Shipping is one of the most important aspects of running a successful online business. Whether you’re reselling thrift finds on eBay, running a small Shopify store, or shipping personal items, finding a reliable, affordable shipping option is critical. In July 2023, USPS introduced Ground Advantage, replacing Retail Ground, First-Class Package Service, and Parcel Select Ground. By 2025, Ground Advantage has become the go-to service for affordable and efficient shipping across the United States.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get USPS Ground Advantage, when to use it, and how it can save you money while keeping customers happy.
1. What Is USPS Ground Advantage?
USPS Ground Advantage is a nationwide shipping service that combines three former USPS services into one simplified option:
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Retail Ground
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First-Class Package Service
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Parcel Select Ground
By merging these, USPS eliminated confusion and gave sellers one clear, affordable ground-based option for shipping packages up to 70 lbs.
Key benefits include:
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Nationwide delivery in 2–5 business days
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Free tracking on all shipments
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$100 insurance included automatically (with option to purchase more)
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Flat, simple pricing structure compared to older USPS services
2. Why USPS Created Ground Advantage
USPS introduced Ground Advantage to:
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Simplify shipping options for sellers and small businesses
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Stay competitive with UPS Ground and FedEx Home Delivery
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Offer one standard ground-based service that covers lightweight packages (previously First-Class) and heavier boxes (previously Retail/Parcel Select Ground)
This means you don’t have to choose between multiple USPS ground services—Ground Advantage covers it all.
3. Eligibility and Package Requirements
Before you start using USPS Ground Advantage, make sure your package qualifies.
Weight & Size Limits:
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Maximum weight: 70 lbs
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Maximum length: 130 inches (length + girth combined)
Package Types Accepted:
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Boxes
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Padded envelopes
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Poly mailers
Restricted Items:
Certain hazardous materials (aerosols, lithium batteries, etc.) may have restrictions. Always check USPS’s updated prohibited items list.
4. How to Access USPS Ground Advantage
You can get USPS Ground Advantage labels in multiple ways:
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USPS Retail Locations
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Visit your local post office and request Ground Advantage at the counter.
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Suitable for small-scale shippers or those who don’t print labels at home.
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Online via USPS.com
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Create a free USPS account.
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Use “Click-N-Ship” to buy and print Ground Advantage labels.
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Third-Party Shipping Platforms
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If you sell on eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, Mercari, or Shopify, USPS Ground Advantage is already integrated into their shipping label options.
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Shipping software like Pirate Ship, ShipStation, or Stamps.com also offers discounted Ground Advantage rates.
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5. Step-by-Step Guide: Printing a Ground Advantage Label
Step 1: Weigh and measure your package (use a digital shipping scale for accuracy).
Step 2: Log in to USPS.com, or your marketplace dashboard.
Step 3: Choose “Ground Advantage” as the shipping service.
Step 4: Enter the recipient’s address and your return address.
Step 5: Pay for postage.
Step 6: Print the label on adhesive paper (or regular paper + tape).
Step 7: Drop off at your post office or schedule a free USPS pickup.
6. Rates and Cost Comparison
Ground Advantage offers zone-based pricing, meaning rates depend on package weight and shipping distance.
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Small/light items (under 1 lb): Typically start at around $4–$6.
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Medium/heavy packages: More affordable than Priority Mail for 2–5 day shipping.
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Discounted Rates: Using third-party software or e-commerce platforms can save up to 20–30% versus retail counter rates.
7. Insurance, Tracking, and Delivery Times
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Insurance: $100 coverage included free. Additional insurance can be purchased.
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Tracking: Every Ground Advantage shipment includes USPS tracking.
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Delivery Speed: 2–5 business days nationwide. Comparable to UPS Ground or FedEx Ground, often faster in regional zones.
8. When to Use Ground Advantage (Best Scenarios)
Ground Advantage is best for:
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E-commerce sellers shipping small to medium items (clothes, electronics, collectibles).
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Heavy packages up to 70 lbs when speed is less critical than cost.
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Cross-country shipments where Priority Mail might be too expensive.
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Subscription boxes or recurring shipments where cost savings compound over time.
Not ideal for:
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Overnight or urgent deliveries (use USPS Priority Express instead).
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Fragile or high-value items requiring advanced handling (consider insured carriers).
9. Case Study: A Reseller Cutting Costs with Ground Advantage
Background:
Jenna, an eBay reseller, ships about 150 packages a month, mostly clothing under 2 lbs. Previously, she used a mix of First-Class and Priority Mail.
Problem:
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Confusion over which USPS service to choose
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Higher costs for heavier clothing items like jackets
Solution:
After switching to Ground Advantage via eBay’s shipping labels:
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She reduced average shipping costs by 18% per package
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Simplified shipping setup by selecting one default USPS service
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Customers still received packages in 2–4 days, boosting positive feedback
Result:
Jenna now saves $400+ per month, directly increasing her profit margins.
10. Best Practices for Sellers and Shippers
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Invest in a postal scale to avoid overpaying.
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Use poly mailers for clothing to keep package weight low.
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Batch print labels to save time if you ship multiple orders daily.
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Schedule USPS pickups—free for Ground Advantage, saving trips to the post office.
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Leverage marketplace discounts (eBay, Etsy, Shopify) for cheaper rates.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overpaying at the counter: Always compare online vs retail rates.
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Wrong package type: Using Priority Mail packaging for Ground Advantage will be rejected.
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Not adding extra insurance: If selling high-value items (over $100), purchase additional coverage.
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Ignoring size rules: Oversized packages can be hit with surcharges.
12. Final Thoughts
By 2025, USPS Ground Advantage has become the backbone of affordable U.S. shipping for resellers, small businesses, and casual shippers alike. It combines the best of USPS’s previous ground services into a single, simplified, cost-effective solution.
If you’re selling online, integrating Ground Advantage into your shipping workflow can save you time, money, and customer complaints—all while keeping delivery times competitive with private carriers.
Whether you’re shipping lightweight eBay finds or heavier Shopify orders, USPS Ground Advantage is one of the most reliable and budget-friendly options available today.
