USPS® and eBay Labels
USPS has simplified ground shipping options. Here’s what you need to do.
USPS has consolidated ground shipping options by combining USPS Retail Ground®, First-Class-Package®, and Parcel Select Ground® into a single service: USPS Ground Advantage™.
Listings with Parcel Select Ground will be automatically updated, you don’t need to do anything.
If you ship with First-Class package, you’ll need to update your listings to Ground Advantage. If you use Business Policies, you can make this update on the shipping policy.
Retail Ground has been removed for new listings. Existing listings will need to be updated to Ground Advantage.
When to choose USPS for eBay Labels
You can easily arrange a free scheduled USPS pick-up in most zip codes across the country. It’s also a good option for competitive pricing on First Class Package service when shipping packages weighing less than 1 lb., and for parcel packages below 5 lbs. using Priority Mail.
Use the calculator to check out USPS shipping rates.
Skip the line. Prepare your package for pickup
Package
Package, weigh and measure your item carefully to avoid surcharges. Update dimensions as needed before purchasing your eBay Labels postage.
Schedule
Schedule your pickup one day in advance (by 2:00 a.m. CST).
Print and attach your prepaid label to your package. Leave the package in a convenient location for your carrier to see and pick up at the scheduled time.
Key benefits
- USPS shipments can be covered for up to $1,000 by ShipCover Insurance when you use eBay Labels. Keep track of your shipment, delivery and insurance, plus simply open a claim, all in one place. See the full rate table for detailed coverage and rate information.
- Take advantage of the most comprehensive delivery and pickup network in the United States. Find U.S. Post Office™ Locations.
- No printer? No problem. USPS accepts eBay Labels QR Codes.
- Get free flat rate supplies for Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express®.
- Save on retail prices with USPS Shipments. Use our shipping calculator to see rates specific to your area and shipment.
A better way to insure your eBay shipments
ShipCover offers eBay sellers peace of mind at big savings. ShipCover is fully integrated with eBay Labels. Buying insurance is only a few clicks away. Claims are processed in days, not weeks.
Priority Mail®
This is a popular service that includes tracking and delivery in 1-3 business days. You can ship from Post Office™ locations of from your home or business.
Shipping / transit time: 1-3 days
Weight Limits and maximum package size: Up to 70 lbs.
Priority Mail Express®
Priority Mail Express® provides competitive prices and fast delivery every day, all year, with limited exceptions, to most U.S. addresses and PO Boxes™.
Shipping / transit time: Next-day to 2-day guarantee by 6PM
Weight Limits and maximum package size: Up to 70 lbs.
Media Mail®
Media Mail® is a cost-effective way to send media and educational materials. This service has restrictions on the type of media that can be sent.
Shipping / transit time: 2-8 days
Weight Limits and maximum package size: Maximum weight is 70 lbs.
See Media Mail eligibility standards
Ground Advantage™
Ground Advantage has replaced First Class Package Service® and Parcel Select Ground® as of July 9, 2023.
USPS Ground Advantage™ offers affordable domestic ground shipping to all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States for packages up to 70 lbs.
Shipping / transit time: 2-5 business days.
Weight Limits and maximum package size: Best-priced service for items up to 15.999 oz, based on weight (rounded up to 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 15.999 oz) and zone (distance). Packages greater than 15.999 oz are charged by the pound up to 70 lbs (rounded up).
Calculate your item’s shipping costs
Having accurate and competitive shipping costs in your listings can generate more bids and future purchases. You can use our shipping calculator to easily estimate how much it would cost to ship a certain item.
USPS Ground Advantage™ FAQs
Do I need to update the shipping service in my listings and business policies?
Listings with the following USPS services will need to be updated to select USPS Ground Advantage
- First-Class Package Service
- Retail Ground
What services will need to be updated to USPS Ground Advantage in my listings and business policies?
Any listing with one or more of the following services from July 9:
- First Class Package Service
- Retail Ground Service
Is First-Class Mail service included in USPS Ground Advantage?
No. USPS will continue to support First-Class Mail as a stand-alone service.
Why can’t eBay update my listings with First-Class to Ground Advantage?
The USPS has separated their First-Class service by moving First-Class Package to Ground Advantage and maintaining First Class Mail for letters, envelopes and flats. The “First-Class” service will continue to be available on eBay for listings where sellers are shipping with these methods. For this reason, eBay is unable to update seller’s listings with First-Class to Ground Advantage.
Will USPS Ground Advantage fly offshore?
Yes. USPS Ground Advantage will fly to/from/throughout offshore destinations as a 2-5 service whereas PSG currently travels by boat and is a 2-8 day service.
Will there be packaging available for USPS Ground Advantage?
There will not be commercially available packaging like PM, however, qualified customers can request packing via the expedited packaging supply process.
Will package pickup be available for USPS Ground Advantage?
Yes.
Will USPS Ground Advantage be subject to DIM?
Yes. Packages over 1 cubic foot are subject to Dimensional Weight Price. Learn more about Dimensional Weight Price.
Will nonstandard fees apply?
Yes. Learn more about Nonstandard fees.
Will USPS Ground Advantage offer free forwarding and returns to sender like Priority Mail?
Yes.
Will USPS Ground Advantage offer insurance?
Yes.
Where can I learn more about USPS Ground Advantage?
Visit USPS to learn more about USPS Ground Advantage.
What are USPS postal zones and how do they affect my shipping costs?
USPS postal zones aren’t actual geographic zones, but rather, codes that convey the distance a package has to travel in miles from its origin point.
Zone 1: 1-50 miles
Zone 2: 51-150 miles
Zone 3: 151-300 miles
Zone 4: 301-600 miles
Zone 5: 601-1000 miles
Zone 6: 1001-1400 miles
Zone 7: 1401-1800 miles
Zone 8: 1801 miles or greater
Zone 9: Designated for Freely Associated States such as Guam, Palau and other United States Territories
The USPS mail class you select (First Class, Media Mail, Priority Mail, etc.) along with the shipping zone will determine the price of postage. You can look up USPS postal zones here.
Keep your address up to date in your eBay account and be sure that your return address ZIP code matches the ZIP code you’re actually shipping from.
For instance, if your business has locations in multiple states or the Post Office near your work has a different ZIP code than the one near your home, be sure to use the correct ZIP code on your return address when shipping. If the ZIP code on your shipping label doesn’t match the ZIP code you’re shipping from, USPS may charge your customers additional postage that’s due upon delivery.
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