USPS Ground Advantage – Your Mail Will Change Thanks to USPS
USPS hasn’t changed much over the years, but when they do, we all feel it. Whether it’s a few extra pennies for a stamp, which happened this year as well, or extra surcharges not previously invoiced. We all have felt their impact. What else can you expect from the 250 plus year old anchor of the US parcel delivery service? The point is, with change in shipment methods, small businesses have to adjust their P&L’s as this expense can account for the lion share of spend, on average sitting around 60% of total spend. Chiefly, It’s important to better understand this shipment method to maximize what USPS offers for your DTC business.
Package delivery improved.
USPS has worked hard over the past year to enhance its package services by enhancing service dependability, reducing costs, and streamlining shipping product offers:
- Reduced costs for shipping services: A new shipping service price was introduced by the Postal Service in January 2022. Shipping costs for Parcel Select Ground products decreased by an average of 12%, while costs for USPS Retail Ground products decreased by an average of 7% as a result of the implementation of approved price modifications. Prices for USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground are still at the January 2022 reductions. On the USPS website at pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/notice123.htm, you can see pricing tables.
- Upgraded Service Standards Improve Reliability: For its USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground products, the Postal Service upgraded service standards in August 2022, bringing them into line with those of the current First-Class Package Service product. For the same low cost, service standards for these products were shortened from two to eight days to two to five days.
- Offerings for Shipping Products Are Simplified: The expansion of the First Class Package Service to 70lbs, USPS made it clear they are looking to make things easier for their customers. In the filing made on 02-10-23, USPS informed the Commission of its intention to rebrand the First-Class Package Service product and launch USPS Ground Advantage. USPS Ground Advantage will integrate USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground, and First-Class Package Service.
What does this mean for my business?
USPS Ground Advantage is a new name for the USPS First class service. Additionally, the expansion to 70 lbs opens up some new doors as well. Some of the factors that go into choosing the right shipment method for your product will always remain the same. Such as:
- Is my packaging dimensionally sound to avoid up-charges for dimensional weight.
- Which service level does our SLA promise our customers?
- My experience with said shipment method and what we prefer.
- Tracking capabilities or deficiencies.
This process of selecting the right shipment method can be arduous, we understand that. Putting yourself into position to zone skip, take advantage of new packaging, etc. Is key to making the right decision for your postage method. USPS ground advantage is making that process easier for their customers.
How does Falcon make this easier for me?
Above all we strive for a frictionless onboarding. As a matter of fact, we analyze 90 days of shipment data during the discovery process. This helps us understand your operations, shipment methods, etc. Being at the front of this process is crucial and we want to make sure you have a clear understanding.
USPS has made significant improvements to its package delivery services. These changes include cost reductions for shipping services, upgraded service standards, and simplified shipping product offerings. Small businesses, who typically allocate a substantial portion of their budgets to shipping expenses, should take advantage of these enhancements to optimize their shipping methods. Falcon Fulfillment supports businesses in navigating these changes for a smoother postage process by analyzing shipment data during onboarding.
If you’re looking for a reliable partner in the shipping business, contact us to learn more about Falcon’s top tier services.
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