What is USPS Parcel Select Ground: Everything you need to know

Written by Paul Birkhead | Dec 17, 2019 4:00:00 PM

Parcel Select Ground is a low-cost option to get bulk packages to their destination. The packages are shipped using the Postal Service’s standard ground delivery service. ‘Parcel Select’ is the USPS's trademark name for bulk shipments of packages. A bulk shipment is generally considered to be more than 50 packages.

The service focuses on high volume and large parcels. It is meant to be a cheaper service, and how much you're charged depends on how much you do beforehand with regards to presorting and dropshipping. The more sorting you do, and the closer you get the packages to their final destination, the cheaper the cost.

Fragile items might not be the best fit for Parcel Select service. Since the parcels are shipped by ground and switch facilities frequently, they are handled more often. This makes it more important to properly package items that are more easily damaged.

To get your packages delivered using Parcel Select ground, you don’t just drop your packages off at the nearest post office. You'll book your Parcel Select Ground shipments using the online services of an authorized USPS business partner or a PC Postage approved vendor. Then you'll drop your packages off at one of the following facilities:

DBMC – Destination Bulk Mail Center
DSCF – Destination Sectional Center Facility
DDU – Destination Delivery Unit

What service do you get?

Delivery in 2-8 days, but the service is not guaranteed
Rates are calculated using:

Weight of package. Maximum package weight is 70 pounds.
Dimensions of parcels has limits. Over one cubic foot has an additional charge. Max dimensions are 130” length and girth combined
Distance traveled is determined using zones. The first three digits of the zip code can tell if you're shipping locally, the distance is on a scale of 1 (local) to 9 (long-distance)

Delivery tracking is included for free.
You can pay a fee to add signature confirmation or an adult signature
You can't mail restricted, prohibited, or hazardous materials.
Buying online postage has no minimum threshold for the number of packages you need to ship. If you don't buy the postage online, the minimum is 50 pieces or 50 pounds per mailing.
Valuable parcels can use the free Hold for Pickup option and pick the parcel up at their local post office.

Who uses this service?

Many companies take advantage of the affordability of Parcel Select Ground, including competitors DHL, FedEx, and UPS. These companies use their infrastructures for the long-haul transport of their SmartMail (DHL), SmartPost (FedEx), and SurePost (UPS) service offerings, and rely on the USPS for what is commonly referred to as last mile delivery. This arrangement is more cost effective for them, particularly for deliveries to rural areas

USPS Parcel Select Ground is a good option if you're shipping items in large quantities and the parcels don't have a hard deadline to get to where they are going.

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