What Is SurePost and How Can It Benefit You?

Shipping products can be a challenging task for businesses of all sizes, particularly when it comes to finding the most cost-effective and efficient delivery options. This is where SurePost comes in, offering a valuable service that can help streamline the shipping process for businesses of all kinds. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the basics of SurePost, how it works, and how it can benefit your business.

Understanding the Basics of SurePost

SurePost is a shipping service offered by UPS to businesses that sends packages through UPS to USPS delivery zones. Once the package arrives at the local post office, the USPS handles the final leg of the delivery to the customer’s doorstep. This service is designed to offer a more cost-effective way to ship packages that don’t require the speed of other shipping services, such as UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail.

Generally, SurePost is an excellent option for businesses sending packages under ten pounds since the service leverages USPS’s existing delivery infrastructure and doesn’t require additional surcharges or accessorial fees. However, it’s essential to understand that this service does come with some limitations that we’ll explore in more detail later in this article.

One of the limitations of SurePost is that it can take longer for packages to be delivered compared to other shipping services. This is because the package has to go through two different carriers, UPS and USPS, before reaching the customer’s doorstep. Additionally, SurePost doesn’t offer guaranteed delivery dates, which can be a concern for businesses that need to ensure their packages arrive by a specific date.

Another important factor to consider when using SurePost is that the service doesn’t offer any additional options for package tracking or delivery notifications. This means that businesses may not have as much visibility into the delivery process as they would with other shipping services. However, UPS does offer a tracking number for the package, which can be used to track the package’s progress through the UPS and USPS systems.

How Does SurePost Work?

The process of using SurePost is relatively straightforward; businesses simply pack and label their products as they would normally, using UPS’s shipping software, WorldShip, or an external shipping software that integrates with UPS. The package is then shipped via UPS to the nearest USPS hub. Once the package arrives at the USPS hub, it is sorted and shipped via USPS to the customer’s delivery address.

One of the most significant benefits of using SurePost is that businesses can track their packages through the UPS website. Once the package is transferred to USPS, the tracking information is also available on the USPS website. This makes it a lot easier for businesses to keep track of their shipments and inform customers of their package’s delivery status.

Another advantage of using SurePost is that it can be a cost-effective shipping option for businesses. Since the package is initially shipped via UPS, which has a larger network and infrastructure, businesses can take advantage of UPS’s lower shipping rates. Additionally, since the package is then transferred to USPS for final delivery, businesses can benefit from USPS’s lower residential delivery rates. This can result in significant cost savings for businesses, especially for those shipping large volumes of packages.

The Role of UPS and USPS in SurePost Delivery

As we mentioned previously, UPS handles the initial part of the delivery process when using SurePost. When the package is in transit, UPS offers full tracking and support until it reaches the nearest USPS hub. After that, USPS takes control of the package, sorts it, and delivers it to the customer’s doorstep or mailbox.

While a significant proportion of the delivery process is handled by USPS with SurePost, it’s still important to understand that UPS plays a crucial role in ensuring that the package makes it to the correct USPS hub. Therefore, businesses must ensure that they follow proper labeling and packaging guidelines to prevent any delays in the delivery process.

It’s worth noting that SurePost delivery is typically slower than standard UPS or USPS delivery options. This is because the package is handed off between two different carriers, which can add additional time to the delivery process. However, SurePost can be a cost-effective option for businesses that don’t require expedited shipping and want to save on shipping costs.

Advantages of Using SurePost for Your Shipments

There are many advantages that businesses can gain by using SurePost for their shipments. One of the most significant benefits is the cost savings that come with using this service. SurePost is generally the most cost-effective shipping option for packages weighing less than ten pounds, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to maximize their profit margins while still providing a reliable shipping option to their customers.

Additionally, using SurePost can also help businesses streamline their shipping processes, as there is no need to create special labels or deal with additional surcharges and accessorial fees. The service is relatively easy to use, and the tracking information is available through both UPS and USPS websites.

Another advantage of using SurePost is the flexibility it offers in terms of delivery options. Customers can choose to have their packages delivered to their homes or to a nearby UPS Access Point location, which can be more convenient for those who are not always available to receive packages at home. This can also help reduce the risk of missed deliveries and the need for re-delivery attempts.

Cost Savings with SurePost Compared to Other Shipping Options

Compared to other shipping options, SurePost is often the least expensive option for packages under ten pounds. When compared to UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail, using SurePost can result in significant cost savings, particularly for businesses that ship large volumes of packages regularly.

It’s worth noting that SurePost is designed to be a delivery option that balances cost savings with speed. If you need your packages to arrive quickly, other shipping options may be more suitable, such as UPS 2nd Day Air or USPS Priority Mail Express. However, if you’re looking for cost savings over speed, SurePost is an excellent option that can help businesses save money and streamline their shipping processes.

In addition to cost savings, SurePost also offers other benefits for businesses. One of these benefits is increased visibility and tracking capabilities. With SurePost, businesses can track their packages from the moment they are picked up by UPS until they are delivered to the recipient’s doorstep. This level of visibility can help businesses better manage their inventory and ensure that their packages are delivered on time.

Limitations and Restrictions of SurePost Service

Despite the many benefits of using SurePost, there are some limitations and restrictions that businesses should be aware of before signing up for the service. For example, packages sent through SurePost can only be delivered to residential addresses within the Continental US. Packages shipped to PO boxes, UPS Store locations, or APO/FPO addresses are not eligible for SurePost.

Additionally, delivery times can take longer with SurePost than other shipping options. Since the package must be transferred from UPS to USPS, there can be a delay in the delivery process. On average, delivery times can take anywhere from two to seven days, depending on the destination zip code. Therefore, businesses must consider delivery times when using SurePost and adjust their shipping schedules accordingly.

Another limitation of SurePost is that packages cannot exceed 70 pounds in weight or 130 inches in length and girth combined. This means that businesses shipping large or heavy items may need to consider alternative shipping options.

Finally, SurePost does not offer any guaranteed delivery times or delivery date options. This can be problematic for businesses that need to ensure their packages arrive by a specific date or time. In these cases, businesses may need to consider using a different shipping service that offers guaranteed delivery times.

Is SurePost the Right Choice for Your Business?

As with any shipping service, the suitability of SurePost depends on a variety of factors specific to your business, such as the weight of your packages, the speed at which you need your packages delivered, and your overall shipping budget.

If cost savings are a priority for your business, and you’re not shipping critical or time-sensitive packages, then SurePost could be an excellent option. However, if your business depends on fast delivery times or requires packages to be shipped to non-residential addresses, then other shipping options such as USPS Priority Mail Express or UPS Next Day Air may be more appropriate.

How to Sign Up for SurePost and Start Using It

Signing up for SurePost is relatively easy and can be done directly through the UPS website. Once you’ve signed up for an account, you can start shipping packages using the SurePost service. Alternatively, if you already have a UPS account, you can add SurePost to your delivery options by contacting the UPS customer service team.

It’s worth noting that SurePost is not available to all businesses. Some eligibility criteria must be met, including shipping volume, package weight, and the destination zip code. Therefore, businesses should check the eligibility requirements before signing up for the service.

Tips for Optimizing Your Use of SurePost to Get the Most Out of This Service

Optimizing your use of SurePost can help your business get the most out of this service. Here are some tips that can help you streamline your shipping process and maximize cost savings:

• Use WorldShip or external shipping software that integrates with UPS to create labels and manage your shipments.
• Make sure to follow labeling and packaging guidelines to ensure that your packages are delivered to the correct USPS hub.
• Take advantage of the tracking information available through both UPS and USPS websites to keep customers updated on the status of their shipments.
• Estimate delivery times carefully and adjust shipping schedules accordingly to make sure that packages arrive when expected.

Frequently Asked Questions About SurePost Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about SurePost that businesses often ask:

• What’s the maximum weight limit for SurePost shipments? – The maximum weight limit for SurePost shipments is ten pounds.
• Can I ship packages to non-residential addresses using SurePost? – No, packages shipped using SurePost can only be delivered to residential addresses within the Continental US.
• What’s the average delivery time for SurePost shipments? – Delivery times can vary depending on the destination zip code, but on average, delivery times can take anywhere from two to seven days.
• Is SurePost available for international shipments? – No, SurePost is only available for shipments within the Continental US.

Conclusion

Overall, SurePost can be an excellent option for businesses looking for a cost-effective way to ship packages weighing less than ten pounds. Although there are some limitations to this service, it can help businesses save money and streamline their shipping processes without sacrificing reliability or quality. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, businesses can optimize their use of SurePost and get the most out of this valuable shipping service.