As part of its strategy to enhance its shipping offerings, USPS has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of plans to replace First-Class Package Service with USPS Ground Advantage.
According to the Feb. 10 filing with the commission, the improved ground product, which is expected to launch in the summer, will feature service standards of 2-5 days for packages up to 70 pounds.
USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground and First-Class Package Service will be incorporated into USPS Ground Advantage.
During the past year, the Postal Service has focused on improving its package offerings through:
• Lower prices for shipping services. As a result of implementation of approved price changes in 2022, shipping rates for USPS Retail Ground products decreased 7 percent and rates for Parcel Select Ground dropped 12 percent, on average.
USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground prices remain at the lowered 2022 rates. Pricing tables are available on the Postal Explorer website.
• Improved reliability through upgraded service standards. In August, the Postal Service implemented upgraded service standards for its USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground products, aligning the standards with those for the current First-Class Package Service product within the contiguous United States.
Service standards for these products were accelerated to 2-5 days from 2-8 days for the same price.
• Simplifying shipping product offerings. In October, the Postal Service was granted regulatory approval to remove USPS Retail Ground from the competitive product list, eliminate Parcel Select Ground and expand First-Class Package Service, among other enhancements.
In the Feb. 10 filing, the Postal Service is signaling its intent to rename the First-Class Package Service product and introduce the enhanced ground product — USPS Ground Advantage.
The Postal Service’s focus on improving shipping offerings is in keeping with the Delivering for America 10-year plan to achieve financial stability and service excellence.
The Feb. 10 news release has additional information.
