If you're running an online store and shipping physical products, you're probably always looking for ways to save time, reduce costs, and meet customer expectations. USPS Ground Advantage is one of the most affordable and reliable ways to send packages across the U.S. But many sellers have one important question:

Does USPS Ground Advantage require a signature? Let’s break that down in simple terms and explore when signature confirmation makes sense for your business.

What Is USPS Ground Advantage?

USPS Ground Advantage is a domestic postal service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). It’s a cost-effective shipping option for packages up to 70 lbs and typically delivers in 2–5 business days.

This primary option is ideal for eCommerce sellers who:

Need an affordable service for non-urgent shipments
Send packages inside the U.S., including to military bases and freely associated states
Sell products through platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or WooCommerce

Included with USPS Ground Advantage service:

USPS tracking and a unique tracking number for each package
Delivery to P.O. Boxes, residential addresses, and military destinations
Up to $100 in additional coverage (insurance)
Easy access through any post office or online shipping label tools

Not included by default:

Signature confirmation
Additional insurance beyond $100
Faster express services like Priority Mail

Does USPS Ground Advantage Require a Signature by Default?

No, Ground Advantage packages do not require a signature unless you add it manually. Requesting a signature is something which can be done for an additional fee.

If you’re shipping with USPS Ground and don’t select Signature Confirmation or Adult Signature, the package will be delivered without requiring someone to sign for it. This is convenient for customers but may leave mail vulnerable to being left unattended.

USPS Ground Advantage Signature Required: When and Why It’s Used

There are specific times when eCommerce sellers choose to add a signature confirmation to their USPS Ground Advantage service:

High-value shipments or perishable items that need secure delivery
Heavy items that could be more prone to theft
Commercial or residential locations with frequent delivery issues
Customer requests for a secure handoff
Orders shipped to shared buildings or gated communities

Adding a USPS Ground Advantage signature required option helps protect your business and ensures accountability during delivery.

How to Add Signature Confirmation to a USPS Ground Advantage Package

Step-by-Step Guide:

Choose your shipping platform. Use USPS.com, or third-party shipping tools like Easyship to generate shipping labels.
Enter your package’s weight, dimensions, and destination address.
Select USPS Ground Advantage from the list of shipping options.
Under extra services, select either:
- Signature Confirmation
- Or Adult Signature (for age-restricted deliveries)
Review the fees, confirm package size and combined length, and complete the purchase.
Print the label and send packages from your nearest post office or schedule a pickup.

The process is simple, and adding a signature ensures more control over how your shipments are received.

Benefits of Requiring a Signature for USPS Ground Advantage Shipments

Reduces lost packages and theft
Confirms delivery with a physical handoff
Helps with tracking disputes
Adds a professional, secure layer to your logistics workflow
Provides confidence to retail and commercial buyers

For online businesses, this is especially useful when you can't afford a lost shipment or customer complaint. By using a shipping software like Easyship, you can ensure easy tracking and an entirely automated shipping process.

Tips for eCommerce Sellers Using USPS Ground Advantage

If you’re fulfilling 100–2,500 orders per month and operating on platforms like Shopify or Etsy, USPS Ground is a great middle-ground between price and reliability. Here’s how to get the most from it:

Use shipping software like Easyship to access commercial pricing and automate label printing
Add signature confirmation selectively based on package value or risk
Compare against other carriers like UPS (United Parcel Service) for larger or urgent orders
Offer customers shipping options at checkout with real-time rate comparisons
Ensure compliance if sending hazardous materials—Ground Advantage supports some limited hazardous materials under USPS regulations

Summary Table: USPS Ground Advantage Signature Options

Feature	Included by Default	Optional Add-on
USPS Tracking	✅ Yes	-
$100 Insurance	✅ Yes	-
Signature Confirmation	❌ No	✅ Yes (extra fee)
Adult Signature Required	❌ No	✅ Yes (extra fee)
Delivery to Military Bases	✅ Yes	-
Delivery to Freely Associated States	✅ Yes	-
Shipping Hazardous Materials	✅ Limited	✅ Must meet USPS rules

If you're looking to save money while staying in control of your delivery process, USPS Ground Advantage—with optional signature confirmation—offers a great balance of cost and reliability. As your business grows, small shipping decisions like this can help you scale smarter.

Need better control and more visibility? Tools like Easyship can help you compare services, automate your workflow, and manage all your shipments in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I require a signature on every USPS Ground Advantage package?

Yes. You can add Signature Confirmation manually for each order or automate it through your shipping software.

Will USPS leave the package if I don’t request a signature?

Yes. Without a signature requirement, USPS will deliver the package and mark it as complete using the tracking number.

Can customers waive the signature requirement?

No. Once selected, USPS must collect a signature before completing delivery.

What happens if no one is home to sign?

USPS will leave a notice and attempt redelivery, or the package may be held at the post office for pickup.

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Does USPS Ground Advantage Require a Signature? Everything You Need to Know

What Is USPS Ground Advantage?

Does USPS Ground Advantage Require a Signature by Default?

USPS Ground Advantage Signature Required: When and Why It’s Used

How to Add Signature Confirmation to a USPS Ground Advantage Package

Step-by-Step Guide:

Benefits of Requiring a Signature for USPS Ground Advantage Shipments

Tips for eCommerce Sellers Using USPS Ground Advantage

Summary Table: USPS Ground Advantage Signature Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I require a signature on every USPS Ground Advantage package?

Will USPS leave the package if I don’t request a signature?

Can customers waive the signature requirement?

What happens if no one is home to sign?

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Does USPS Ground Advantage Require a Signature? Everything You Need to Know

What Is USPS Ground Advantage?

Does USPS Ground Advantage Require a Signature by Default?

USPS Ground Advantage Signature Required: When and Why It’s Used

How to Add Signature Confirmation to a USPS Ground Advantage Package

Step-by-Step Guide:

Benefits of Requiring a Signature for USPS Ground Advantage Shipments

Tips for eCommerce Sellers Using USPS Ground Advantage

Summary Table: USPS Ground Advantage Signature Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I require a signature on every USPS Ground Advantage package?

Will USPS leave the package if I don’t request a signature?

Can customers waive the signature requirement?

What happens if no one is home to sign?

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USPS Signature Confirmation Explained

What is USPS Ground Advantage? 2025 Ultimate Guide

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Related Articles

FedEx Delivery Times and Hours

Why U.S. eCommerce Sellers Should Expand Shipping to Europe in 2025

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