USPS to replace First Class Package, Retail Ground, Parcel Select with Ground Advantage Summer 2023

[wastingtime101]

As USPS implements price & service changes every July (think the first year was August), I expect that's about the time they're planning to roll this out.

https://postalnews.com/blog/2023/02/10/usps-seeks-to-replace-first-class-package-service-with-usps-g...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As part of its overall strategy to enhance its shipping offerings, the United States Postal Service today filed a procedural filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) notifying the commission of the Postal Service’s intention to replace its existing First-Class Package Service category with USPS Ground Advantage. USPS Ground Advantage will feature two-to five day service standards for packages up to 70 pounds.

The filing streamlines and simplifies package shipping options for customers and enhances the Postal Service’s ground product offering with the anticipated summer 2023 launch of its improved ground product — USPS Ground Advantage.

[nobody*s_perfect]

The listing form just has not been updated with the new rates at all for any service; ALL the shipping options are showing the old rates.  It's just harder to spot for First Class because the rates are all the same (except retail prices for 12+ ounces).

Here's an example of Priority Mail's old rates showing up for a 15-ounce package, including Priority pricing showing under First Class because the shipping calculator in the listing still thinks that there's a weight limit of 13 ounces.

[mozartbach1971]

The listing form just has not been updated with the new rates at all for any service; ALL the shipping options are showing the old rates.  It's just harder to spot for First Class because the rates are all the same (except retail prices for 12+ ounces).

Here's an example of Priority Mail's old rates showing up for a 15-ounce package, including Priority pricing showing under First Class because the shipping calculator in the listing still thinks that there's a weight limit of 13 ounces.

Are you saying if you tried creating a completely new listing today, you would still have USPS first class mail as an option in your listing? 

[nobody*s_perfect]

---

@mozartbach1971 wrote:

... Are you saying if you tried creating a completely new listing today, you would still have USPS first class mail as an option in your listing? 

---

Yes. There are active auction-format listings, started today, which offer First Class package postage.

[steve_stuff]

"Are you saying if you tried creating a completely new listing today, you would still have USPS first class mail as an option in your listing?"

Yes - also if you are editing active or scheduled listings, replacing first class with Parcel Select / Ground Advantage, first class is still on the list to be picked - I know as I spent four hours this morning 'changing' first class to .... first class. I spaced out and messed up bad after the first batch.  After 50 plus years of picking first class I picked first class. Also put the wrong priority back in as second option on a bunch ... but that's a whole other problem

[fern*wood]

Don't feel bad.  Even with all the help other posters have given (no thanks to ebay BTW) I'm still messing up simple stuff.  I need to take a break, because I've been at this on/off all day and my eyes and brain are shorting out.

[mozartbach1971]

I printed a couple labels through Stamps.com for two ground advantage packages weighing 4 ounces each and at the top they say 1 LB Ground Advantage Rate.  Does anyone notice anything like this on their labels? Is this correct?

[nobody*s_perfect]

---

@mozartbach1971 wrote:

I printed a couple labels through Stamps.com for two ground advantage packages weighing 4 ounces each and at the top they say 1 LB Ground Advantage Rate.  Does anyone notice anything like this on their labels? Is this correct?

---

What did you pay for the label -- the 4-ounce rate or the 1-pound rate?  Did you have any particular reason for using stamps.com rather than eBay?

[mozartbach1971]

What did you pay for the label -- the 4-ounce rate or the 1-pound rate?  Did you have any particular reason for using stamps.com rather than eBay?

I paid $4.13 each for the two 4 ounce packages.  I never used Ebay shipping I prefer Stamps.com.

[lcp45]

I like to put small box items in poly bags. The label has lots of room and the item is safe in the box. 

[toomuchstuffagain35]

I use ebay shipping and mine just say USPS Ground Advantage and show the weight as 4 oz

[kyle@ebay]

Hey @wastingtime101 We have heard from our shipping team on both of these issues and have some updated info to share!  The Shipping team is in the process of updating Ground Advantage service name and rates in listing flows, we expect updates to be completed over the next day. In the mean time you may experience the following in listing flows:

"Service name
Shipping service reflected as Parcel Select Ground/Ground Advantage. If you select Parcel Select Ground/Ground Advantage shipping service, the service name will automatically be updated to Ground Advantage once the Shipping updates are completed over the next day. No further action will be required by you.

Rates
Ground Advantage retail rates are currently being updated from Parcel Select rates in listing flows and will be updated to Ground Advantage retail rates over the next day. Calculated shipping quotes in active listings have been updated to Ground Advantage rates."

---

[norskmediashop]

so kyle@ebay

ebay is still refusing to not change over the first class automatically? so stores with thousands of listings that simply can not do it ebay is fine with losing the revenue from? Were not going to have a choice but to leave the platform. other platforms are automatically doing it, it's not right.

[wastingtime101]

Thanks kyle@ebay - appreciate the update. I also saw the latest announcement that had a bit more info on listings with First Class:

"We are asking sellers to update listings to Ground Advantage over the next 30 days to ensure buyers see the most accurate shipping details. We realize this may take longer for some sellers and we will continue to support First-Class on existing listings for a longer period of time. We will update you as more information becomes available."

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/USPS-introduces-the-new-consolidated-ground-shipping-ser...

[wastingtime101]

For whatever this feedback is worth kyle@ebay, I think it was very smart for eBay to put an alert at the top of the listing form:

A few seasoned sellers told me they don't read messages from eBay or the announcements board, so putting that alert on the listing page where it's hard to miss was a good move.

[kyle@ebay]

---

@wastingtime101 wrote:

For whatever this feedback is worth kyle@ebay, I think it was very smart for eBay to put an alert at the top of the listing form:

A few seasoned sellers told me they don't read messages from eBay or the announcements board, so putting that alert on the listing page where it's hard to miss was a good move.

---

Hey @wastingtime101 thanks for the feedback!  I agree too; I think it's a great move.  I'll be sure to share this with the folks who put it up!