does not deliver Ground Advantage packages on Sundays but delivers them on Saturdays at no additional charge. This allows for more flexibility in receiving packages, especially for customers who may not be available during the regular weekday delivery window.

4. Is USPS Ground Advantage Better than Priority Mail?

Yes, It is a more cost-effective option, especially for heavier packages that don’t require urgent delivery. Priority Mail is the faster choice at a higher price. Ground Advantage is ideal for non-urgent, heavier shipments, while Priority Mail is better suited for time-sensitive deliveries.

5. Does USPS Ground Advantage Have Tracking?

Yes, This service includes USPS Tracking® at no extra cost. You can easily track your package’s journey as it’s delivered within 2-5 business days.

6. Can I Use a Box with USPS Ground Advantage?

Yes, you can use a box, padded envelope, or tube when shipping with USPS Ground Advantage. Choose the appropriate packaging for your item, place it inside, and proceed with shipping.

7. Does USPS Ground Advantage Deliver to the Mailbox or Door?

It offers both mailbox and door delivery, depending on the recipient’s location. USPS can deliver your package directly to the mailbox or, in some cases, to the door. Additionally, USPS provides the convenience of picking up packages from your home or office, making it a flexible and accessible option for shippers.

8. Is USPS Ground Advantage Faster than Media Mail?

Yes, this shipping service is faster than Media Mail. Ground Advantage usually delivers in 2-5 business days, while Media Mail can take longer, typically 2-8 business days.

9. Does USPS Ground Advantage Require a Signature?

No, This does not require a signature unless you request one. However, if your business requires proof of delivery, you can add a signature option for an additional fee, starting at $8.40 (for Adult Signature).

10. Does USPS Ground Advantage Ship to Canada?

No, It is a domestic-only service. It is available for shipments within the U.S., including all 50 states, U.S. Territories, and Military Addresses, but does not cover international destinations like Canada.