In today’s fast-paced world reliable and efficient shipping is no longer a luxury but it has become a necessity, but again choosing the right service can become a task.
This is where giants like UPS Ground and UPS Freight both falling under the umbrella of renowned United Parcel Service(UPS), come into play.
However, they often spark confusion due to their seemingly overlapping functionalities. While both services excel at getting your shipment from point A to B, they cater to distinct needs and shipment types.
Whether you’re sending a birthday gift across the country or managing complex supply chains for your business, understanding the nuances between these two options is crucial for ensuring your packages reach their destination seamlessly and cost-effectively.
So, let’s embark on a journey to unravel the key differences between these shipping titans, focusing on 7 crucial aspects that set them apart. By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be empowered to confidently select the perfect match for your unique shipping requirements.
Shipment Size and Weight limits
UPS Ground
UPS Ground is mainly used to ship your everyday packages.
Size: The maximum size of the package should not exceed 165 inches.
Weight: You can ship packages up to 150 pounds through UPS ground but an additional fee will be charged for packages of more than 70 pounds.
Individual dimensions: The longest side of your package should not exceed 108 inches.
UPS Freight
UPS Freight is used to ship packages that are heavy, bulky, and weigh more than 150 pounds. So limitations are more dependent on the specific freight service you choose and the equipment available.
Less-than-Truckload (LTL): This is the most common UPS Freight service and is perfect for shipments that don’t require a full truck. While there isn’t a specific weight limit, individual items typically shouldn’t exceed 12,000 pounds.
Truckload (TL): The truckload service is for when you need an entire truck for a single delivery. Weight limits vary depending on the truck type and local regulations, but you’ll have plenty of space and weight capacity.
Price Structure
You can estimate your shipping costs using UPS’s shipping calculator.
UPS Ground
The pricing structure of UPS Ground is quite simple you will need to pay based on the weight of your package and the distance it has to travel.
Weight: The shipment cost will increase with the weight of the package.
Distance: The cost of sending a package increases with the distance it needs to go.
UPS Freight
When compared to the price structure of UPS Ground the price structure of UPS Freight is a bit more complex, it is not just based on weight and distance it takes into consideration a few more parameters.
Freight class: This system categorizes your shipment based on its density, value, handling characteristics, and liability.
Weight: The shipment cost will increase with the weight of the package.
Distance: The cost of sending a package increases with the distance it needs to go.
Additional Services: Services like liftgate delivery or residential delivery will add to the overall cost.
Delivery Speed and timeframes
UPS provides tools that allow you to enter the origin and destination and estimate the delivery timeframe.
UPS Ground
The delivery time ranges from 1-5 business days. The exact timeframe depends on the distance between the origin and destination.
1 Business Day: This speedy delivery is usually available for nearby destinations within the same region or state.
2-3 Business Days: This is the average delivery time for most shipments.
4-5 Business Days: Longer distances, such as coast-to-coast shipments, usually fall within this timeframe.
UPS Freight
Delivery windows for UPS Freight are somewhat more flexible than those for UPS Ground because they depend on the service option you select as well as the distance your shipment must travel.
Less-than-Truckload (LTL): Delivery times for LTL shipments can range from 1 to 6 business days, depending on the distance and the specific lanes involved. LTL shipments might make multiple stops along the way, which can impact delivery speed.
Truckload (TL): For truckload shipments, delivery times are generally faster than LTL, as the truck travels directly from the origin to the destination. The exact timeframe depends on the distance and route.
Specialized Freight Services: Delivery times for specialized services vary widely based on the type of equipment required, the nature of the shipment (e.g., hazardous materials), and the distance involved.
Service options and Flexibility
UPS Ground and UPS Freight offer a wide range of additional services to make your shipping experience smoother and more efficient.
UPS Ground
Delivery Confirmation: Get peace of mind by knowing exactly when your package arrives at its destination.
Signature Options: Require a signature upon delivery for added security and assurance, especially for valuable items.
Declared Value Coverage: Protect your shipment against loss or damage with additional coverage beyond the standard liability.
Pickup Options: Choose to have your package picked up from your home or office for added convenience.
UPS Freight
Liftgate Service: The liftgate service ensures a smooth transition from truck to ground level.
Inside Delivery: Inside delivery brings your items directly into your home or business.
Residential Delivery: UPS Freight can accommodate deliveries to homes, taking the hassle out of receiving large items.
Trade Show Services: From dedicated trade show experts to specialized equipment and handling, UPS Freight makes trade show shipping a breeze.
Shipment Tracking and Visibility Tools: Stay informed throughout the journey with advanced tracking options and online tools that provide real-time shipment updates.
Tracking and Visibility
While both UPS Ground and UPS Freight offer robust tracking capabilities, there are some subtle differences in the level of detail and functionality.
UPS Ground
Provides basic tracking information, including the shipment’s current location, estimated delivery date, and delivery confirmation.
Offers the UPS My Choice service for enhanced delivery management options.
UPS Freight
Offers more granular tracking details, including the shipment’s progress through different freight terminals and any potential delays or exceptions. Provides access to advanced tools like Quantum View Manage for comprehensive shipment visibility and management, particularly beneficial for businesses with complex shipping needs.
Areas Served and Coverage
UPS Ground
UPS Ground primarily serves domestic shipments within the United States, including deliveries to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories.
UPS Freight
UPS Freight operates within the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offering both domestic and cross-border shipping services.
Ideal Use Cases and Applications
Let’s consider a few typical products you may send with each service.
UPS Ground
E-commerce orders: Clothing, books, electronics, small household items – anything you might order online typically travels via UPS Ground.
Personal shipments: Sending a care package to a loved one or returning a purchase.
Business documents and small packages: Contracts, samples, marketing materials – anything that fits within the size and weight limits and needs to arrive quickly and reliably.
UPS Freight
Large furniture: Moving a couch across the country or Shipping a dining room set, UPS Freight can handle it.
Industrial equipment: Heavy machinery, construction materials, manufacturing components – anything that requires specialized handling and transportation.
Bulk Shipments: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers often use UPS Freight to transport large quantities of products on pallets.
Choosing the right service for your needs: UPS Ground or UPS Freight
Choose UPS Ground if
- Your shipment is under 150 pounds and meets the size restrictions.
- You’re shipping within the U.S. and need a cost-effective reliable option with delivery within 1-5 business days.
- You’re an individual shipper or a business sending out e-commerce orders, personal packages, or small business shipments.
Choose UPS Freight if
- Your shipment exceeds the size and weight limits of UPS Ground.
- You’re shipping large, heavy, or bulky items like furniture, equipment, or goods.
- You require specialized services like liftgate delivery, inside delivery, etc.
- You need comprehensive shipment visibility and management tools for complex shipping needs.
Last Shot
Understanding the difference between UPS Ground and UPS Freight is all about making smart choices that impact your time and money. Picking the right service ensures cost efficiency, timely deliveries, and happy customers. And to make things even easier, you can leverage user-friendly plugins like ELEX EasyPost and ELEX ShipEngine to seamlessly integrate UPS as your shipping carrier. With just a few clicks, you can streamline your shipping process and enjoy the benefits of UPS’s extensive network and reliable services.
FAQ’s
1. What’s the main difference between UPS Ground and UPS Freight?
The biggest difference lies in the size and weight of shipments they handle. UPS Ground is for smaller, lighter packages (under 150 pounds), while UPS Freight tackles larger, heavier shipments that often require pallets or specialized equipment.
2. Can I use UPS Ground for international shipping?
UPS Ground itself is limited to the U.S. but UPS offers other services like UPS Worldwide Expedited and UPS Worldwide Saver for international shipping needs. UPS Freight also has options for international shipments through partnerships and networks.
Further Reading
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Box of Clothes Through UPS 2024?
- How to Add UPS Shipping to WooCommerce for Free?
