When you have goods to ship, there’s no time to waste. Especially since PwC’s Global Consumer Insights Survey shows that expectations for fast, flexible, and reliable shipping are higher than ever. The good news for shippers is that shipping doesn’t have to be complicated, and time constraints are exactly why you might be interested in expedited shipping.
Still unfamiliar with the concept? In this post, we’ll address the most common questions about expedited shipping to help you decide if this option is right for you.
What is expedited shipping?
Expedited shipping is a delivery method where goods are shipped faster than usual. To speed up the process, trucks carrying expedited shipments rarely stop along the way. Expedited shipments travel directly from pickup to delivery. Typically, trucking companies offering this fast freight service use a single truck with two drivers who work in shifts to reduce transit time.
How fast is expedited shipping?
If it normally takes five days for your package to arrive, anything shorter than that is considered expedited. However, while it varies by company, the average expedited delivery time is 2 to 3 days, saving you one or two days compared to standard shipping.
To facilitate shipping and ensure fast delivery, we recommend that shippers consider the following:
- Expedited shipping rates. Expedited shipping rates may be higher than standard rates. Online shipping service providers can help you find the best and most competitive shipping rates.
- Online tracking. Make sure the carrier you use allows you to track your package. This way, you can see where your shipment is and anticipate any issues that may arise.
- Shipping options. Understanding your shipping options is important. Will the cargo fit on one or two trucks? Do you need a full truckload or just a partial load?
Proper preparation can be very helpful, and a 3PL company can assist with planning and executing the shipment.
Is expedited shipping worth the cost?
If you need your shipment delivered on time, then expedited shipping is worth the money. Regardless of size, all shipments can be expedited when urgency is a factor.
Here are some examples where expedited shipping is a viable option:
- Medical facilities need equipment and supplies for emergency care.
- Lead times require timely restocking.
- When critical equipment fails during mining operations, replacement parts are needed to keep operations running.
The scenarios above are typical, but expedited services can be used whenever you need express shipping. The additional cost provides the benefits of speed, fewer processing steps, real-time shipping updates, and added security for your items.
Expedited Shipping vs. Standard Shipping
Standard shipping is typically the most affordable shipping option for online stores and their customers. Depending on the fulfillment provider and carrier used, standard shipping means it takes between three and seven business days from the time the order is shipped until it arrives at the customer’s doorstep.
Some shipping companies tout two-day delivery as their standard, while others clarify that standard shipping means you’ll have to wait a bit to receive your order. Stores in the latter category generally offer expedited shipping alternatives, such as 2-day or next-day delivery, for customers who need their orders faster.
It’s important to note that most sellers calculate shipping times based on when the order is shipped, not when it’s placed. This means that if an order is placed with 2-day shipping selected, those 2 days may not necessarily include order processing time—especially if that time falls on a weekend or holiday.
Fast Shipping vs. Express Shipping
Depending on the retailer and carrier involved, “fast shipping” and “express shipping” can have different meanings or be used interchangeably. Generally, when both express and expedited shipping options are offered, express shipping is faster—often meaning 2-day or next-day delivery—while expedited simply means “faster than standard.”