Parcel Select vs Ground Advantage: Shipping Options Compared

If you're looking for a cost-effective shipping option for your business, you're likely considering Parcel Select and Ground Advantage. Both options are popular among e-commerce sellers, but they have distinct differences that set them apart.

Parcel Select is a service offered by the US Postal Service (USPS) that provides affordable and reliable ground shipping. It's ideal for packages weighing up to 70 pounds and measuring up to 130 inches in length and girth combined.

Ground Advantage, on the other hand, is a UPS shipping option that offers a similar level of service to Parcel Select. It's designed for packages weighing up to 70 pounds and has a maximum length and girth of 130 inches combined. Ground Advantage is a good choice for businesses that need a more flexible shipping schedule.

Ground Advantage can be an economical choice for shipping, especially for heavy items, as it's often cheaper than Priority Mail.

For heavy packages, Ground Advantage is often the more affordable option, making it a great choice for businesses or individuals who need to ship large or heavy items.

You can also leverage platforms like Ordoro, an authorized USPS partner, to get discounted commercial shipping rates.

Ordoro's discounted rates can help you save even more on your shipping costs, making Ground Advantage an even more attractive option.

Here's a brief comparison of the two shipping options:

Ground Advantage is a good choice for non-urgent items, as it's more affordable than Priority Mail.

Parcel Select and Ground Advantage are two popular shipping options offered by USPS. Parcel Select is generally cheaper than Retail Ground, costing up to 59% less for comparable services.

Both Parcel Select and Ground Advantage have similar delivery times, taking around two to eight days to deliver packages. However, Ground Advantage is often more affordable for heavier items, particularly when using platforms like Ordoro.

Here's a quick comparison of the two services:

Note that Ground Advantage is designed for non-urgent shipments, making it a cost-effective option for heavier, non-perishable items.

The cheapest option between Parcel Select and Ground Advantage depends on several factors, including the weight and size of your package.

Parcel Select is generally the cheapest option, costing up to 59% less than Retail Ground. This is because Parcel Select is a Commercial Pricing service that's not available at the Post Office, whereas Retail Ground is a comparable Retail service.

If you're shipping a package that exceeds 1 cubic foot, you'll be charged the dimensional weight, which is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package and dividing by 166. This can save you money if your package is large but not heavy.

Packages exceeding 70 pounds are also charged the dimensional weight, so it's essential to check the weight and size of your package before choosing a shipping option.

Here's a comparison of the two services:

In terms of delivery time, both Parcel Select and Retail Ground take around two to eight days to deliver packages, so you don't have to worry about sacrificing speed for cost savings.

The Cubic option is a game-changer for businesses shipping heavy items. This pricing method is based on the package size and distance, rather than its weight.

If you ship a large volume of small, heavy items, you can get cubic prices that are based on the package size and distance it’s going instead of its weight. This can lead to significant cost savings.

USPS Ground Advantage allows for large packages up to 130 inches in combined length and girth, making it a great option for shipping heavy items.

To ensure a smooth shipping process, it's essential to understand the requirements and restrictions for Ground Advantage.

Your package must meet specific weight, size, and shape standards, which include a maximum weight of 70 lbs and a maximum combined length and girth of 130 inches.

For large First-Class Mail envelopes, you'll need to pay the Ground Advantage price if they're more than 15" long, 12" high, or 3/4" thick, and also if they're rigid or not uniformly thick.

Here are the price tiers for Ground Advantage:

Items over 15.999 oz will round up to 1 lb and pay pound-rate prices, with a maximum weight of 70 lbs.

As a business owner, you're likely looking for ways to save on shipping costs without sacrificing too much in terms of delivery time. USPS Ground Advantage is a great option for non-urgent packages, especially those that are heavy.

Ground Advantage packages are delivered in 2-5 business days and come with USPS Tracking service included in the price. You can pay for postage using stamps, a self-service kiosk, Click-N-Ship, or at a Post Office.

One of the best things about Ground Advantage is its pricing structure. It's 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).

Here are some key features of Ground Advantage:

In comparison, Parcel Select is a Commercial Pricing service that offers cheaper rates than Retail Ground. However, it's not available at the Post Office, and the maximum size for Parcel Select Ground is a combined length and girth of 130 inches.