UPS has transitioned its economical domestic shipping service from “SurePost” to “Ground Saver,” a move that aligns with the conclusion of the company’s agreement with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) at the end of 2024.
While UPS (NYSE: UPS) hasn’t officially announced the rebranding, the new name is now reflected on its website. Ground Saver is tailored toward large-scale businesses that aim to ship packages directly to customers’ doors.
Under the SurePost model, UPS used to hand over significant portions of its parcel volume to the USPS for final-mile residential deliveries. However, as USPS increased its prices, UPS determined it made more sense to bring these operations entirely in-house. The narrowing cost difference between the SurePost and UPS’ Ground network reinforced this decision, enabling the company to offer better service independently.
New Features and Benefits of Ground Saver
According to UPS, the new Ground Saver service provides delivery timelines equivalent to standard Ground service, with an additional one or two days. Additionally, UPS promises enhanced reliability and improved tracking capabilities compared to SurePost. This service is ideal for lightweight packages (less than 10 pounds) and covers shipments across the contiguous 48 states.
Notably, SurePost previously extended its reach to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other territories, not regions currently included under Ground Saver’s coverage. Ground Saver customers can access features such as detailed package tracking, proof of delivery through photos, and an option to upgrade to faster UPS Ground delivery using the MyChoice app.
Liability Changes for Ground Saver
A key change with Ground Saver comes in the liability terms for lost or damaged packages. While SurePost included coverage up to $100, Ground Saver now caps its reimbursement for loss or damage at just $20. Shipware, a recognized parcel logistics consultancy, highlighted this shift in a LinkedIn post last week.
Source: FREIGHTWAVES
Image Source: Parcel Path
