USPS Retail Ground
Formerly known as USPS Parcel Post and Standard Post
What is Retail Ground?
Retail Ground is the US Postal Service’s lowest-cost option to send packages of all sizes, including oversized boxes, to destinations in the United States. It usually takes between 2 and 9 days to receive a Retail Ground package, but USPS sometimes takes up to 14 postal business days to deliver items sent with this method. This mail class was formerly known as Parcel Post and Standard Post.
Using Retail Ground
Although Priority Mail® takes precedence over First-Class Mail® and Retail Ground, you can send larger and oddly-shaped packages through Retail Ground, such as tubes, rolls, and boxes of unusual dimensions. However, you can’t use Retail Ground for packages that measure more than 130 inches in length and width and weigh more than 70 pounds
The USPS utilizes zone-based pricing for all Retail Ground package shipping. There are 9 zones in the U.S. and prices are based on the distance from the original package location to the delivery destination. Prices are $8.95 and up and up for a one-pound package. Also, Retail Ground is subject to USPS’s balloon pricing. The USPS can charge you extra if your parcel weighs less than 20 pounds, but measures between 84 and 108 inches in length and width.
USPS will allow you to buy most of its additional services to monitor your Retail Ground package. USPS Tracking®, Signature Confirmation, Return Receipt, COD, Restricted Delivery, and insurance all are available for purchase before mailing your Retail Ground package. This mail class is available for purchase at the Post Office only.
Retail Ground cannot be purchased in the Stamps.com software. Online postage customers should use Parcel Select Ground instead.
Free* 5 lb. Digital Scale with Sign-up
Every new customer account starts with:
- Free* 5 lb. Digital Scale with sign-up
- 4-week trial
- $5 in USPS postage to use in trial period
- USPS rate discounts you can’t get at the Post Office
- No long-term contracts, cancel anytime
- Only $19.99 per month plus applicable taxes, if any, including the first month if you stay past the 4-week trial
*pay only S&H fee
