280 Quick Service Guide

Commercial - USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial

Physical Standards (201)

Maximum weight: 70 pounds.

For an overview of the physical standards for commercial parcels, see Quick Service Guide 201e.

Prices and Fees (283.1.0)

For a complete list of commercial USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial prices, including cubic prices, see Notice 123–Price List.

Oversized Price: Pieces exceeding 108 inches but not more than 130 inches in combined length and girth are mailable at the USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial oversized price for the zone to which addressed.

Dimensional Weight Price: Postage for USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial parcels addressed for delivery to zones 1-9 and exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is more. (See QSG 120 for examples on how to measure dimensional weight.)

eVS Unmanifested Fee: Eligible eVS USPS Ground Advantage – Commercial pieces omitted from the eVS manifest are subject to the eVS Unmanifested fee (see Notice 123–Price List.), unless the piece is subject to the IMpb noncompliance fee.

Nonstandard Fees: A USPS Ground Advantage – Commercial mailpiece is subject to a nonstandard fee if it measures:

  • More than 22 inches up to 30 inches long;
  • More than 30 inches long; or
  • More than 2 cubic feet (3,456 cubic inches).

Dimension-Noncompliance Fee: Mailers of USPS Ground Advantage – Commercial mailpieces are required to include the mailpiece dimensions (length, width, height) in the Shipping Services file manifest or other approved electronic documentation under 283.1.4.3 or 283.1.7. They will be charged a dimension-noncompliance fee if the piece’s dimensions are omitted or inaccurate in the Shipping Services file manifest or other approved electronic documentation.

Content (283.2.0)

USPS Ground Advantage — Commercial may be used for any mailable item including advertisements and lightweight merchandise, except that parcels are not sealed against inspection and must not contain documents or personal correspondence. Parcels may contain invoices, receipts, incidental advertising, and other documents that relate in all substantial respects to merchandise contained in the parcels.

Eligibility Standards (283.3.0)

All pieces must meet the physical standards for parcels (201).

Each piece must include a complete delivery address with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code.

A certified process must be used at least once a year to ensure accuracy of 5-digit ZIP Codes.

Postage Payment and Documentation (284)

USPS Click-N-Ship, IBI meter or PC Postage (604.3.0), or permit imprint (604.5.0) for parcels mailed at commercial prices.

Additional standards apply to mailings of nonidentical-weight pieces.

Documentation:

Mail Preparation (285)

Marking on each piece in the postage area: “USPS Ground Advantage.” For optional locations, see 202.3.4.

Enter and Deposit (286)

Mailers may deposit parcels with postage evidencing indicia at any postal facility, preferably near the customer’s local Post Office. Parcels bearing a permit imprint must be deposited under 604.5.0 and 705.