What is USPS Ground Advantage? 2025 Ultimate Guide

Same-day delivery and environmentally friendly shipping will become the norm, while real-time tracking, hassle-free returns, and personalized experiences will be expected as standard in 2025. 

For many successful online store owners, finding cheap and reliable shipping options is essential to staying profitable and keeping customers happy. This quick guide will explore one key option available to all growing eCommerce businesses throughout the US, from Hawaii to Houston.

What is USPS Ground Advantage Shipping?

Launched in July 2023, USPS Ground Advantage took over from USPS Parcel Select Ground®, USPS Retail Ground®, USPS First-Class Package Service®, Ground Returns, and First-Class Package Return Service.

The service is a cheap and dependable way to send packages across the United States. It works in all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States. 

USPS Ground Advantage Weight Limit and Dimension

• Weight: Up to 70 lbs.
• Size: 130 inches (length + girth)

For example, a business selling handcrafted candles can use USPS Ground Advantage for lightweight and heavy shipments without juggling multiple services. This reduces time spent on logistics, allowing sellers to focus on other aspects of their business.

Here’s an overview of USPS Ground Advantage mail shipping pricing if you’re sending a 50-pound package (dimensions 12x12.45x6 inches) from New York to Chicago.

You could get better rates if you ship using Easyship. Easyship helps you find out which USPS service is best for you, compare rates and delivery time easily using Easyship.

How to Find the Cheapest USPS Ground Advantage Rates with Easyship

Shipping across the U.S. doesn't have to be expensive if you use the right tools. The Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator allows you to find the cheapest shipping rates available by comparing pre-negotiated rates from over 250 couriers. Here's an example of the rates available for shipping a small package from several major U.S. cities using the following dimensions:

• Package’s Weight: 2 lbs
• Box Dimensions: 12 in x 11 in x 1.5 in
• Contents: Accessory (No battery)

Note: USPS Ground Advantage uses zone-based pricing, where rates depend on the distance between origin and destination ZIP codes. Lightweight packages are categorized into tiers (up to 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 15.99 oz), and heavier packages are priced per pound.

How Long Does Ground Advantage Take to Deliver?

Ideally, USPS Ground Advantage takes 2-5 days to deliver a package. However, this timeline depends on the destination, which timezone it falls under, and whether it is part of the remote geography. 

Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, man-made calamities, and strikes can also impact the overall delivery timeline. It is always to take advantage of the tracking service included as a part of the service.

Why Should You Use USPS Ground Advantage Service for Your Online Store?

eCommerce businesses face several challenges, including high shipping costs and meeting customer expectations for fast delivery. USPS Ground Advantage addresses these needs:

• Affordable Rates: Lower shipping costs help maintain profitability, especially for smaller businesses.
• Simplicity: By combining services, USPS eliminates the complexity of choosing between multiple options.
• Reliable Delivery: With tracking included, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, providing peace of mind.

USPS Ground Advantage is designed for retail and commercial customers, offering a comprehensive shipping option suitable for shippers of all sizes.

These benefits make USPS Ground Advantage an attractive choice for businesses that ship domestically.

Key Features of USPS Ground Advantage

While USPS Ground Advantage is a slower service than USPS Priority Mail, with delivery timeframes depending on the distance, it offers significant savings. 

Here are a few features to keep in mind when you consider it for your business. 

1. Built-In Insurance

USPS Ground Advantage includes $100 of insurance per package, covering loss or damage during transit. For higher-value shipments, additional insurance up to $5,000 can be purchased.

An online boutique selling custom jewelry could rely on this insurance to protect orders while keeping shipping costs low. This feature adds value by reducing financial risk.

2. Nationwide Coverage

USPS Ground Advantage supports shipments to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, U.S. territories, and military bases. This broad coverage ensures reliable delivery, even to remote locations.

3. Hazardous Materials Support

Since HAZMAT can only be sent via ground transportation, USPS Ground Advantage is the ideal choice. This service allows shipping items like lithium-ion batteries or dry ice, making it suitable for businesses selling electronics or perishable goods. However, it is crucial that these items are properly packaged and must be marked on the outer packaging with the text “HAZMAT” or “Restricted <item category>” and “Surface Transportation Only”. 

4. Tracking

Every package has tracking, allowing businesses and customers to monitor real-time delivery progress. This transparency builds trust and enhances customer satisfaction.

5. Flexible Package Sizes

Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs, with a maximum combined length and girth of 130 inches. This flexibility accommodates a wide range of products, from small items to bulkier goods, making USPS Ground Advantage shipping particularly suitable for larger items.

6. Ground Advantage Insurance

USPS Ground Advantage comes with insurance included as a part of the service. It includes $100 of insurance coverage and you can also purchase additional coverage upto $5000, at an extra fee.  

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Note: USPS Priority Mail typically delivers in 1 to 3 business days but at a higher cost. By choosing Ground Advantage USPS services, eCommerce businesses can reduce shipping expenses and improve their bottom line.

What is Ground Advantage Cubic Shipping?

The Ground Advantage Cubic pricing option is a special pricing option for small, dense packages that fit into one cubic foot. 

Cubic foot is determined by entering the weight and dimensions of the shipment, then selecting the eligible service. 

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The cubic feet measurement for the package is calculated by: 

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[ Length x Width x Height ] / 1728 = Cubic Feet

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All measurements should be rounded down to the nearest 0.25 inch.

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Cubic measurements for Ground Advantage have 10 tiers:

If your package is within 1 cubic foot, cubic shipping will likely help you save money. 

How Does USPS Ground Advantage Compare Against Other Popular Services?

Even though USPS Ground Advantage is a great option, sometimes using multiple shipping services makes sense. That’s because some packages must arrive faster, or you may not want to rely on just one courier. In these cases, using a mix of services is a smart move.

Below is a comparison of popular shipping services from different couriers. With Easyship, you can manage all these couriers in one place—and get better shipping rates than if you contacted each courier directly.

For example, in the Easyship Shipping Calculator, we'll use the same package size and destination to compare USPS Ground Advantage with other popular options on Easyship.

• Weight: 0.5 lbs
• Box Dimensions: 12 in x 11 in x 1.5 in
• Contents: Accessory (No battery)
• Origin: New York City
• Destination: Los Angeles

How to Find the Cheapest USPS Ground Advantage Rates with Easyship

Shipping across the U.S. doesn't have to be expensive if you use the right tools. The Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator allows you to find the cheapest shipping rates available by comparing pre-negotiated rates from over 250 couriers. Here's an example of the rates available for shipping a small package from several major U.S. cities using the following dimensions:

• Package’s Weight: 2 lbs
• Box Dimensions: 12 in x 11 in x 1.5 in
• Contents: Accessory (No battery)

Using Easyship's Shipping Rate Calculator, you can find significant savings on shipping costs, making USPS Ground Advantage packages an excellent choice for cost-conscious business customers.

How Does USPS Ground Advantage Compare Against Other Popular Services?

To compare USPS Ground Advantage shipping services against other popular shipping solutions on Easyship, we will add the same package dimensions and destination in to the Easyship Shipping Calculator:

• Weight: 0.5 lbs
• Box Dimensions: 12 in x 11 in x 1.5 in
• Contents: Accessory (No battery)
• Origin: New York City
• Destination: Los Angeles

Comparison Rates:

As you can see, USPS Ground Advantage offers competitive pricing compared to other popular services, making it a great value for shipping packages across the U.S. quickly and cheaply.

While this helped us understand the difference in rates, let's examine the features of USPS Ground Advantage and other similar ground courier categories a little more thoroughly. 

1. USPS Priority Mail

Priority Mail offers faster delivery (1–3 days) but is more expensive. While it includes insurance, it does not support hazardous material shipments.

2. UPS Ground and FedEx Ground

Both offer similar delivery times (1–5 days) and higher weight limits (up to 150 lbs). However, USPS Ground Advantage is often more cost-effective for lightweight packages.

USPS Parcel Select Ground has been discontinued and integrated into USPS Ground Advantage, streamlining USPS's shipping offerings to enhance affordability, reliability, and delivery speed for consumers and businesses.

3. DHL Ground

DHL caters to lighter shipments (up to 25 lbs) with delivery times of 3–8 days. USPS Ground Advantage is better suited for heavier packages with quicker delivery times.

For eCommerce sellers, the choice depends on balancing cost, delivery speed, and package requirements. USPS Ground Advantage is an ideal option for businesses prioritizing affordability and reliability.

Summary

USPS Ground Advantage offers a cost-effective, reliable shipping solution for eCommerce businesses. Integrating this service into your shipping strategy can reduce costs, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction.

Whether you’re shipping lightweight items or heavy parcels, this service provides the flexibility and affordability SMBs need to succeed. Start using USPS Ground Advantage today to optimize logistics and grow your business.

Using tools like Easyship’s Shipping Rate Calculator, businesses can find the best shipping rates to keep customers happy and costs down. As shipping costs stay a big worry, using USPS Ground Advantage can help online store owners make more profit and run their businesses better.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

FAQs

Is USPS Ground Advantage better than Priority Mail?

USPS Ground Advantage is cheaper than Priority Mail but slower. It takes 2-5 business days, while Priority Mail takes 1-3 days. Both include tracking and insurance options. Choose Ground Advantage if you want to save money and don’t need fast delivery.

Can you use any box for USPS Ground Advantage?

Yes, you can use any strong box for USPS Ground Advantage. The box must be less than 70 pounds and measure less than 130 inches in length and girth combined. Make sure it is sturdy to protect your items.

How long does USPS Ground Advantage Shipping take to deliver?

USPS Ground Advantage shipping takes 2-5 business days. It is a good choice if you want to save money and don’t need quick delivery. You can track your package using USPS tracking service.

What is Ground Advantage Shipping USPS?

USPS Ground Advantage is a new shipping service that started on July 9, 2023. It replaced older services like USPS Parcel Select Ground, USPS Retail Ground, and First-Class Package Service. It’s a cheap and reliable way to send packages up to 70 pounds across the U.S., including to military bases and territories.

Is Ground Advantage the same as First Class Package Service?

No, Ground Advantage is not the same as First-Class Package Service. First-Class is for lightweight packages up to 13 ounces, while Ground Advantage is for packages up to 70 pounds. Ground Advantage is cheaper for bigger packages.

What box do I use for USPS Ground Advantage?

You can use any box that is strong and fits within the size limits for USPS Ground Advantage. The box should be less than 70 pounds and no more than 130 inches in combined length and girth. Make sure it is durable for ground shipping.

How long is ground shipping for USPS?

USPS Ground Advantage shipping usually takes 2-5 business days. It is a good option if you want to save money and don’t need your package to arrive quickly. You can track your package with USPS tracking.

Can you ship hazardous materials with USPS Ground Advantage?

Yes, you can ship hazardous materials (HAZMAT) with USPS Ground Advantage. It is the primary option for sending hazardous materials that cannot be shipped by air transportation. When using this service, make sure to follow all USPS hazmat guidelines.

Does USPS Ground Advantage include insurance?

Yes, USPS Ground Advantage comes with $100 of insurance for your packages. For added peace of mind, Easyship offers insurance options that cover up to $10,000, ensuring your shipments are protected while in transit.