Top UPS SurePost® Questions Answered & How a 3PL Can Help
Are you a small-to-medium-sized business (SMB) that is looking to save money on parcel shipping? If so, you aren't alone! Shippers just like you are always on the lookout for services that cut costs and increase operational efficiency for small package shipping. One solution that many of our customers leverage to save money is UPS SurePost. It's an economical option for businesses that ship at least 10 low-weight, low-value packages a day.
In particular, this service presents a solution to the logistical challenges of last-mile delivery for small package shipping and helps SMBs stay competitive in the marketplace. It should be noted that the service isn't designed for all shipments and delivery requirements. Check out our FAQ to see if UPS SurePost is a good fit for your business!
UPS SurePost vs. UPS Ground
Between UPS SurePost® and UPS® Ground, find out which is right for your company’s lightweight residential packages.
A: UPS SurePost is an economy, residential-bound ground service designed for small, lightweight business-to-consumer (B2C) parcel shipping. This delivery network combines UPS ground trucks and hubs with the local delivery infrastructure of the United States Postal Service (USPS) for last-mile logistics. Customers benefit with Monday through Sunday delivery to P.O. boxes and military APO/FPO destinations within all U.S. territories — places that can be out of reach for UPS® Ground. Since transferring shipments to the USPS network can tack on 1-2 additional travel days, you should ask your third-party logistics (3PL) services provider to determine if UPS SurePost is right for you and your customers. Learn more about the difference between UPS SurePost and UPS Ground.
A: You must be a business-to-consumer (B2C) company that ships at least 10 small packages a day to be eligible for this contract-only service. Reach out to your 3PL provider for a UPS SurePost evaluation to determine whether it can benefit your small package shipping.
A: The packages are delivered through normal residential USPS services. That means they need to be easily handled and transported in a mail truck and delivered by a mail carrier. The packages must weigh less than 10 pounds and measure under one cubic foot.
A: No. Your UPS driver will pick up all your shipments together. There is no need for you to sort them.
A: No. Packages can't be insured. They require limited liability coverage.
A: UPS Ground typically takes 1-5 business days transit time. The shipments are routed to the USPS network which adds 1-2 additional days in the contiguous 48 U.S. states.* Shipments are delivered to residential addresses through the standard USPS mail service, which is Monday through Sunday in most areas.
A: No. UPS SurePost delivery time is not guaranteed. Final delivery is made through USPS.
A: No. USPS doesn't offer specific-date or time-of-day delivery with UPS SurePost. Instead of this program, you can offer UPS express services to your customers which can accommodate specific delivery times. A 3PL consultant can help you decide your best parcel shipping option.
A: Your customer will receive a UPS SurePost tracking number through UPS when it's picked up. A separate tracking number is then provided when the package is handed over to USPS for last-mile delivery.
A: Absolutely! UPS SurePost is one of several UPS shipping services you can offer your customers. Ask your 3PL services consultant for advice on which services best fit your needs.
A: No. Because shipments are delivered to residential addresses through the standard USPS delivery service, you pay no additional surcharges.
A: If your level of need no longer fits within the daily quota, your 3PL services consultant can talk to you about other shipping services that offer discounted rates.
Worldwide Express Can Help You Determine Whether UPS SurePost Is Right for You
Worldwide Express is an industry-leading 3PL offering parcel shipping services and solutions to thousands of shippers across the country. We are part of the largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS in the nation and leverage this relationship to provide top rates and services for our customers. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of UPS SurePost or any other small package shipping solution we provide, talk to one of our experts today. Reach out for a free consultation!