Yes — USPS Ground Advantage includes tracking on every shipment. You get door-to-door tracking updates and up to $100 of included insurance without paying anything extra.
In this guide:
- What tracking do you get with Ground Advantage?
- Where to find your Ground Advantage tracking number
- How to track your Ground Advantage package
- How long does Ground Advantage take?
- Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail: which should you choose?
Ground Advantage launched in July 2023, replacing USPS Retail Ground and First-Class Package Service as the Postal Service’s main affordable ground shipping option for packages up to 70 pounds. Tracking was built into the service from day one, so there is no add-on to buy and no form to fill in.
What tracking do you get with Ground Advantage?
Every Ground Advantage label comes with a tracking number, usually 22 digits starting with 94. Once your package is accepted at the post office or picked up, scans appear at each major step: acceptance, departure from each facility, arrival at the delivery unit, and final delivery. Delivery confirmation is included, so you will see a timestamp when the package reaches the mailbox or doorstep.
One thing to know: Ground Advantage tracking is event-based rather than GPS-based. You will see facility scans, not a live map dot. That is normal for this service and matches what other USPS ground products provide.
Where to find your Ground Advantage tracking number
- Post office receipt: printed near the bottom when you pay at the counter.
- Online label: shown on the confirmation page and in the email from USPS Click-N-Ship.
- Marketplace orders: sellers on eBay, Etsy and Amazon usually add the number to your order details.
- Text or email alerts: sign up for USPS Text Tracking by texting your number to 28777.
How to track your Ground Advantage package
Enter the full tracking number on the USPS tracking page or in any parcel tracking tool, such as the search box on our couriers page. If no scans appear within 24 hours of shipping, wait a day — the first acceptance scan sometimes lags behind the physical handover.
How long does Ground Advantage take?
USPS quotes 2 to 5 business days for Ground Advantage, depending on distance. Tracking will show an expected delivery date once the package enters the network, and that estimate updates as new scans arrive.
Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail: which should you choose?
Ground Advantage is the budget pick for packages that are not urgent, typically arriving in 2 to 5 business days. Priority Mail costs more but promises 1 to 3 business days and includes the same tracking plus $100 of insurance. For heavy but non-urgent parcels, Ground Advantage usually wins on price; for anything time-sensitive, Priority Mail is worth the upgrade. Both services show the same style of tracking scans, so your choice comes down to speed versus cost.
Is USPS Ground Advantage tracking free?
Yes. Tracking and delivery confirmation are included in the postage price for every Ground Advantage shipment. You never need to pay extra for it.
Why is my Ground Advantage tracking not updating?
The most common reason is that the package has not been scanned yet — the first scan can take up to 24 hours. If nothing appears after two business days, check the number for typos, then contact the sender or USPS.
Does Ground Advantage include insurance?
Yes, up to $100 of insurance coverage is included against loss or damage. You can buy additional coverage at the post office or online if your item is worth more.
Can I track Ground Advantage packages internationally?
Ground Advantage is a domestic US service. For international shipments, USPS offers First-Class Package International and Priority Mail International, which include tracking to many destinations.