USPS Introduces Ground Advantage To Replace First Class Package Service

UPDATE 7-9-23

USPS Ground Advantage is now live, replacing First Class Package, Parcel Select Ground, and Retail Ground service.

Here are the current retail rates for USPS Ground Advantage:

And commercial rates:

UPDATE 5-13-23

USPS has announced Ground Advantage will launch July 9, 2023.

Starting July 2023
USPS will launch USPS Ground Advantage™ service, an affordable and reliable way for you to ship packages up to 70 lbs in 2–5 business days.

USPS Ground Advantage will combine USPS Retail Ground®, First-Class Package®, and Parcel Select Ground® services (as well as returns options such as First-Class Package Return® service and Ground Returns) into a single, streamlined ground shipping service.

USPS Ground Advantage is a perfect option for shippers of all sizes who want affordable domestic ground shipping to all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States.

Commercial Pricing & Returns for Businesses
For businesses interested in getting commercial pricing for USPS Ground Advantage, using USPS Ground Advantage Return Service to manage customer returns, or learning other ways USPS can power up your shipping and logistics, get in touch with a USPS® specialist.

Features & Benefits

• Packages delivered in 2–5 business days.
• Best-priced service for items up to 15.999 oz, based on weight (rounded up to 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 15.999 oz) and zone (distance).
• Packages greater than 15.999 oz are charged by the pound up to 70 lbs (rounded up).
• Free Package Pickup3 service at your home or office.
• Pay for postage using stamps, a self-service kiosk, Click-N-Ship® service, or at a Post Office™ location.
• Tracking is included.
• Business customers can use USPS Ground Advantage Return service as a convenient option for customers who need to send items back.
• $100 insurance is included (for both outbound and return shipments), and you can purchase up to $5,000 in additional coverage against loss or damage for merchandise.
• Primary option for sending hazardous materials (HAZMAT) that are only mailable using Ground Transportation.

USPS is introducing Ground Advantage service to replace existing First Class Package service, promising simple pricing, reliable service and affordable shipping solutions.

WASHINGTON — As part of its overall strategy to enhance its shipping offerings, the United States Postal Service today filed a procedural filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) notifying the commission of the Postal Service’s intention to replace its existing First-Class Package Service category with USPS Ground Advantage. USPS Ground Advantage will feature two-to five day service standards for packages up to 70 pounds.

The filing streamlines and simplifies package shipping options for customers and enhances the Postal Service’s ground product offering with the anticipated summer 2023 launch of its improved ground product — USPS Ground Advantage.

Improving Package Delivery For America

Over the past year, the Postal Service has focused on improving its package offerings by improving service reliability, lowering prices, and simplifying shipping product offerings:

Lower Prices for Shipping Services
In January 2022, the Postal Service implemented new pricing for Shipping Services. As a result of implementation of approved price changes, shipping rates for USPS Retail Ground products reduced by 7 percent, and rates for Parcel Select Ground reduced by 12 percent, on average. USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground prices remain at the lowered, January 2022 rates. Pricing tables are available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/notice123.htm.

Improved Reliability Through Upgraded Service Standards
In August 2022, the Postal Service implemented upgraded service standards for its USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground products, aligning service standards with the current First-Class Package Service product within the contiguous United States. Service standards for these products were accelerated from two-to-eight-days to two-to-five-days for the same affordable price.

Simplifying Shipping Product Offerings
On October 28, 2022, the Postal Service was granted approval by the PRC to remove USPS Retail Ground from the Competitive product list, eliminate Parcel Select Ground from the Parcel Select product, and expand First Class Package Service to 70lbs among other enhancements.

In today’s filing, the Postal Service is notifying the Commission of its intent to rename the First-Class Package Service product and introduce the Postal Service’s enhanced ground product — USPS Ground Advantage. USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground, and First-Class Package Service will be incorporated into USPS Ground Advantage.