UPS® Ground Shipping: Rates, Discounts & Cost-Saving Tips

Shipping is a cornerstone of eCommerce success. Choosing the right option can lower costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. For businesses in the United States, UPS Ground Shipping stands out as a dependable and affordable solution. Offering guaranteed delivery within 1–5 business days, it’s a smart choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking to streamline logistics.

This guide explores the ins and outs of UPS Ground Shipping, from features and pricing to tips for maximizing its value.

What Is UPS Ground Shipping?

UPS Ground Shipping is a domestic delivery service that ensures packages reach their destination within a specific timeframe. It relies on ground transportation, such as trucks, to deliver ground packages across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This method reduces costs compared to air shipping, making it ideal for businesses shipping non-urgent goods.

For example, if you’re running an online store selling home goods, UPS Ground can deliver items reliably while keeping expenses manageable. Features like tracking and day-definite delivery add transparency and predictability, helping you build trust with your customers.

What Is The Weight And Size Limit For UPS Ground?

UPS Ground can handle packages up to 150 pounds with a combined length and girth limit of 165 inches. This flexibility allows businesses to ship a wide range of products, from small parcels to heavy equipment.

The size of the UPS box is one of the factors that decide the shipping cost. It’s essential that you properly measure the dimensions of your parcel to choose the perfect box size to reduce shipping costs.

Can You Track UPS Ground?

UPS Ground shipping offers 24/7 tracking for packages, allowing you to monitor the status of your shipments in real-time. This feature provides instant access to detailed tracking information, helping you and your customers stay informed about the delivery progress. With UPS’s robust tracking system, you can ensure transparency and build trust with your customers by keeping them updated every step of the way.

How Many Days Does UPS Ground Take?

UPS guarantees delivery within 1–5 business days, depending on the distance between the origin and destination. For example:

• 1–2 Days: Shipments within the same state or neighboring regions
• 3–5 Days: Cross-country shipments or deliveries to remote areas

Using UPS’s Time-in-Transit Map can provide an accurate estimate of delivery times based on your ZIP code.

Comparing UPS Ground With Other Ground Shipping Options

UPS, USPS, and FedEx are all very reliable courier companies which have a range of services. So how does UPS Ground compare to equivalent services from USPS and FedEx?

UPS Ground vs. USPS Ground Advantage®

UPS Ground handles larger packages (up to 150 pounds) and provides more detailed tracking than USPS Ground Advantage. However, USPS may be better for smaller, lighter shipments.

UPS Ground vs. FedEx Ground®

Both services offer similar delivery times, but UPS Ground includes Saturday delivery at no additional cost, making it a preferred choice for weekend shipments.

Here’s a comparison table breaking down these services to understand their differences. These are indicative rates to gain deeper knowledge into these options. We will use a box weighing 8.8 lbs shipped from Rochester, New York to Chicago, Illinois to illustrate the differences in delivery time and rates.

How Much Does UPS Ground Cost?

Here are some indicative rates for different UPS services to see how they compare with UPS Ground.

Shipping From: Rochester, New York

‍Shipping To: Chicago, Illinois

‍Box Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 in‍

Box Weight: 8.8 lbs

The cost of UPS Ground depends on several factors:

• Distance: The farther the destination, the higher the shipping cost.
• Size and Weight: Larger or heavier packages incur higher fees, especially if they exceed standard dimensions.
• Additional Services: Options like insurance, delivery confirmation, or special handling can increase the total.

What Are The Different Service Types of UPS

UPS offers a wide range of shipping options to cater to different business needs. With UPS, you can choose from various services that provide guaranteed delivery, Saturday delivery, and customs clearance. Whether you need to ship packages domestically or internationally, UPS has a shipping service that suits your requirements.

For businesses needing fast delivery, services like UPS Next Day Air and UPS 2nd Day Air ensure your packages arrive quickly. If you’re shipping internationally, options such as UPS Worldwide Expedited, UPS Worldwide Express, and UPS Worldwide Saver offer reliable and efficient delivery with customs clearance included. These services are designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses, ensuring that your shipments reach their destinations on time and in excellent condition.

UPS offers various shipping options for different needs. Understanding how UPS Ground compares helps you decide which service to use for specific shipments:

• UPS Next Day Air: Fast delivery for time-sensitive shipments, ensuring arrival the next business day.
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Balances speed and cost, delivering items within two business days.
• UPS 3 Day Select: Provides a cost-effective solution for shipments that can wait three business days.

For non-urgent deliveries, UPS Ground remains the most economical option.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.

FAQs

Does UPS Ground include insurance?‍

Yes, packages are automatically covered for up to $100 in declared value.

How can I reduce shipping costs?‍

Use third-party platforms like EasyPost to access discounted rates and streamline your logistics.

Is UPS Ground suitable for small businesses?‍

Yes, it’s an excellent choice for businesses looking to balance cost and reliability.

How long does UPS Ground delivery take?‍

UPS Ground delivers in 1–5 business days, depending on the destination.

Does UPS Ground deliver on Saturday or Sunday?‍

Yes, UPS Ground delivers on Saturdays, but Sunday delivery is only available through UPS SurePost in select areas.

What are the size and weight limits of UPS Ground?‍

Packages can weigh up to 150 pounds and measure up to 108 inches in length or 165 inches in combined length and girth.

Will my UPS Ground shipment have delivery tracking?‍

Yes, UPS Ground includes free 24/7 tracking so you can monitor your shipment's progress.

Does UPS Ground have shipping insurance included?‍

UPS Ground automatically includes up to $100 in declared value liability for shipments.

Is there a time delivery guarantee for UPS Ground?‍

Yes, UPS Ground provides day-definite delivery within the 1–5 business day timeframe.

How can I access UPS Ground discounts?‍

Sign up with platforms like Easyship to access discounts of up to 88%.

Where can I drop off my UPS Ground packages?‍

You can drop off UPS Ground shipments at UPS Stores, authorized shipping centers, or UPS Access Point locations.