UPS Service Offerings Relaunched
Yesterday, UPS unveiled what it’s calling an expansion of its Ground portfolio, introducing UPS Ground Saver® and UPS® Ground with Freight Pricing. In reality, it seems more like a rebranding of existing services than a rollout of something brand new.
UPS launched UPS® Ground with Freight Pricing on September 1, 2016. This service was designed for shipments within the contiguous 48 states, providing a cost-effective option for multi-package shipments over 150 pounds. It allows businesses to leverage UPS’s small package network while gaining savings similar to those offered by less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers. While it’s a practical solution for the right customer and scenario, it’s important to note, this isn’t a new product.
UPS launched its SurePost service on April 11, 2011. This contract-only service combined UPS’s ground network with the U.S. Postal Service for final delivery, offering a cost-effective solution for residential shipments. However, the partnership with USPS ended on December 31, 2024, leading UPS to rebrand the service as UPS Ground Saver and handle final deliveries in-house.
The announcement of ‘enhanced’ Ground shipping solutions is more accurately a rebranding of existing services. Below is an overview of these UPS offerings.
1. UPS Ground Saver®
Affordable Shipping for Less Urgent Packages.
Perfect for eCommerce and direct-to-consumer businesses, Ground Saver offers a budget-friendly way to ship non-urgent packages through the reliable UPS network.
- Lower costs for lighter, less time-sensitive items
- Delivery times similar to UPS Ground (+1–2 days)
- Consumer-friendly features like Delivery Photo and upgrade options via UPS My Choice®
2. UPS® Ground with Freight Pricing
LTL Value with Parcel Convenience
This new option is built for heavier shipments over 150 lbs., offering the simplicity of parcel shipping with the pricing advantages of less-than-truckload (LTL) freight.
- Competitive rates compared to LTL carriers
- No extra fees for lift-gate or inside delivery
- Full U.S. coverage with UPS reliability
Why It Matters
As logistics needs evolve, UPS is giving shippers more control, visibility, and cost-effective choices. These services make it easier to manage shipping at scale, whether you’re moving individual packages or heavier loads.
Looking for ways to optimize your shipping strategy
Partnering with the experts at ebb Logistics ensures that your business stays ahead of these changes with proactive planning and strategic cost-saving solutions. Our experienced ebb Consultants will work closely with you to navigate changes, optimize your shipping strategy, and implement solutions that will minimize the financial impact while keeping your shipping operations efficient and cost-effective in 2025 and beyond.
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