Ground Shipping Explained: Costs, Benefits, and Best Carriers

Introduction

The world of eCommerce is constantly expanding, and shipping is a crucial factor in customer satisfaction. Free and low-cost delivery options have become deciding factors for online shoppers, with many abandoning carts due to high shipping fees. That is where ground shipping plays a pivotal role. It offers businesses an affordable, reliable, and efficient method for transporting goods.

Unlike air freight, which depends on costly airport infrastructure and limited flight schedules, ground shipping leverages road and rail networks. It ensures final-mile delivery even in remote areas. Businesses of all sizes continue to rely on ground-based transportation to ship packages across the U.S. and beyond. Ground conveyance provides a balance between cost-effectiveness and timely delivery, making it a preferred choice for bulk shipments, standard orders, and non-urgent deliveries.

As major shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS refine their ground shipping services, companies can take advantage of discounted rates, expanded delivery regions, and optimized transit times. Whether you run a small online store or a large-scale fulfillment center, understanding how ground shipping works can help you enhance efficiency and improve the overall customer experience.

What is ground shipping?

Ground shipping is a transportation method where packages are moved by trucks or rail. It is the most commonly used shipping option for domestic deliveries, providing companies with an affordable alternative to expedited shipping services. Since it relies on existing road and rail infrastructure, it is often the most economical solution for standard shipping within a country or region.

Unlike priority mail or overnight aviation services, ground shipping does not prioritize rapid transit. Instead, it focuses on efficiency, affordability, and reliability. That idea is to ensure that packages reach their destination within a reasonable timeframe. Enterprises frequently use ground services to ship large-volume orders, heavy packages, and non-urgent shipments.

Types of ground shipping services

Not all ground shipments are the same. Depending on the size, weight, urgency, and destination, companies can choose from different ground shipping methods. Here are the five primary types of ground shipping services used by major shipping carriers:

1. Parcel ground shipping

Parcel ground shipping is the most common delivery method used by eCommerce companies and retailers. It involves trucks transporting individual packages with a maximum weight of 150 lbs across multiple shipping zones. FedEx Ground, UPS Ground, and USPS Retail Ground are popular parcel shipping options, letting packages shipped between 2 to 7 days. This method is ideal for small enterprises, standard shipments, and non-urgent deliveries.

2. Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight

LTL freight is the best option for shipments that exceed parcel weight limits but do not require an entire truck. Businesses share truck space with other shipments, reducing expenses while ensuring safe and timely delivery. LTL is commonly used for bulk orders, oversized packages, and commercial goods. FedEx Freight and UPS Freight provide LTL solutions, with delivery times depending on the destination and route availability.

3. Full Truckload (FTL) freight

When a shipment is large enough to fill an entire truck, businesses opt for FTL freight services. This method ensures faster transit times, as the truck moves directly to the delivery location without making multiple stops. FTL is widely used by warehouses, manufacturing companies, and wholesale distributors that need to ship high-volume goods efficiently.

4. Regional vs. National ground shipping

Regional carriers specialize in short-region ground shipping, often delivering within the same state or neighboring regions in 1 to 3 working days. National carriers like FedEx Ground and UPS Ground offer longer-distance delivery across the United States, taking between 3 to 7 working days. Choosing between regional or national services depends on the delivery area, package size, and required transit times.

5. Expedited ground options

Expedited ground shipping services offer quicker transit times without aviation support for businesses needing faster ground deliveries. FedEx Home Delivery and UPS 3-Day Select are faster alternatives to standard ground shipping, ideal for urgent shipments that do not justify the amount you pay for transportation via flights.

5 Key benefits of ground shipping

Ground shipping remains a preferred logistics option for many businesses due to its affordability, flexibility, and reliability. Below are some of the top benefits of choosing ground shipping for your logistics strategy:

1. Cost-effectiveness

One of the most significant advantages of ground shipping is its affordable pricing. Companies can save on shipping expenses by leveraging flat-rate services, bulk shipping discounts, and consolidated freight solutions. Since ground conveyance does not involve high fuel surcharges or airport handling fees, it remains one of the most affordable shipping options.

2. Widespread accessibility

Unlike other transport methods, ground shipping covers a broader delivery area, reaching rural and suburban locations that may not have airport access. FedEx Ground and UPS Ground operate across the contiguous United States, ensuring packages arrive at even the most remote destinations. That makes ground shipping an excellent solution for businesses looking to expand their reach.

3. Reliability and flexibility

With structured transit times and regional sorting hubs, ground shipping work remains highly reliable for businesses that require consistent delivery schedules. Companies can choose from multiple service levels, including LTL freight, regional ground, and expedited options, making it a versatile logistics solution.

4. Simplified handling

Unlike air freight, which involves complex customs processes, ground shipping services have fewer restrictions on package size and weight. It simplifies order fulfillment and reduces paperwork, allowing businesses to process shipments more efficiently.

5. Environmental considerations

For businesses focused on sustainability, ground shipping offers a lower carbon footprint compared to air freight. Since trucks and rail networks use less fuel per package, companies can reduce emissions while maintaining affordable and efficient deliveries.

Top ground shipping carriers: A comparative analysis

Businesses have a variety of ground shipping services to choose from, with each carrier offering distinct advantages. While major carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and USPS dominate the industry, other providers like DHL, Canada Post, and OnTrac cater to specialized regional and international deliveries. Below, we explore the best ground shipping carriers and how their services compare.

1. UPS (United Parcel Service)

UPS Ground is a well-known option for businesses looking for reliable and affordable shipping. With transit times ranging from 1-5 working days, UPS Ground ensures timely deliveries across the United States. The carrier provides tracking services, handles packages up to 150 pounds, and calculates the amount to pay based on weight and delivery distance.

2. FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground is a preferred service for business and residential shipments, offering delivery within 1-5 days across the U.S. and Canada. FedEx also provides FedEx Home Delivery, which ensures deliveries seven days a week for residential customers. With real-time tracking and a money-back guarantee for delays, FedEx remains one of the most trusted shipping providers.

3. USPS (United States Postal Service)

USPS offers Ground Advantage, an affordable option for packages weighing up to 70 pounds. Delivery typically takes 2-5 days, making it a popular standard shipping choice for small businesses and retailers. Priority Mail services allow faster transit times, with the added benefit of flat rate pricing.

4. DHL Ground

DHL specializes in international logistics, offering ground shipping services in North America and Europe. While DHL is best known for air and express shipping, its domestic ground network ensures affordable and efficient deliveries for businesses shipping within the U.S. and Canada.

5. XPO Logistics

A leader in less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, XPO Logistics provides ground shipping solutions for businesses needing bulk shipments without filling an entire truck. It offers extensive tracking options, optimized fulfillment center operations, and customized solutions for high-volume shipping.

6. Canada Post

For businesses shipping within Canada or to the U.S., Canada Post’s Expedited Parcel and Tracked Packet services offer an affordable and reliable solution. With estimated delivery speeds ranging from 4-7 days, it is ideal for cross-border eCommerce and small businesses.

7. OnTrac

OnTrac is a regional ground shipping carrier that provides last-mile delivery services across 35 U.S. states. It is known for its economical and quick delivery options, often serving as a faster alternative to national carriers for businesses in its network.

Comparison of the best ground shipping carriers

How long does ground shipping take?

The transit time for ground shipping depends on several factors, including the carrier, package size, distance, and delivery region. While most standard ground shipments arrive within two to five business days, factors such as weather conditions, carrier capacity, and last-mile delivery requirements can affect actual arrival times.

For shorter distances or same-state deliveries, packages may arrive within one to three days. Conversely, shipments traveling across multiple states or to remote areas may require five or more business days. Businesses utilizing fulfillment centers can reduce delivery times by strategically placing inventory closer to customers, ensuring faster processing and shipping.

Carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS offer real-time tracking, allowing businesses and customers to monitor their shipments and estimate arrival times. While air shipping is faster, ground shipping remains a more cost-effective solution for non-urgent deliveries.

Ground shipping vs. other shipping methods

1. Air freight vs. ground shipping

While air freight is the fastest delivery option, it is also significantly more expensive than ground shipping. Businesses opt for air shipping when they need urgent, high-value, or perishable shipments to arrive within 1-2 business days. However, for standard shipping, ground shipping offers cost savings and broader delivery accessibility, making it ideal for bulk shipments and non-urgent orders.

2. Ground vs. ocean shipping

For international shipping, ocean freight is often preferred for large shipments. While ground shipping is restricted to domestic and regional transport, ocean freight allows businesses to ship bulk goods overseas at a lower cost. However, ocean freight transit times are much longer, often taking several weeks compared to days for ground transport.

3. Ground vs. rail transport

Rail shipping is commonly used for long-distance bulk freight transport, particularly for heavy goods such as coal, steel, and raw materials. While ground shipping offers last-mile delivery, rail transport is more cost-effective for large-scale industrial shipments that do not require direct-to-consumer delivery.

Conclusion: Why ground shipping remains essential

As eCommerce expands, ground shipping continues to be a cornerstone of logistics. It bridges the gap between affordability and reliability, allowing businesses to streamline deliveries without the high costs of air freight. With options like standard shipping, LTL freight, and regional carriers, companies can tailor their shipping strategies to optimize cost savings and efficiency.

Looking ahead, advancements in automation, sustainable logistics, and route optimization will further enhance the ground shipping experience. As carriers expand their networks and integrate smart logistics solutions, businesses will have even more opportunities to deliver faster, smarter, and more sustainably.