Ground Shipping Rates: Compare and Save on Standard Delivery
Ground shipping offers the best value for non-urgent packages. Compare UPS Ground, FedEx Ground, and USPS rates to find the cheapest option for your shipment.
What is the cheapest ground shipping option?
USPS Ground Advantage is typically the cheapest ground shipping option for packages under 10 lbs, starting at around $5.50. For heavier packages, FedEx Ground and UPS Ground offer competitive rates starting around $10-12. The cheapest option depends on package weight, dimensions, and distance. Generally, USPS wins for small packages while FedEx/UPS are better for larger, heavier shipments.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Ground Advantage | $5.50 | 2-5 Days | Cheapest |
| UPS | Ground | $11.85 | 1-5 Days | |
| FedEx | Ground | $10.95 | 1-5 Days | |
| FedEx | Home Delivery | $11.50 | 1-5 Days | |
| UPS | Ground (10 lbs) | $18.40 | 1-5 Days | |
| FedEx | Ground (10 lbs) | $17.80 | 1-5 Days |
Ground Advantage
Ground
Ground
Home Delivery
Ground (10 lbs)
Ground (10 lbs)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Understanding Ground Shipping Transit Times
Ground shipping uses trucks instead of planes, making it the most economical option. Transit times depend on the distance between origin and destination, measured in shipping zones.
Zone 1-2 (nearby): 1-2 business days
Zone 3-4 (regional): 2-3 business days
Zone 5-6 (cross-regional): 3-4 business days
Zone 7-8 (cross-country): 4-5 business days
Both UPS and FedEx offer zone charts and transit time maps on their websites. If you are shipping within your region, ground shipping often delivers just as fast as 3-day express at a fraction of the cost.
UPS Ground vs FedEx Ground vs USPS
USPS Ground Advantage replaced the old Parcel Select and Retail Ground services. It is the cheapest option for packages under 70 lbs and includes tracking. Best for packages under 10 lbs where USPS rates are significantly lower.
FedEx Ground offers consistent transit times and excellent tracking. It tends to be slightly cheaper than UPS for most routes and is preferred by many e-commerce businesses.
UPS Ground has the largest network and most pickup options. It is reliable for business-to-business shipments and offers guaranteed delivery dates in some areas.
FedEx Home Delivery is specifically for residential addresses, delivering Tuesday through Saturday with evening options available.
When Ground Shipping Makes Sense
Ground shipping is the smart choice for most shipments. Use it when:
- Time is not critical - You can wait 3-5 days for delivery
- You are shipping regionally - Ground often delivers in 2 days within your zone
- Cost is the priority - Ground saves 50-70% vs express options
- You are shipping heavy items - The savings increase with weight
- You have multiple packages - Volume discounts on ground are substantial
Consider upgrading from ground when: you have a deadline less than 5 days away, you are shipping coast to coast with a 4-day deadline, or the recipient is paying for faster shipping.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use USPS for Packages Under 5 lbs
USPS Ground Advantage is significantly cheaper than UPS/FedEx Ground for lightweight packages.
Check Zone-Based Transit Times
Ground shipping within your region (zones 1-3) often arrives in 2-3 days - nearly as fast as express.
Avoid Dimensional Weight Penalties
Use the smallest box possible. Large, lightweight packages get charged based on size, not weight.
Schedule Pickups Strategically
UPS and FedEx offer free daily pickup for accounts with volume. Drop-offs are free but take more time.
Consider FedEx for Residential
FedEx Home Delivery delivers Tuesday through Saturday, while UPS Ground delivers Monday through Friday.
Ship Early in the Week
Packages shipped Monday arrive mid-week. Thursday shipments may not arrive until the following Monday or Tuesday.
Use Ground for Heavy Packages
Express shipping costs skyrocket for heavy packages. Ground keeps costs reasonable even for 50+ lb shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ground shipping takes 1-5 business days depending on the distance. Nearby destinations (same state or neighboring states) typically receive packages in 1-2 days. Cross-country shipments take 4-5 business days. Check the carrier zone map for accurate estimates.
- It depends on the package. USPS Ground Advantage is usually cheapest for packages under 5-10 lbs. For heavier packages (10+ lbs), FedEx Ground and UPS Ground become more competitive. Always compare rates for your specific package.
- Yes, all ground shipping services include tracking. USPS Ground Advantage, UPS Ground, and FedEx Ground all provide tracking numbers with scan updates at pickup, in transit, and delivery.
- FedEx Home Delivery delivers to residential addresses on Saturdays at no extra charge. UPS Ground delivers Monday through Friday only. USPS Ground Advantage may deliver on Saturdays depending on your local post office schedule.
- USPS Ground Advantage accepts packages up to 70 lbs. UPS Ground and FedEx Ground both accept packages up to 150 lbs. For heavier items, you will need LTL freight services.
- UPS Ground offers guaranteed delivery dates in some areas and will refund if late. FedEx Ground provides estimated delivery dates but no money-back guarantee. USPS Ground Advantage is not guaranteed.
- Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is calculated by multiplying length x width x height and dividing by a DIM factor (typically 139 for domestic ground). Carriers charge whichever is greater: actual weight or DIM weight. This prevents large, light packages from being underpriced.
- Limited hazardous materials can ship via ground with proper labeling and packaging. ORM-D consumer commodities, limited quantities of chemicals, and lithium batteries (with restrictions) are often allowed. Check carrier guidelines for specific requirements.
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