Shipping
USPS Ground Advantage vs First Class vs Priority Mail
- Written by Rachael Pilcher
If you’re scouring the internet looking for the most reliable and cost-effective shipping method to send your ecommerce orders out, USPS ticks all the boxes.
This carrier has been shipping to people all over the USA for the last 250 years — so they know a thing or two about getting your parcels to every corner of the country on time!
USPS offers a wide range of services to help you safely send products of all sizes, weights, and shapes. So whether you’re selling instant underpants or giant inflatable penguins, you can offer your customers a postage option that meets their needs in terms of cost and speed.
In this article, we’re comparing the benefits of USPS Ground Advantage vs First Class vs Priority Mail, so you can decide which of these popular solutions are the best fit. We’ll also show you how you can save even more on USPS postage when you use Veeqo’s free shipping software.
Table of contents
USPS Ground Advantage overview
Pros and cons of USPS Ground Advantage
USPS First Class overview
Pros and cons of USPS First Class
USPS Priority Mail overview
Pros and cons of USPS Priority Mail
USPS Ground Advantage overview
In 2023, USPS decided to retire some of its existing shipping and returns services: USPS Retail Ground, USPS Parcel Select Ground, USPS First-Class Package Service, Ground Returns, and First-Class Package Return Service.
In their place, USPS launched Ground Advantage. This service was designed to give businesses a new ground shipping option built on an improved postal logistics network, and using USPS’ unparalleled last-mile delivery route system.
What is USPS Ground Advantage?
USPS Ground Advantage is one of the best options for ecommerce sellers who are looking for a reliable, cost-effective solution to ship orders to customers in the USA.
It offers a good balance of low pricing and speed, and gives customers peace of mind with built-in tracking and insurance.
Packages can be delivered in any USPS shipping zones within the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii, PO Boxes, and military addresses. The delivery window is 2-5 days.
As the name implies, orders sent by Ground Advantage will travel on the road using the USPS postal network. This makes it a perfect solution for sending large or bulky items, and products that are prohibited from being sent by air for any reason.
What are the shipping size and weight limits?
USPS doesn’t offer free packaging for Ground Advantage, so you’ll need to carefully wrap items using your own choice of packing materials. You’ll need to comply with specific weight and size restrictions when you ship with this service, and make sure you measure parcels accurately.
The maximum weight for parcels is 70 pounds, and the maximum combined length and girth is 130 inches. If you exceed these limits, you could be charged $100 for sending an oversized package.
Does USPS Ground Advantage deliver on Saturday and Sunday?
USPS Ground Advantage doesn’t deliver on Sundays, but your parcels can get delivered on Saturdays at no extra charge.
Does USPS Ground Advantage ship internationally?
There’s no option for sending parcels outside of the USA using Ground Advantage. You’ll need to use an alternative USPS service such as Priority Mail International instead. Further reading: How To Ship Internationally With USPS
How much does USPS Ground Advantage cost?
Postage prices with this service are based on package weight, volume, and shipping distance. You’ll need to source your own packaging, print your shipping labels, and factor everything into the total parcel price. USPS doesn’t offer free boxes or flat rates for Ground Advantage.
The lighter and smaller your parcel is, and the less distance it has to travel, the cheaper it will be to send — and vice versa.
Prices start from:
You can check the current USPS Ground Advantage pricing tiers here.
Pros and cons of USPS Ground Advantage
Pros of USPS Ground Advantage
Good balance of cost versus speed
Ships items up to 70 pounds
Tracking and insurance included
Free package pickup
The only USPS service that lets you ship hazardous (HAZMAT) items that can’t travel by air
Cons of USPS Ground Advantage
No flat-rate shipping
No free USPS packaging available
Slower than other USPS services
USPS First Class overview
First Class mail is a general term for the global class of mail that covers standard mailing items like letters, A4 documents, postcards, and those annoying utility bills.
It isn’t considered a priority service, as it’s designed more for everyday needs. Basically, if an item can be sent in a standard-sized flat, rectangular envelope with a stamp on it, it will probably be considered as a first class mail item.
What is USPS First Class?
The USPS First Class service is a super affordable and easy way to send postcards, letters, and large envelopes using the USPS postal network.
If you’re an ecommerce seller sending items like sticker sheets, postcards, gift cards, or letters that weigh less than 13 ounces, this is by far the most budget-friendly way of getting them to your customers in the USA.
First Class also includes forwarding and return services, and extra services like Registered Mail and Certified Mail can be purchased by customers for a small fee.
What are the shipping size and weight limits?
Your First Class mail items need to be “standard” letter sizes, sent in flat, rectangular envelopes that can easily be mailed via a post box and processed easily by post office machines.
For an item to be eligible for First Class shipping, the envelope must be a minimum of 3.5 inches x 5 inches, and 0.007 inches thick. It must not measure more than 6.125 inches x 11.5 inches, or be more than 1.25 inches thick.
USPS can charge an extra fee if you’re trying to send items that fall outside of the First Class mail size and weight restrictions, so it’s a good idea to check their size guidelines before using this service, or choose USPS Ground Advantage instead.
Does USPS First Class deliver on Saturday and Sunday?
USPS doesn’t deliver mail on Sundays, but your First Class mail can be delivered on Saturdays for no extra fee.
Does USPS First Class ship internationally?
USPS offers shipping to 180 countries outside the USA using the First Class Mail International service. If you’re sending postcards or letters weighing up to 3.5 ounces, or large envelopes weighing up to 15.994 ounces, this is one of the most cost effective options.
The cost for shipping with this method depends on the size and weight of the envelope you’re sending, as well as the destination. However, if you’re sending letters or postcards under 1 ounce, you can use a USPS Global Forever stamp, which currently costs $1.55.
Insurance and tracking isn’t included for First Class international, but customers can purchase a Certificate of Mailing or Registered Mail option for an additional fee.
You can check the current First Class International pricing table here.
How much does USPS First Class cost?
USPS First Class prices vary depending on the size and weight of the envelope you’re sending.
If your item weighs less than 1 ounce, you can use USPS First Class Mail Forever stamps, which cost $0.68 and will never expire, even if the First Class postage rate goes up. If you’re conscious of costs, this is a fantastic option.
You can view the current prices for USPS First Class here.
Pros and cons of USPS First Class
Pros of USPS First Class
USPS’ most budget-friendly service for items up to 13 ounces
Flat-rate price for items up to 3.5 ounces
Has an international shipping option
Cons of USPS First Class
Slower than other USPS services
Only for standard-sized letters and envelopes, not parcels
Not insured or tracked
You can be charged an extra fee if your item is sent in a square or vertical envelope, if it is oversized or lumpy, or if it has clasps, string, or buttons on the outside.
USPS Priority Mail overview
The USPS Priority Mail service offers a balance of speediness and affordability, and can deliver your letters and packages to anywhere in the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii, military addresses, and PO Boxes.
Priority Mail also gives you the option of sending your parcels based on weight and dimension, or using free USPS flat rate envelopes or boxes.
What is USPS Priority Mail?
USPS Priority Mail is a domestic shipping service for packages weighing up to 70 pounds. It offers faster shipping than Ground Advantage, with a delivery window of 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days based on where your package from, and where it’s going to. It’s worth noting that this is not a guaranteed service.
If your customers need urgent shipping, you can use the USPS Priority Mail Express service instead. This has all the features of Priority Mail, but offers guaranteed overnight and 2-day delivery to many USA destinations.
It’s more expensive than standard Priority Mail, but it’s an ideal solution if customers need orders to arrive fast.
What are the shipping size and weight limits?
Like Ground Advantage, Priority Mail lets you ship items up to the USPS maximum weight of 70 pounds.
However, the maximum length and girth you can send with this service is only 108 inches. If your package measures more than this, Ground Advantage might be a safer option to avoid the hefty USPS oversized item charges.
With Priority Mail, you can order free shipping supplies from USPS to pack your orders in, saving you paying for extra packaging costs.
Does USPS Priority Mail deliver on Saturday and Sunday?
Like Ground Advantage and First Class, Priority Mail packages won’t get delivered on Sundays, but they can be delivered on Saturday at no extra cost to your customers.
Does USPS Priority Mail ship internationally?
USPS offers a Priority Mail International service which ships to 180 countries outside the USA. You can either use USPS flat rate boxes to keep costs down, or ship based on your package size, weight, and destination. Check out the current Priority Mail International shipping rates here.
How much does USPS Priority Mail cost?
USPS Priority Mail pricing is determined by how your parcel is packaged. If you use a USPS flat rate shipping packet, such as a Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope or Flat Rate Box, you’ll pay a flat shipping price for any item up to 70 pounds that’s being delivered within the United States.
If you’re not using USPS flat rate packaging, you’ll be charged based on your business shipping address, parcel destination, and dimensions.
USPS personal and business accounts have different pricing structures. To check the current prices for each, view the USPS pricing chart here.
Pros and cons of USPS Priority mail
Pros of USPS Priority Mail
Ideal for buyers who want faster delivery than Ground Advantage
Parcels often travel on the same network as Priority Mail Express items
Tracking and insurance included
USPS Package Pickup and Pickup on Demand services are available
Free forwarding and returns
Free USPS packaging
Cons of USPS Priority Mail
Can cost more than other USPS domestic services depending on parcel size and transit distance
No delivery time guarantee
There are restrictions on items that can be sent (e.g. no plants, or packages that require a signature on delivery)
Comparing USPS Ground Advantage vs First Class vs Priority Mail at a glance
| Ground Advantage | First Class | Priority Mail |
Delivery days | Monday - Saturday | Monday - Saturday | Monday - Saturday |
Package dimensions | Ship packages up to 70 pounds and 130 inches in girth | Send standard letter and postcard sizes up to 13 ounces | Ship packages up to 70 pounds and 108 inches in girth |
Delivery area | All US states including Alaska, Hawaii, military addresses, and PO Boxes | All US states including Alaska, Hawaii, military addresses, and PO Boxes | All US states including Alaska, Hawaii, military addresses, and PO Boxes |
Delivery time | 2-5 business days | 1-5 business days | 1-3 business days |
Insurance and tracking | Insured and tracked | Not insured or tracked | Insured and tracked for most shipments |
Further reading: Ultimate USPS Shipping Guide
How to get even cheaper USPS shipping with Veeqo
USPS shipping services and pricing tables can be overwhelming when you’re trying to decide which is the best option for your customers. That’s why many ecommerce sellers choose to use business shipping software with a native USPS integration like Veeqo.
You can eliminate all of your decision-making headaches when it comes to shipping options, as well as saving your business a ton of time and money.
Simply create your free Veeqo account, connect your ecommerce stores and marketplaces, and click on an order. Our automatic rate-shopping tool will show you the cheapest shipping rates at a glance - no complicated USPS pricing tables or calculators required.
Select the best option for your customer, print your shipping label, and you’re ready to send.
With Veeqo, you can access the lowest commercially available rates, based on our pre-negotiated pricing from USPS. You’ll also get the lowest commercial rates from FedEx, UPS, and DHL if you want to offer your customers even more shipping flexibility.
As well as instant savings on carriers, you can get up to 5% back with Veeqo Credits. Using Veeqo’s free shipping software already saves ecommerce sellers an average of $1,200 a year!
Further reading:
Choosing the right USPS service can have a big impact on your shipping costs, delivery times, and overall customer satisfaction.
Ultimately, it’s a great idea to offer your customers a variety of shipping options so they can make their own decisions when they order from your store. So if you’re on the fence between USPS Ground Advantage vs First Class vs Priority Mail — you could simply choose to offer all of them!
USPS Ground Advantage is one of the best all-round shipping methods out there, especially if your customers aren’t in a rush to get their orders. And if fast delivery is crucial? USPS Priority Mail is our top pick.
Sign-up free to use Veeqo and see how easy ecommerce shipping can be. You’ll be able to access the lowest commercially available rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL — so you can start saving from your very first shipment.
