USPS Ground Advantage is a ground-only & US-domestic shipping service automatically used for packages under 16 ozs, and may be opted into for packages over 5 lbs. It's a combination of two now-discontinued shipping services:
- USPS First Class. Previously used for all packages < 16oz.
- USPS Parcel Select. Previously used for all packages containing HAZMAT items.
What this means for you
-
Label changes.
- Any shipment < 16oz now has a Ground Advantage label instead of a First Class label.
- Any shipment that has a HAZMAT item (electronics, fragrances, nail polish, see here for more info) now has a Ground Advantage label instead of a Parcel Select label.
- No change in prices. Ground Advantage has the same prices as First Class and Parcel Select. See prices here.
- No change in shipping speed. Ground Advantage has the same shipping speed as First Class and Parcel Select.
- Existing First Class and Parcel Select labels can still be shipped. There's no need to generate a new label.
Ground Advantage Eligibility for HAZMAT Items
- Ground Advantage is currently the only shipping method allowed for shipments that contain fragrances, nail polish, or electronic items
- When adding a listing for a fragrance, nail polish or electronics product in a show or in the marketplace, we will automatically charge the rate for Ground Advantage.
- If you see your label has automatically generated as a HAZMAT label, the sold item was likely listed under fragrance, nail polish or electronics category.
- HAZMAT rates can also be manually toggled on while creating a listing.
- If a buyer makes multiple purchases in your show that include at least one fragrance, nail polish or electronics item, all the items in that bundle will be shipped via Ground Advantage.
- Please follow the hazardous material shipping and packaging guidelines when shipping fragrance, nail polish and electronics items.
Ground Advantage Pricing
Parcels under 5 pounds will ship for $8.77 anywhere in the United States, excluding these zip codes:
After that, prices increase with the weight of the parcel, up to 70 lbs. To view all Ground Advantage prices broken down by weight, visit this USPS shipping price list and scroll down to Ground Advantage Commercial.
If you are found abusing our shipping pricing structure, you may be subject to corrective action and billed back for incorrect shipping charges.
FAQs
- Can I use the free shipping supplies provided by USPS for Ground Advantage packages?
- No, the free shipping supplies are for Priority Mail only. For Ground Advantage you will need to purchase your own packaging
If you are found abusing our shipping pricing structure, you may be subject to corrective action and billed back for incorrect shipping charges.