What is UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost is an economy shipping service for non-urgent needs. Typically, when something is sent in the mail, UPS delivers the package from the sender to the recipient directly. This means that UPS delivers single packages to a single location, no matter the distance, which can uptick shipping costs. With SurePost, UPS works with the United Postal Service (USPS) to deliver packages more cheaply and effectively. UPS picks up the package, and the final delivery is made by USPS. UPS SurePost is a contract-only service, meaning you must sign up for the service with UPS directly. Go to your local UPS store to sign up for yourself or your business. SurePost delivers Monday through Sunday, and packages take between 2 to 6 days to arrive once shipped. This shipping service is ideal for packages that are less than 10 lb (4,500 g). Packages can be tracked using UPS’s online tracker; however, deliveries may not be updated once transferred to USPS’s care. SurePost offers a carbon neutral shipping option; however, additional fees may apply.
How much does UPS SurePost Cost?
A 1 lb (450 g) package can cost between $11 and $14. In 2023, shipping a 1 lb (450 g) package with UPS SurePost in the United States cost as little as $11.17 and at most $13.97. The area you live in determines how low or high the overall cost is. To find your shipping zone’s exact pricing, check out this chart. To ship with SurePost, packages must be under 130 in (330 cm) and weigh between 1 oz (28 g) and 70 lb (32,000 g). The more an item weighs, the more costly shipping will be. For instance, a 1 lb (450 g) package can cost $11.17, but a 10 lb (4,500 g) package costs $19.45. Similarly, bound printed matter is priced by weight with identical rates.
Packages less than 1 lb (450 g) cost between $11.09 and $13.86. Depending on where you live, a package weighing less than 1 lb (450 g) can cost anywhere from $11.09 to $13.86 (as of 2023). As long as the package is under 1 lb (450 g), the shipping rate stays the same, no matter the specific weight.
Additional charges are added to larger or wider packages. The length and overall size of your package can put surcharges on SurePost shipping. Take a look at the additional charges and rates below: Any package with L x W x H more than 2 cubic feet (3456 cubic inches) is an additional $18. Any package with the longest side measuring more than 30 in (76 cm) and not exceeding 48 in (120 cm) is an additional $6. Any package with the longest side measuring more than 22 in (56 cm) and not exceeding 30 in (76 cm) is an additional $2.
Pros & Cons of UPS SurePost
Pros Cost-effective: UPS SurePost is cheaper than UPS’s regular ground shipping service. Ultimately, businesses and consumers can save around 20% on shipping overall. Reliable: It may take longer to ship items with SurePost, but the economical shipping service is still incredibly reliable. Tracking from UPS and USPS is available at no additional cost. Wide delivery area: SurePost delivers to most residential areas in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Keep in mind that shipping outside of the continental US may take an additional 1 to 2 weeks of shipping.
Cons Longer delivery times: UPS SurePost requires UPS and USPS to collaborate, which might make shipping times longer by a day or two. Limited package size: SurePost is ideal for packages 10 lb (4,500 g) or less, with a surcharge for packages over 70 lb (32,000 g) that can make shipping more expensive than standard ground shipping. Limited tracking information: While UPS provides tracking, USPS may not update UPS’s tracking information once the package has been transferred into their care.
How much can you save with UPS SurePost?
You can save up to 20% with UPS SurePost. If you send lots of packages within a short time frame, SurePost can help you save over time. For instance, say you send something from Florida to New York. It would cost you around $13.64 to ship the package with UPS ground service, but you’d spend $10.52 with SurePost. That’s a $3.12 savings. The main advantage of SurePost is there isn’t an additional charge for weekend shipping, as USPS runs from Monday through Sunday. Keep in mind that while your package may be cheaper to ship, it may take longer to deliver (roughly between 2 and 6 days).
Who benefits from UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost is ideal for those who send multiple packages a week. Whether you’re a business owner or a consumer, if you send multiple low-value, lightweight packages, SurePost can ultimately help you save money and deliver to more areas through USPS. For instance, UPS is unable to deliver packages to military locations, but USPS can. Ideally, SurePost is perfect for small business owners or online retailers who ship more than 20 lightweight, non-time-sensitive packages weekly.
Should you use UPS SurePost?
Whether or not you use UPS SurePost is entirely up to you! Take a good look at the information above—does it seem appealing to you and your economic or business needs? Would cheaper shipping rates but longer shipping times benefit you? If so, it might be worth heading to your local UPS store to sign up for the service. Have more questions about SurePost? Contact UPS’s Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877 for personalized assistance.
Comments
0 comment