UPS is a trusted name in global shipping, providing businesses with reliable and cost-effective solutions to reach their customers worldwide. Among its various offerings, UPS SurePost stands out as an affordable, efficient shipping option for non-urgent deliveries within the US. In this guide, we’ll explore how UPS SurePost works and why it might be the ideal solution for your eCommerce business. Plus, we’ll show you how to seamlessly integrate UPS SurePost into popular platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify.
On This Page
- What is UPS SurePost?
- How does UPS SurePost Work?
- Services Offered By UPS SurePost
- Why Choose UPS SurePost?
- UPS SurePost vs Traditional UPS Shipping
- UPS SurePost: Shipping Destinations and Delivery Times
- UPS SurePost Terms and Conditions
- UPS SurePost for eCommerce
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is UPS SurePost®?
UPS SurePost is a shipping service that works with UPS’s ground network for last-mile delivery. This solution is perfect for shipping lightweight, non-urgent packages, particularly to residential addresses. It offers affordable rates while maintaining reliable delivery services. This service is an excellent choice for businesses aiming to save on shipping costs without compromising on delivery speed or customer satisfaction. It also allows for volume-based discounts, further lowering costs for high-shipping-volume businesses.
How Does UPS SurePost Work?
UPS SurePost is a cost-effective, residential shipping service that utilizes the UPS network for pickup, sorting, and long-distance transportation. For final delivery, UPS SurePost leverages its extensive ground network to reach every U.S. residential address.
This service is designed for lightweight, non-urgent shipments, providing a balance between affordability and reliability.
Here’s how UPS SurePost works:
- Pickup & Processing – UPS collects and sorts packages within its network.
- Long-Haul Transportation – Packages travel through the UPS ground network.
- Final-Mile Delivery – UPS completes the delivery to the recipient’s address.
Services Offered By UPS SurePost
UPS SurePost offers a range of shipping services available exclusively to contract holders, these services provide cost-effective options based on UPS package weight and content type:
- SurePost Less Than 1 lb (USL): Ideal for lightweight packages under 1 lb, ensuring economical shipping for small items.
- SurePost Greater Than 1 lb (USG): Designed for shipments over 1 lb, balancing affordability with reliable delivery.
- SurePost Bound Printed Matter (USB): Suitable for shipping bound printed materials like catalogs and books under specific guidelines.
- SurePost Media (USM): Used for media items such as educational materials, DVDs, and books, adhering to Media Mail regulations.
Why Choose UPS SurePost?
UPS SurePost offers a variety of advantages for businesses looking to optimize their shipping process. Here are several reasons why you might choose it:
- Lower Shipping Costs: SurePost provides a more affordable option compared to traditional UPS services, making it a great choice for businesses looking to reduce expenses.
- Comprehensive Tracking: This service offers full tracking, allowing businesses and customers to monitor shipments throughout the process.
- Residential Deliveries: SurePost is particularly useful for residential deliveries, and it’s more adept at handling home deliveries, ensuring packages reach customers efficiently.
- Nationwide Coverage: SurePost ensures that businesses can ship to virtually any U.S. address, including rural and remote locations.
- Scalable for Businesses: Whether you’re a small startup or an established eCommerce giant, SurePost offers a scalable solution to manage high-volume shipments, all while keeping costs low.
In summary UPS SurePost is well-suited for:
- E-commerce Stores: Selling lightweight items like clothing, accessories, and gadgets, which don’t require fast delivery but need affordable shipping.
- Subscription Box Services: Regularly shipping small boxes, such as monthly beauty or snack boxes, to a wide range of customers.
- Retailers: With a high volume of residential deliveries, including those reaching rural areas.
UPS SurePost vs Traditional UPS Shipping
UPS SurePost is a more affordable, but slower option for final delivery. Traditional UPS is faster, more expensive, and handles the entire delivery process itself.
Let’s see how UPS SurePost compares to UPS Ground Shipping and FedEx Ground Economy:
UPS SurePost vs UPS Ground
| Feature | UPS SurePost | UPS Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Time | 2-7 days (longer for non-contiguous states) | 1-5 days |
| Weekend Delivery | Saturday delivery available, no Sunday delivery | Saturday delivery available, no Sunday delivery |
| Maximum Package Size | 60 inches in length, 130 inches in girth | 108 inches in length, 165 inches in girth |
| Maximum Package Weight | 70 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Liability Coverage | Up to $100 | Up to $100 standard, higher coverage available for extra fee |
| Order Tracking | Single tracking number through the entire UPS process | Single tracking number through the entire UPS process |
| PO Box Delivery | Not anymore | No |
UPS Ground offers faster delivery and is better suited for larger or heavier packages. It also provides end-to-end service.
UPS SurePost vs FedEx Ground Economy
UPS SurePost and FedEx Ground Economy (formerly FedEx SmartPost) are economical shipping services designed for businesses handling lightweight, non-urgent residential deliveries. Here’s a comparison of their key features:
| Feature | UPS SurePost | FedEx Ground Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Time | Typically 2–7 business days | Typically 2–7 business days |
| Weekend Delivery | Offers Saturday delivery at no additional cost | Offers Monday–Sunday delivery |
| Maximum Package Size | Up to 60 inches in length and 130 inches in length plus girth combined. | Up to 130 inches in length plus girth combined |
| Maximum Package Weight | Up to 70 lbs | Up to 70 lbs |
| Liability Coverage | Includes up to $100 in liability coverage | Does not offer declared value coverage |
| Order Tracking | Provides a single tracking number throughout the shipment’s journey | Provides tracking visibility, but certain options like signature proof of delivery are not available |
| PO Box Delivery | Not anymore | Yes |
UPS SurePost suits eCommerce businesses needing reliable tracking and Saturday delivery. FedEx Ground Economy is ideal for bulk lightweight shipments with broader weekend coverage.
UPS SurePost: Shipping Destinations and Delivery Times
UPS SurePost is available for:
- Contiguous U.S. (48 states):
- Delivery Time: 2-7 business days.
- Delivery times vary based on the origin and destination ZIP codes.
- For instance, shipments from the East Coast to the West Coast may take longer due to the distance involved.
- Weekend Deliveries:
- UPS SurePost doesn’t do Sunday delivery.
- UPS does offer Saturday delivery for residential and commercial parcels.
While SurePost offers cost savings, it may not be ideal for urgent or time-sensitive shipments. Rural or remote locations might take longer.
UPS SurePost Terms and Conditions
UPS SurePost® is a contract-only service. It’s important to note that UPS SurePost is not available for international packages.
UPS SurePost Size Limit:
- Dimensions: Packages must be at least 4 inches high, 6 inches long, and 0.75 inches wide. They may not exceed 130 inches in length and girth combined, and no single dimension can exceed 60 inches in length.
- Weight: The maximum weight for a UPS SurePost package is 70 pounds. Packages weighing less than 1 pound must be under 864 cubic inches to be eligible.
Additionally, packages must comply with the size, weight, and content limitations. Non-conforming packages may incur additional charges.
Rates and Additional Charges:
UPS SurePost rates are determined based on shipper and package characteristics, including ZIP Code distribution, weight, size, and volume. A fuel surcharge applies to this service, and additional charges may be assessed for nonstandard services or usage. For detailed rate information, please refer to the UPS SurePost Rates page.
Service Terms:
The UPS SurePost service operates under specific terms and conditions, which include:
- Mailer ID Required: Customers must use a unique mailer identification number provided by UPS for manifesting each UPS SurePost package.
- Mode of Transportation; Delivery: UPS may use any mode of transportation at its discretion, and only one delivery attempt will be made per package.
- Termination of Service: UPS reserves the right to terminate UPS SurePost service immediately under certain conditions.
- Package Segregation: During peak months, UPS may require customers to segregate UPS SurePost packages from UPS Ground packages.
- Liability Limitations: UPS’s liability for loss or damage is limited to a maximum of $100 per package.
UPS SurePost for eCommerce
UPS SurePost is an affordable and efficient shipping solution for eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce. It makes it easy for eCommerce merchants to offer residential customers competitive shipping rates, dependable tracking, and extensive delivery coverage.
Now, let’s see how UPS SurePost works with WooCommerce and Shopify.
UPS SurePost with WooCommerce
The WooCommerce UPS Shipping Plugin makes it easy to use UPS SurePost for shipping, allowing merchants to streamline the process effortlessly.
To get started with the UPS plugin in your WooCommerce store, visit the following link for a detailed guide: PluginHive UPS Shipping Guide for WooCommerce.
All you need to do is enable the UPS SurePost service in the plugin’s settings. Once configured, the live UPS SurePost shipping rates will automatically appear at checkout on your WooCommerce store.
This plugin also allows you to generate UPS shipping labels and track shipments directly from your store.
UPS SurePost with Shopify
Shopify users can easily integrate UPS shipping using the Multi-Carrier Shipping Label App, which automates rate calculations, label generation, and tracking for UPS shipments.
To get started with UPS shipping in your Shopify store, visit the following link for a detailed guide: UPS Shipping Guide for Shopify
By selecting the UPS SurePost service in the app’s Carrier settings, live UPS SurePost rates will automatically appear at checkout on your Shopify store.
This app also helps you generate UPS shipping labels and track shipments directly from your Shopify dashboard.
You can also check out this video tutorial to see how to set up UPS SurePost shipping for your Shopify store: Watch Here
Conclusion
UPS SurePost is an excellent shipping solution for businesses looking to provide affordable and reliable delivery to residential addresses and remote locations. It ensures cost-effective and efficient service for lightweight, non-urgent packages. By integrating tools like the WooCommerce UPS Shipping Plugin and Shopify Multi-Carrier Shipping Label App, you can easily automate your shipping process with UPS SurePost. For further assistance, reach out to PluginHive Customer Support.
FAQs
How long does UPS SurePost® take?
It typically delivers within 2 to 7 business days for shipments in the contiguous 48 states. Deliveries outside these states may take longer.
Does UPS SurePost Deliver to a PO Box?
No, UPS SurePost does not deliver to PO Boxes. As of December 30, 2024, the service will no longer deliver to PO/APO/FPO addresses, as well as shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and U.S. Post Office Boxes™.
Does UPS SurePost require Signature?
No, This UPS service does not require a signature for delivery. Only one delivery attempt is made, and packages can be left at the consignee’s address without requiring a signature.
Can You File a UPS SurePost Claim?
Yes, you can file a UPS SurePost claim for packages that have been delivered by UPS. However, once the exception scan shows that the package has been handed over to the Post Office, claims are no longer accepted.
Can You Use a USPS Box for UPS SurePost?
No, you cannot use a USPS box for UPS SurePost. UPS requires that customers use their own packaging, and neither UPS-supplied nor USPS-supplied boxes or other packaging are permitted for UPS SurePost shipments.
Is UPS SurePost Guaranteed?
No, It is not guaranteed service. The time and date of delivery for any package using UPS SurePost service are not guaranteed. While UPS will make every effort to deliver on time, delays may occur, and delivery times can vary.
Does UPS SurePost Deliver to Your Door?
Yes, this UPS service delivers to residential physical addresses in the contiguous 48 U.S. states. However, UPS SurePost does not deliver to P.O. Boxes, including APO/FPO/DPO addresses. In those cases, the U.S. Postal Service handles the delivery. As of December 30, 2024, UPS SurePost will no longer be available for these types of deliveries.
What If My UPS SurePost Package Is Not Delivered?
If your UPS SurePost package is not delivered, contact UPS Customer Service. Provide your tracking number and relevant details to help resolve the issue quickly.
Does UPS SurePost Deliver to a Mailbox?
Yes, UPS SurePost can deliver to a mailbox, but only if you have a contract for this service.
