What is UPS SurePost?

Small parcels might be compact, but they can bring substantial logistical challenges. We still don’t live in the age where a package can teleport from one place to another. Relying on a shipping carrier is necessary to courier our packages safely. However, last-mile connectivity is a significant challenge for these carriers. Driving delivery vehicles through tight streets or remote locations for doorstep delivery invites surcharges and fees.

Things are also changing with the rise of e-commerce shopping. These online businesses are prominent in the U.S. The option to get items right to their doorstep is an attractive offering. However, business owners must manage their shipping to make profits and achieve stable growth.

Shipping costs for these doorstep deliveries can accumulate over time. They need a reliable and cost-effective solution to solve this problem. The UPS SurePost program is the perfect answer that could help online retailers and individuals with bulk parcel needs. 

It is an excellent and reliable service that drives down costs even for the “last mile” shipments. They offer a vast shipping network and service to help SMBs remain competitive. It streamlines their parcel shilling operations.

This blog is the perfect place to get answers to questions like What is UPS SurePost? How long does UPS SurePost take? And what is UPS SurePost vs Ground service?

Businesses using UPS Surepost can easily save up to 20%. It is a considerable number, especially for firms and individuals sending dozens of packages weekly. 

For example, you might need to pay $13.64 for a UPS ground residential service for a package delivery between Florida and New York. However, it will only cost you $10.52 with UPS SurePost. You get a direct saving of $3.12 on your parcel. 

Businesses don’t even need to pay for weekend deliveries. However, the price can increase if the package doesn’t meet the specific requirements. You will need to pay an additional fee of $2.50 if the package is above 17 inches and still under 30 inches. UPS SurePost is an economy service for timely delivery. 

Many believe that UPS SurePost is cheaper since delivering packages takes longer. However, the delivery is almost the same as UPS ground residential. Any expected delivery takes around two to seven days. The actual delivery time highly depends on the location. They can deliver packages on Saturdays but not on Sundays.

Many professionals and businesses have questions about UPS SurePost delivery time. However, it is undoubtedly a promising option for shipping companies looking for a reliable option. We must learn about the main advantages and problems of the service in the real world. 

Key benefits:

• UPS delivers packages even on Saturdays without any additional charges. 
• The service is 20% more affordable than UPS ground residential. 
• We also have a unified method to track packages. 
• Businesses can easily integrate the shipping software. 
• The delivery times are almost similar to their other services.

Highly Cost-Effective 

The cost is the most significant advantage of using UPS SurePost. Businesses find this service much more affordable than UPS’s standard delivery services. It is the perfect solution for small businesses and individuals seeking lower shipping costs. 

Reliable Delivery Service 

UPS Surepost might take slightly longer to deliver than their other delivery services. However, it is still a reliable service with tracking features. UPS and USPS have remarkable track records for delivering parcels on time. 

The hardworking postal workers work throughout the year, even in the harshest weather conditions. It takes two to seven days to reach the destination. 

Wide Area Coverage 

UPS SurePost can deliver your packages to any residential address across the United States. Postal workers will even deliver packages to Alaska and Hawaii. Businesses love this option for reaching customers across the nation. 

The postal service might be ideal for many businesses. However, it also comes with some shortcomings. We must learn them before sending mail through UPS SurePost. 

Longer Delivery Times 

The UPS SurePost service works by collaborating with USPS. It means delivery times might be slightly longer than other UPS shipping services. However, users usually experience maximum delays of one or two days. The cost savings are worth it for many customers. 

Less Tracking Information 

Businesses do get a tracking number with UPS SurePost. However, this option may be limited to their other shipping services. USPS takes care of the final delivery, and their tracking mechanism is less robust than UPS’s.

Limited Package Size and Weight 

There are several weight and dimension restrictions. Your package must weigh less than 70 lbs and have dimensions of less than 130 inches (length and girth combined). It might not be the best option if you regularly ship larger packages.

It’s time to discuss the UPS SurePost delivery time. The average delivery time is around 2-7 business days. This duration includes both UPS to transfer the package to USPS and for USPS to take it to the final destination. However, we must know that delivery time depends on numerous factors.  

For example;

• The distance between the origin and destination location. 
• Package volume for processing. 
• Weather conditions. 
• Natural disasters.

UPS provides real-time updates on their shipment status by using a tracking number. Let’s explore each factor in detail; 

• Distance: The distance between the original address and the package destination can impact the delivery time. 
• Package Weight and Size: Larger and heavier packages often take more time to deliver. 
• Weekend and Holiday Schedules: UPS delivers SurePost shipments on Saturdays as well. However, Sundays and holidays can impact the delivery times. 
• Weather Conditions: Postal workers cannot work through extreme weather conditions like snowstorms, tornadoes, or hurricanes. It can lead to delivery delays with UPS SurePost services.

The high volume of packages can also impact the delivery times of SurePost shipments. For example, the peak shipping seasons see high package volumes. UPS SurePost service uses a combination of ground and postal transportation for deliveries. It can add additional time to the delivery process. 

We must consider these factors while estimating delivery times for SurePost shipments.

UPS SurePost is a reliable shipping for businesses and individuals. However, users can also encounter a few issues while using this service in their day-to-day operations. 

Package Not Delivered 

Check the tracking information if UPS doesn’t deliver the package within the estimated timeframe. You can also contact UPS customer support for help if tracking doesn’t work.  

Delivery Address Invalid 

You may have put the wrong delivery address on the package. It is necessary to contact UPS customer support as soon as possible to update the postal address. 

Package Damaged 

Take pictures of the damage if your package arrives in poor condition. Reach UPS customer support immediately to file a claim. They might help you with a reimbursement from the insurance.

Experts suggest SurePost may not be the ideal shipping service for time-sensitive packages. The cost-effectiveness might be the best benefit of using this service. However, it might take longer to deliver than other shipping methods. Consider switching to a different shipping method or upgrading to a faster delivery service by UPS.

You should follow these steps before using the UPS SurePost service.

1. Choose a shipper and a profile. 
2. Mention the destination address.
3. Specify the original address from where you are shipping the package. 
4. Mention package weight and dimensions. 
5. Choose the service type and endorsement type (if necessary). 
6. Enter the reference numbers. 
7. Choose a subclass (if necessary). 
8. Provide package description. 
9. Mention any special instructions. 
10. Provide package I.D.
11. Press the “Process Shipment” to print the UPS SurePost shipping label and Customs Declaration.

It is vital to correctly fill in the above information to make tracking your packages easier and avoid missing shipments. 

UPS SurePost service may not be the ideal service for every shipping job. However, the results could be remarkable when it’s a good fit. For example, SurePost might be the perfect option if you are worried about rising shipping costs.

Here are some ideal situations to use the UPS SurePost shipping service;

Last-Mile Delivery Charges are High 

Shipping and e-commerce companies hate bearing last-mile delivery costs. These deliveries often contribute a considerable portion to the total delivery cost. SurePost could be an excellent option for reducing these last-mile delivery costs. 

Ideal for People Who Ship a Large Number of Packages 

This delivery service is not ideal for people who ship occasionally. However, it may be an excellent fit if you ship a large quantity of packages every week. Many e-commerce businesses use the UPS SurePost delivery service to reduce their delivery expenditure on high-volume packages. 

Expedited Delivery is Not Necessary 

Individuals and businesses that prefer faster deliveries should avoid using UPS SurePost. They might have the benefit of making deliveries on Saturdays. However, it is still not the best option for recipients who expect fast deliveries. 

Reduction in Weekly Expenditure 

Increasing your weekly spending on logistics and shipping from other carriers can affect your revenue growth.UPS SurePost is the best way to optimize your shipping costs and revenue growth. Experts consider it a viable option for reducing last-mile costs.

The UPS SurePost service provides the convenience of UPS shipping and USPS delivery to the recipients. USPS completes the final step of each shipment.

When Working with UPS WorldShip, always remember the following;

• You will validate and process each shipment as a small package.
• You can process a package with this service from the U.S. 48 to the U.S. 50, DPO/FPO/APO, and U.S. territory Ship to destinations.
• A single shipment must be a single-piece forward shipment.
• You get four SurePost services: SurePost Less than 1 lb, SurePost 1 lb or more, SurePost Bound Printed Matter, and SurePost Media.
• An endorsement value is necessary for making USPS-delivery shipments.
• Two sub-classes are available if you have a contract and use SurePost for Less than 1lb.
• The Return Services check box on the Service tab lets you add a Return Services shipment option.
• The dimensions of the package cannot go over 130 inches if you select SurePost Less than 1 lb or SurePost 1lb or Greater. 108 inches is the limit if you go with SurePost Bound Printed Matter or SurePost Media.
• Always remember UPS SurePost prefers metric units as a unit of measurement.

The WorldShip service uses the USPS IMPB PIC number for reference.

UPS cannot deliver packages to military locations, including diplomatic post offices, air force bases, fleets, etc. In contrast, you can make deliveries to these locations with USPS mail. It means UPS will deliver packages to military locations with its SurePost service. 

Individuals and businesses get a clear advantage compared to other UPS delivery services. The involvement of USPS in the delivery process makes this possible for senders and recipients. 

Shipping companies like FedEx and UPS cannot deliver packages due to security reasons. USPS has a higher authorization level in the country, allowing them to deliver packages successfully. 

Does UPS SurePost Work on Weekends?

UPS is the only major shipping company providing Saturday pickups for every business. FedEx Smartpost also provides Saturday pickups, but only for businesses with custom contracts. Businesses can receive packages and make deliveries to consumers on Saturdays across the U.S. 

USPS takes care of the package’s final journey. Residential delivery to consumers is also available on Sundays in some regions. However, this service only works with valid Sunday service ZIP codes for USPS delivery.

The UPS website and mobile app are the ideal tools for tracking the status of your UPS SurePost shipment. You only need to enter a tracking number, and the system will provide you with the package’s current location and estimated delivery date.

We must consider that USPS is responsible for the final leg of the delivery journey. It means USPS handles the package for doorstep delivery once it reaches the local post office. Users can track their packages using the same tracking number on the USPS website. 

Cost of Using UPS Shipping with SurePost

The UPS SurePost is more affordable than other UPS shipping options from the postal service. For example, UPS Ground and UPS Next Day Air cost more to deliver a package of the same weight and dimensions. 

Several factors like package size, weight, and destination can impact the actual delivery cost. You can rely on the UPS shipping calculator to get a proper shipping cost estimate for each package. 

UPS SurePost may be more affordable. However, it typically takes longer to package than other UPS services. Users find it worth paying extra for a faster shipping option to deliver their packages quickly. 

UPS also offers additional services like signature confirmation and insurance. Some businesses might need these services for better assurance. However, they will affect the overall shipping cost. You must also check for all available shipping options and their costs before making a mailing decision. 

Is UPS SurePost Safe? 

Yes, UPS SurePost is one of the safest and most cost-effective options for shipping packages. However, businesses must dedicate enough time and effort to properly packing their shipments. Negligence in packaging can lead to damaged or misplaced items. 

UPS provides proper guidelines and recommendations to pack your shipments for safer deliveries. Experts recommend using UPS Ground to send high-value packages.

UPS is a global postal company. It has an incredible track record of consistent delivery times and successful package transportation across the globe. Their SurePost service is even better when you consider the involvement of USPS in the delivery process.

However, the final delivery time may depend on origin and destination locations, weather conditions, etc. The tracking information helps monitor all your shipments with UPS SurePost.

Send Your Offline Communication with PostGrid

We understand that you also need a reliable communication channel if you are operating an e-commerce business in the U.S. PostGrid’s automated direct mail services let you send offline mailers to your customers, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders. 

The API works flawlessly to create, print, and send personalized letters, postcards, and self-mailers. E-commerce businesses can create a constant communication chain with their customers using our API. 

Here’s why you need PostGrid direct mail API; 

Track All Your Mailers with Precision 

The unified PostGrid dashboard lets you track mailers in real time and gather timely insights. You get perfect analytics to understand a campaign’s performance. Tracking processes are simpler with PostGrid. 

2-Business Day SLA 

Say goodbye to old and sluggish direct mail campaigns. We ensure your items are ready for mailing within two business days. You don’t need to wait days to complete your direct mail campaigns with PostGrid. 

Personalized Mailers at Your Fingertips 

Our API comes with a built-in template gallery and editor. You can create personalized mail pieces within minutes to leave a better impression on your customers and prospects. 

The variable data printing technology lets you include custom information like names, addresses, and other relevant information to each mail piece. 

Easy Bulk Mail Campaigns 

The API can handle bulk mail campaigns of any scale with ease. Print and mail services are available for delivery to over 245+ countries and territories. It puts you ahead of the competition and builds an excellent shipping strategy. 

UPS SurePost is a cost-effective and reliable shipping service for individuals and businesses. By understanding the UPS SurePost delivery time and its mechanism, we can transform our shipping experience. It ensures that our packages arrive on time at the last-mile locations. We know this service is not ideal for time-sensitive shipments or those requiring a signature. UPS Ground or Next Day Air may be ideal for fulfilling these requirements. However, SurePost provides a convenient and affordable service for non-urgent shipments that do not need a signature. Sign up now to send offline communication for UPS SurePost.