Ground shipping comes with its own set of unique advantages like reaching those areas air freight can't get to. Using roads and railways is super dependable when you're moving goods while being an affordable alternative to the costly techniques that rely on airport infrastructure logistics.
When you are selling things online, moving your goods on the ground can help you maintain both speedy deliveries while keeping transportation costs low. With this, you can boost business through faster and more economical services within your country.
What is Land Transportation for Goods?
Land transportation for goods is all about getting products moving by truck or train. It’s the most common and affordable way to ship within a country or nearby areas. For example, shipments can make their way from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico. Even when goods travel by air or sea, they still rely on ground transport for that final stretch, getting from the warehouse right to the customer’s door(or Direct-to-Customer shipping).
Why does ground shipping stand out?
- It's easier on the wallet, especially for domestic deliveries.
- It’s also pretty dependable.
- The environmental impact is lower than air shipping.
By using it, you can make your delivery process smoother and keep customers happier without breaking the bank.
Reasons Ecommerce Businesses Opt for Ground Shipping
Ecommerce businesses often go for ground shipping for some pretty clear reasons. It’s way more affordable than air or sea freight, which helps keep your costs in check. Plus, with platforms like Shopify Shipping, you can quickly compare flat rates and get some nice discounts from big carriers.
Ground shipping also gives you a lot of options. You’ve got quick services like Saturday pickups or two-day deliveries for those rush orders. It’s also the best choice when you’re dealing with big items as there's no need to deal with crazy high fees from air or sea services. And on top of all that, there are fewer limits on what you can ship, which gives you more freedom in what you’re sending.
Leading Ground Shipping Carriers
1. United States Postal Service (USPS)
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The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a trusted pick for domestic ground shipping. Their Ground Advantage service delivers packages in two to five business days if they’re under 70 pounds.
Shipping Rates:
When it comes to rates, here’s the breakdown:
- A four-ounce package starts at $5.40, while a one-pound package will cost you around $8.40.
- For something heavier, like a 20-pound package, expect to pay about $20.
- A full 70-pound package? That’ll run you up to $58.30.
The cost depends on both the weight and the distance, with the zone system in play. The farther it ships, the higher the zone. So, if it’s within 50 miles, it’s Zone 1, but coast-to-coast deliveries will hit Zone 8. Check out the USPS Domestic Zone Chart to see which zone applies by plugging in your origin and destination ZIP codes. Also, you may need to find a Dim Weight Calculator for bulky items.
2. United Parcel Service (UPS)
United Parcel Service (UPS) Ground is great for handling heavier shipments, with a max weight limit of 150 pounds. Delivery usually takes between one and five business days, and about 90% of UPS Ground packages make it within three days of shipping.
Shipping Limits:
- A package can’t be longer than 108 inches, and the combined length and girth can’t exceed 130 inches.
Shipping Rates:
- They start at $11.32 for a one-pound package.
- A 20-pound package will cost about $18.11.
- For a 60-pound shipment, you’re looking at roughly $29.30, while a full 150-pound package could run up to $113.76.
As with USPS, the cost is based on the distance, using their own zone system to determine how far it’s going.
3. FedEx
FedEx has a variety of ground shipping options. FedEx Ground is all about weekday deliveries to businesses, while FedEx Home Delivery handles residential shipments all week, even on weekends.
Delivery Timeline:
- You can expect packages to arrive anywhere in the continental U.S. in one to five days, depending on how far it’s going and the package’s weight.
Shipping Rates:
- Rates for FedEx Ground are pretty similar to UPS, starting at $11.32 for a one-pound package, plus a $5.15 fee for residential delivery.
- FedEx can handle shipments up to 150 pounds, with packages that can be as long as 108 inches and a maximum combined length and girth of 165 inches.
4. DHL
DHL is all about global logistics, with a reach in over 200 countries, and they offer ground shipping in the U.S. and Canada. Delivery times usually fall between three and eight days for packages up to 70 pounds.
DHL Infrastructure:
- DHL has 18 distribution centers in the U.S. and even teams up with USPS. This partnership makes it easier for customers to drop off packages at local post offices or even regular mailboxes, or set up pickups if needed.
Shipping Rates:
- Rates for DHL’s ground shipping depend on the weight and distance, and you can get an exact quote right from their website. Keep in mind that the maximum dimensions for standard ground shipping are 27 inches in length and a combined 17 inches for length and height.
Using DHL and other carriers helps streamline the whole shipping process, ensuring your products make it to your customers without a hitch.
How ShipwithMina Handles Ground Shipping
At ShipWithMina, we get involved early. We’re not just managing the end of your delivery; we’re hands-on from the start. Orders get consolidated and prepped right in our China facilities, where our AI takes care of the pick-and-pack. If speed is a factor, we’ve even got our own chartered air routes to move things along. After customs, we hand shipments off to reliable ground carriers like USPS, UPS, or FedEx. If your item is on the larger side, we switch gears and tap into our network of LTL specialists.
All of it runs through our negotiated volume rates, so you’re not hit with surprise costs. We also keep inventory stocked closer to your customers, in places like the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia, so final-mile delivery stays quick and clean, without you needing to juggle different carriers or accounts.
Ground Shipping FAQ
What is the typical duration for ground shipping?
Ground shipping usually takes between 1 to 5 business days. If you’re going with a more budget-friendly option or shipping over longer distances, it could take up to 8 days.
Is tracking available for ground shipping?
Yep, tracking is available. Big names like UPS and FedEx give you tracking numbers for their ground services so you can keep tabs on your package.
How is ground shipping conducted?
Most of the time, ground shipping is handled by trucks. For some deliveries, though, rail services might be used, especially for longer-haul shipments.
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