The USPS has announced a few updates to their services that will go into effect on Sunday, July 9, 2023. 

New USPS Service: USPS Ground Advantage
On July 9, 2023 the USPS is launching a new service: USPS Ground Advantage. This new mail class replaces a few of the existing services used by the hobby industry:

• USPS First Class Package Service
• USPS Retail Ground

USPS First Class Package Service is a tracked service often used as a cost savings opportunity for shipments packaged in bubble mailers or boxes for shipping TCGplayer orders under a pound. Retail Ground is a tracked service offered at USPS locations as a cost savings opportunity for shipments over a pound when a USPS Priority delivery time frame isn't required.

The new USPS Ground Advantage is a tracked service that combines these two USPS services into one cohesive service. This service pairs well with the wide range of products offered in the hobby industry. Below are some of the highlights the new service offers:

• Packages are delivered in 2–5 business days.
• Best-priced service for items up to 15.999 oz, based on weight (rounded up to 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 15.999 oz) and zone (distance).
• Packages greater than 15.999 oz are charged by the pound up to 70 lbs (rounded up).
• Tracking is included.
• $100 insurance is included and you can purchase up to $5,000 in additional coverage against loss or damage for merchandise.

USPS Price Increase
The USPS is increasing prices on stamps and signature confirmations starting July 9, 2023. This change impacts envelopes and some package tiers. As a result, we are updating the Shipping Replacement Cost (SRC) for Direct by TCGplayer to directly pass through these adjustments. The new SRC will go into effect July 10, 2023. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to us.