USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail: The Best USPS Option for Your Package in 2025

In 2023, about 320 million Ground Advantage packages were shipped through the USPS. That same year, only 133 million expedited parcels were sent across the country. That’s a big difference. So, why are more people choosing Ground Advantage over a faster service like Priority Mail? In this post, we’ll look at what each service is, compare USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail, and explain the main benefits of both. That way, you can decide which one makes more sense for your shipping needs.

What Are USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail?

Before we jump into the detailed comparison, let’s first take a quick look at what these two USPS services are all about.

Ventajas terrestres de USPS 

Launched in 2023, Ground Advantage is a simpler, affordable option for everyday ground shipping. It’s mainly for non-urgent packages and is available to both retail and business customers. It also combines older return services like First-Class Package Return and Ground Returns to make handling returns easier for businesses.

USPS Priority Mail 

Priority Mail has been around for years and is USPS’s go-to fast shipping service. It’s built for time-sensitive or valuable shipments and works for both individuals and businesses. Features like 1 to 3 day delivery, Flat Rate boxes, and free Saturday delivery make it a top choice when speed and convenience matter.

Related read: Does USPS Deliver on Sunday or Saturday? 

USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail: In-depth Comparison

Now that we’ve covered what each service is, let’s break things down and see how they really compare: pricing, speed, coverage, returns, and everything else that actually matters.

To start, here’s a quick side-by-side look before we dive into the details.

Característica	Ventajas terrestres de USPS	USPS Priority Mail
Precio	From $5.25	From $9.35 (or $10.10 for flat rate)
Delivery Speed	2–5 business days	1–3 business days
Max Weight	70 lbs	70 lbs
Max Size	130 inches	108 inches
Seguimiento	Included	Included
Insurance	$100 included, up to $5,000 optional	$100 included, up to $5,000 optional
Return Support	Business returns supported	Limited refund eligibility

Precios 

Pricing is one of the biggest differences between USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail,  and for many shippers, it’s also the deciding factor.

Ventajas terrestres de USPS starts at $5.25, and pricing is based on both weight and distance (zone). The weight categories are broken down as follows:

• Up to 4 oz
• Up to 8 oz
• Up to 12 oz
• Up to 15.999 oz
• Then, each additional pound up to 70 lbs

Commercial users can access discounted rates, which is a plus for sellers shipping in volume.

Correo urgente comes in a few pricing formats:

• Flat Rate Envelope: from $10.10
• Flat Rate Box: from $10.65
• Your Own Box (by weight and zone): from $9.35

In most cases, Priority Mail is noticeably more expensive than Ground Advantage, especially for heavier shipments. That said, if your item fits perfectly in a flat-rate box, the cost difference may shrink a little.

If you’re shipping something lightweight, non-urgent, or cost-sensitive, Ground Advantage is often the smarter option. For full pricing charts, USPS offers detailed retail y commercial rates aquí.

Delivery Speed 

El tiempo de entrega is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a shipping service.

Most packages sent with Ventajas terrestres de USPS usually take 2 to 5 business days to arrive. But if you’re shipping to places like Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, or spots that need special handling, it might take longer. Packages with hazardous materials or live animals can also be delayed because of extra rules.

Por otro lado, Correo urgente usually delivers faster, with most shipments arriving in 2 to 3 business days.

Remember, actual delivery times depend on things like where the package is coming from and going to, when you drop it off, and how busy USPS is at that time.

Neither service promises exact delivery dates, but Priority Mail gets handled faster and given priority, which helps if you need your package there quickly.

Lectura recomendada: Understanding USPS “In Transit” Status and How to Handle It

Package Size and Weight Limits

Package weight

USPS keeps things simple when it comes to weight: both Ground Advantage and Priority Mail allow packages up to 70 pounds for domestic shipments. 

Package size 

Where things start to differ is in the size limits.

• Ground Advantage lets you ship packages up to 130 inches when you add the length and the girth (that’s the distance around the thickest part). If your package is between 108 and 130 inches, you’ll have to pay an oversized fee.
• Correo urgente is a bit stricter. For domestic shipments, the max combined length and girth is 108 inches. Bigger packages won’t qualify for regular Priority Mail. For international shipping, the rules depend on the destination country. It’s best to check USPS’s Calculadora de precios de envío al por menor.

Destination Coverage

Both services cover a wide range of US destinations, but there are a few small differences worth knowing.

Ventajas terrestres de USPS ships to:

• All 50 US states
• US military bases (APO/FPO/DPO addresses)
• US territories and possessions
• Freely Associated States, like the Marshall Islands and Micronesia

It’s a solid option for reaching every corner of the US, including more remote or off-the-mainland locations.

Correo urgente also ships to all of the above, plus international destinations. If you’re mailing something outside the US, Ground Advantage won’t work. You’ll need Priority Mail or another USPS international service.

Insurance and Claims

Both USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail come with up to $100 insurance included. This covers things like lost packages, damage, or missing items inside. If your shipment is worth more, you can buy extra insurance coverage up to $5,000.

The insurance applies as long as your package has a USPS tracking barcode and you pay retail or commercial rates. For envíos that are valuable, fragile, or expensive, it’s smart to add extra coverage.

If something goes wrong, you can file a claim online. USPS usually asks for your receipt, proof of value, and sometimes photos to process your claim.

Devoluciones

Ventajas terrestres de USPS is more return-friendly, especially for businesses. If you’re running a business, you can use USPS Ground Advantage Return Service to give your customers an easy way to send items back. It replaces older return services like First-Class Package Return and Ground Returns, combining them into one simpler option.

Correo urgente, on the other hand, isn’t built with returns in mind. If you buy regular Priority Mail postage without any add-ons, it’s not eligible for a refund, even if the package gets lost or delayed. Some Extra Services may qualify for a refund only if USPS fails to provide the promised service.

Here’s a breakdown of extra services:

So, if you’re running a small business or need a smoother return process, Ground Advantage offers more flexibility and control.

Seguimiento 

Both USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail include tracking at no extra cost. You don’t need to pay anything extra to know where your package is.

Leer más: UPS vs USPS: ¿Cuál servicio de envío es mejor en 2025?

The Advantages of USPS Ground Advantages

For All Customers

USPS Ground Advantage is built to be simple and budget-friendly without cutting corners on key features.

• Every shipment comes with free tracking, so you can follow your package from start to finish.
• You also get $100 of included insurance, even on return shipments. If you’re shipping something more valuable, you can add up to $5,000 in coverage.
• Paying for postage is easy. You can buy it online through Click-N-Ship, use a self-service kiosk, or just stop by your local Post Office.
• USPS also covers return to sender, mail forwarding, and handling of undeliverable mail at no extra cost.

For everyday senders, that’s a pretty solid deal, especially considering the lower shipping rates.

For Businesses

If you run a business, USPS Ground Advantage has a few extras that make your life easier.

• You can offer easy devoluciones to your customers using Ground Advantage Return Service, a streamlined way to handle items coming back to you.
• You may also qualify for commercial pricing, which brings the shipping cost down even further if you ship in volume.
• USPS offers support, too. You can reach out to a specialist to learn how to optimize logistics or get help with returns, tracking, and pricing.

If you’re looking for a reliable, low-cost shipping option that still feels professional, Ground Advantage can handle a lot without the extra fees.

The Advantages of Priority Mail

For All Customers

One of the biggest perks of Priority Mail is speed. Most packages arrive in just 1 to 3 business days, depending on the destination. Unlike Ground Advantage, Priority Mail shipments are processed faster and handled with higher priority in USPS’s system.

Other benefits include:

• Free tracking on every shipment
• $100 insurance included, with an option to upgrade up to $5,000
• Flat Rate shipping options for predictable costs
• Free Saturday delivery
• No extra charge for forwarding or returns if the package is undeliverable

For Businesses

Priority Mail also offers clear advantages for businesses:

• Faster delivery means happier customers, especially for time-sensitive products
• Flat Rate Boxes make shipping costs simpler, especially for heavier items going far
• USPS pickup service saves time for bulk shipments
• Priority handling reduces the chance of delay or damage
• Commercial pricing is available to help cut costs for regular shippers

USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail FAQs

1. How long does USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail take to deliver?

USPS Ground Advantage usually takes 2–5 business days to deliver, depending on distance. Priority Mail is faster—typically 1–3 business days. Keep in mind, these are estimates, not guarantees. Weather, holidays, or high-volume seasons can cause delays with either service.

2. Is USPS Ground Advantage the cheapest USPS service?

Yes, for most small or non-urgent packages, Ground Advantage is the cheapest option USPS offers. It’s more affordable than Priority Mail, especially for lighter items.

3. Is USPS Ground Advantage safer than Priority Mail?

Both services include tracking and $100 insurance, but Priority Mail tends to be safer overall. It gets handled faster and usually moves through fewer facilities, which lowers the risk of damage or loss. Ground Advantage is still reliable

4. How to track a Ground or Priority mail package?

Tracking works the same for both. After you ship the item, USPS gives you a tracking number. Just enter it on the USPS website or mobile app to see updates.

Final Thoughts: USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail, Which is the best option?

If you’re looking for affordable shipping for non-urgent items, USPS Ground Advantage is the clear choice. It’s cheaper, covers most destinations, and includes basic tracking.

But if you need your package to arrive faster, or you’re shipping something fragile, time-sensitive, or valuable, Priority Mail is worth the extra cost. You’ll get quicker delivery, better handling, and slightly more reliable tracking.

In the end, when it comes down to USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail, the choice really depends on what matters more to you—speed and priority or budget and coverage.

A Sup Dropshipping, we don’t just help you ship smarter. We also help you source quality products, manage orders, and pick the right shipping method for every item. Whether you go with Ground Advantage or Priority Mail, we’ve got your back from product to delivery.

Have questions or need help? Contáctenos and we’ll get back to you soon.