USPS Parcel Select is one of the most affordable services for shipping heavy packages. Although it is the slowest service, it offers significantly lower rates for large parcels. Delivery typically takes between 2 to 8 business days.

USPS Parcel Select Ground can handle heavy and oversized packages within the United States. If you’re looking for an economical shipping option and can tolerate a longer delivery time, this service is ideal for you.

In this article, we have discussed the key features and additional benefits of USPS Parcel Select Ground. Furthermore, it is important to understand the restrictions and prohibited items before using this service.

What Does USPS Parcel Select Delivery Mean?

USPS Parcel Select is an affordable delivery service for large and heavy packages within the United States. It offers an economical yet slower delivery option, ideal for shipping heavy items. Many businesses choose this service for bulk shipments.

Key Features of Parcel Select Ground Delivery

USPS parcel select ground delivery has following key features that have been discussed in detail:

Bulk Shipping

Parcel Select Ground Delivery is ideal for customers or businesses looking to ship bulk items at affordable prices. It’s a cost-effective alternative to standard shipping services. While it is cheaper, it is not as secure.

Insurance 

USPS Parcel Select Delivery does not include insurance by default. An additional fee is required for shipping insurance.

Planned Pickup

You can schedule a pickup through the USPS website. The customer dashboard makes it easy to plan your delivery at your convenience.

Tracking

USPS provides tracking information for all deliveries, and Parcel Select includes premium tracking. This  enables customers to monitor their package until delivery is confirmed, providing peace of mind.

Cost and Size 

Parcel Select Ground Delivery rates vary based on the dimensions (length x width x height) and weight of the package. The starting rate is $7.01 for a 70-pound package shipped to the nearest address in the zone. Rates increase with the package’s weight and distance. Use a shipping calculator or check the USPS website for accurate rates.

Delivery Areas

USPS Parcel Select offers domestic service within the United States, including remote regions and all states. Delivery is available to Hawaii and Alaska, though these locations may experience longer delivery times. International delivery is not available.

Delivery Time

USPS Parcel Select is a slower service, typically taking 2 to 8 business days. This time frame is not guaranteed and can extend further, especially for heavy items requiring extra precautions. This service is suited for those who are not in a rush to receive their packages.

Additional Benefits 

You also get some additional benefits in this service:

• Signature confirmation upon delivery
• Adult signature requirement
• Discount offers for regular customers
• Additional supplementary services available for an extra fee, such as restricted delivery, return receipt, hold for pickup, and cash on delivery (COD).

USPS Zones to Estimate Parcel Select Shipping

There are nine zones in total, each representing a different range of distance for USPS parcel select delivery. 

To make things easier, the USPS Domestic Zone Chart is an incredibly useful tool for locating the zone associated with your package. This helps in getting a more accurate estimate of shipping costs and planning your deliveries more efficiently.

USPS Parcel Select Ground Services Options

USPS Parcel Select offers various shipping options. Each option comes with its own specific requirements and a standard set of rates.

• Parcel Select Ground: Primarily targets online postage customers and comes with no minimum package thresholds, making it accessible for occasional shippers.
• NDC Presort: Requires a minimum of 50 Parcel Select Ground pieces and demands that packages be pre-sorted to specific NDC/ASF destinations.
• Destination Entry and ONDC Presort: These options are similar to NDC Presort, also needing a minimum of 50 Parcel Select Ground pieces, and require pre-sorting to select destinations.
• Parcel Select Ground – Lightweight: Tailored for merchants with packages weighing less than 1lb and subject to a specific volume.

Parcel Select Ground is a flexible shipping service, but it is not widely available at all post office locations. However, if you are a merchant working with authorized USPS business partners, you can still use this service at a post office.

This flexibility and range of options make Parcel Select Ground a valuable tool for those looking to optimize their shipping strategies.

Parcel Select Delivery Restrictions and Prohibitions

Before using USPS Parcel Select, you must know which items are prohibited and restricted. There are restrictions and prohibitions for using USPS Parcel Select. You cannot ship anything of your choice; your shipment should meet the requirements.

The package weight should be 70 pounds or less, and the dimensions (length x width x height) should be 140 inches or less. You have to pay an additional fee for extra weight and dimensions of the package. 

Moreover, items like firearms, ammunition, and tobacco are prohibited. You can ask your nearest post office about prohibited items before making any shipments.

FAQs

What’s the difference between USPS Parcel Select Ground and USPS Retail Ground?

Understanding the nuances between USPS Parcel Select Ground and USPS Retail Ground is crucial for making informed shipping decisions. Both are ground delivery services offered by USPS, primarily used for large and heavy packages. The key difference lies in their accessibility and pricing. Parcel Select Ground is known for its low rates, and its services can be purchased online through various USPS partner sites. On the other hand, Retail Ground is more traditionally accessed and generally comes with slightly higher rates. In essence, while both services are basically the same in terms of delivery process, the difference in how you access and pay for these services is what sets them apart.

Is USPS Parcel Select Ground a slower shipping option?

When considering the speed of USPS Parcel Select Ground, it’s important to recognize that it is indeed one of the slowest delivery services offered by the US Post Office. This doesn’t necessarily reflect a shortfall in service quality but rather its positioning as a cost-effective option for non-urgent shipments. Customers can typically expect delivery within 2-8 business days. While this timeframe might not suit those in a hurry, Parcel Select Ground is an excellent choice for shippers who are looking to balance cost with efficiency, especially for larger or heavier packages.

Is USPS Parcel Ground cheaper than Priority?

In the landscape of postal services, cost is a major deciding factor. When comparing USPS Parcel Select Ground with USPS Priority Mail, it’s generally observed that Parcel Select Ground is cheaper than its Priority counterpart in most regions. This cost-effectiveness makes Parcel Select Ground an attractive option for those who are looking for a more budget-friendly shipping solution without the urgency that Priority Mail typically caters to.

How does USPS Parcel Select travel?

USPS Parcel Select Ground operates as a low-cost option for shipping bulk packages to their intended destination. This service is particularly notable within the Postal Service for its efficiency in handling standard ground delivery. The term ‘Parcel Select’ itself is a trademark name of USPS, signifying its specialized approach towards bulk shipments. Typically, a bulk shipment is defined as one involving more than 50 packages, making Parcel Select Ground a go-to solution for large-scale shipping needs at an affordable cost.

Conclusion

USPS Parcel Select Ground is an economical option for shipping heavy packages within the US. It’s suitable for non-urgent deliveries. It offers tracking and supplementary services but requires awareness of its restrictions and longer delivery times. This service is ideal for budget-conscious shippers.