Shipping
Comparing UPS Ground vs USPS Ground Advantage
- Written by Clare Dyckhoff
You’ve perfected your product range and now you are ready to ship to your customers, where do you begin?
With many different shipping solutions to choose from in the U.S. looking into the difference between FedEx, UPS and USPS can feel a bit overwhelming.
But to get started, weighing up the benefits of UPS and USPS, shipping software and shipping rates, is the best first step to find what works for your business.
Looking at UPS Ground and USPS Ground Advantage specifically, both are popular shipping options in the United States, each with their own set of features, benefits, and limitations.
We created a guide to help explain the differences between UPS Ground and USPS Priority and this time round it is all about UPS Ground vs USPS Ground Advantage to help you decide which might work best for your business.
Table of contents:
Why use ground shipping?
How long does it take to ship with UPS Ground?
How far does UPS Ground cover and reach?
How much does it cost?
What are the size and weight limits?
Pros
Cons
How long does it take to ship with USPS Ground Advantage?
How far does USPS Ground Advantage cover and reach?
How much does it cost?
What are the size and weight limits?
Pros
Cons
Where can I find shipping discounts?
Which is right for your business?
Why use Ground shipping?
Ground shipping is a popular choice for businesses that want to save money on shipping large or multiple loads. It is a cheaper solution than selling and shipping via air or a combination of ground and air, however it is slower and does take longer to get to the customer’s front door.
It may take longer than sending via air, but sticking to the ground alone can cut costs and also be less impacted by adverse weather conditions.
While it depends on what sort of items you are sending, heavier items are often best sent via Ground to be the most cost-effective way of shipping for businesses.
UPS Ground
UPS Ground is the standard shipping option and is a slower alternative to express shipping services but is often more reliable.
Packages sent this way are guaranteed to get to their destination in 6 business days depending on the location of pick up and delivery.
How long does it take to ship & when can they deliver?
Because of the lack of air transport involved, packages sent with UPS Ground do take longer than express services or sending via air. It typically takes 1-6 business days to ship via UPS Ground, depending on the distance between the delivery origin and destination.
Deliveries can be sent Monday to Friday but weekends are not readily available. To send on a Saturday will require an extra fee, something to consider for customers who might work during the week and rely on weekend deliveries.
How far does UPS Ground cover and reach?
UPS Ground prides itself on offering reliable delivery to all 50 states in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Though it is worth being aware that it does not send to P.O. Boxes.
Because of the lack of air transport this option is more limited than other services from UPS which can be covered more in our UPS shipping guide.
Tracking
For both businesses and customers alike, knowing where a package is and when it is going to arrive is especially important.
UPS Ground provides detailed 24/7 tracking information, with updates at various stages of the shipment process. This way, a customer can check themselves before having to get in touch with you, but in the event that they do, you can be confident in knowing where their shipment is at.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the weight, dimensions, and distance the package is going. In general, it is usually more expensive for heavier packages traveling longer distances.
For an idea of how much your average delivery might cost, UPS has their own shipping cost estimation calculator to help.
What are the size and weight limits?
UPS Ground shipments accept packages up to 150 lbs. and up to 165 inches in length and girth combined. This is because anything above these measurements might require freight shipping.
For more information including FAQs - check out UPS’ shipping dimension and weight page.
Pros of UPS Ground
Includes limited liability coverage and offers additional insurance for higher value items at an extra cost
No airplane fuel costs to consider - sent via the Ground only
Offers a range of delivery options, including delivery confirmation and signature required services
Known for robust customer service, with options for phone and online support, as well as in-person assistance at UPS Stores - in case you ever need it
Cons of UPS Ground
No guaranteed delivery date
No delivery to P.O. Boxes
Slower than air shipping
Long distance shippings can end up costing more than other services
Domestic only - this offering makes it impossible to ship internationally with USPS
Additional charges for weekend shipments
No scheduled delivery or package pick up available
USPS Ground Advantage
Shipping with USPS Ground Advantage is a different experience if you are operating with a personal account or a business account.
With regards to businesses, USPS Ground Advantage prides itself on being a reliable and affordable shipping option for businesses. If you are looking into services from USPS for small businesses, look no further.
How long does it take to ship & when can they deliver?
Packages sent with USPS Ground Advantage generally arrive within 2-5 business days.
They deliver Monday to Saturday at no extra cost, better for businesses who look for Saturday included at no extra fee (unlike UPS Ground).
There is also limited Sunday delivery in some areas in the U.S.
How far does USPS Ground Advantage cover and reach?
Similar to UPS Ground, USPS Ground Advantage ships to all 50 states, and also ships to U.S. military bases, territories, possessions and Freely Associated States, something that UPS does not currently offer.
Currently, USPS shipping zones are more flexible and varied than UPS Ground. For more information, check out our USPS shipping guide.
USPS Ground Advantage Tracking
Tracking is not as robust as UPS Ground. USPS does offer tracking, but the frequency and detail of updates may be less comprehensive compared to UPS - which might make it trickier for customers and your business trying to keep tabs on where it is.
How much does USPS Ground Advantage cost?
Pricing is generally more cost-effective for smaller, lighter packages - just like it is with UPS Ground.
The cost of the shipments is based on the weight and distance of the package, but USPS often has lower rates for comparable services.
It is worth noting that packages greater than 15.999 oz are charged by the pound up to 70 lbs (rounded up).
Some additional features include free package pickup available from your home or office, and $100 insurance is included (for both outbound and return shipments), with the option to purchase up to $5,000 in additional coverage against loss or damage.
For a clearer idea of what it might cost your business, USPS Ground Advantage pricing breaks down everything from parcels to letters and envelopes.
What are the size and weight limits?
Again, similarly to UPS Ground you will pay for your package based on how much it weighs and which zone it is going to.
Packages are limited to a maximum of 70 lbs. and 130 inches in length and girth combined. You will also need to use your own packaging and measure it to make sure it meets the size standards.
For an idea of what it might cost your business, check out their Business Postage Price Calculator.
Pros of USPS Ground Advantage
Flexible delivery options including hold for pickup at local post offices and delivery to P.O. Boxes.
Customer service support in the case of any confusion or support - via phone, online support, in-person assistance at post offices.
If merchandise includes any hazardous items that cannot go by air (HAZMAT), this option makes it possible.
USPS Ground Advantage Return is a convenient option for customers who need to send items back.
If you ship a large volume of small, heavy items, you can get cubic prices based on the package size and distance it is going instead of its weight.
Cons of USPS Ground Advantage
No guaranteed delivery date
Less tracking available compared to UPS Ground
Size and weight restrictions make it trickier for bigger packages
USPS has been known to be delayed during holidays
Urgent packages not ideal, but is a good solution for slower shipments
Where can I find shipping discounts?
Shipping directly with UPS Ground or USPS Ground Advantage carries many benefits to businesses, but for those who want to take the manual packaging and shipping aspect away - a UPS or USPS integration with a shipping software can help.
Instead of packaging up each and every shipment, you just have become familiar with creating shipping labels.
Shipping with Veeqo carries many benefits. Instead of looking at flat rate shipping with USPS on its own, by integrating with Veeqo you can buy discounted shipping labels access the lowest commercially available rates, based on our pre-negotiated pricing from UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL - and receive up to 5% back with Veeqo Credits.
Further reading: Benefits of Using Veeqo for USPS Shipping
UPS Ground vs USPS Ground Advantage: Which is best for your business?
Hopefully by the time you reach this point, being able to choose between the two shipping options feels a bit simpler. But if you are still wondering which is best, UPS Ground is often preferred for business shipments, larger or heavier packages, and when detailed tracking is important.
USPS Ground Advantage is ideal for lighter, smaller packages, personal shipments, and when cost savings are a priority. The choice between UPS Ground and USPS Ground Advantage largely depends on your specific shipping needs, including speed, cost, package size, and delivery preferences.
But do check their pricing calculators and consider where your shipment needs to get to. Some areas may not be covered by UPS Ground but are by USPS Ground Advantage, and if you partner with a shipping software like Veeqo, you do not need to worry about shipping at all - you can just focus on running your business!
Sign-up to Veeqo today, for free, and gain access to discounted shipping rates and multichannel inventory management software.
