What is Expedited Shipping? Top 5 Best Expedited Shipping Carriers

Ever found yourself in a situation where you needed a package urgently but the regular shipping options were too slow? Expedited shipping might be your answer. According to a survey by McKinsey, 50% of consumers consider fast shipping an important factor in their purchase decisions. So what is expedited shipping? How does it work? And how to implement it in your case? This article will have all the answers.

What Does Expedited Shipping Mean?

Imagine you order a gift for a friend’s birthday, which is just a few days away. You can’t wait for the regular shipping time because it might arrive too late. This is where expedited shipping comes in handy.

Expedited shipping is a delivery method designed to get packages to their destinations faster than standard shipping options. This type of shipping prioritizes speed and efficiency, making it ideal for urgent deliveries. 

Why Do You Need Expedited Shipping?

Expedited shipping gets packages delivered faster, usually in 1-3 days instead of 3-7 days. This speed makes customers happy, especially when they need something quickly, and can lead to more repeat sales and good reviews.

This shipping method is reliable and reduces the chances of packages getting damaged since they spend less time in transit. This is important for fragile or expensive items. Offering expedited shipping also helps businesses stand out from competitors and attracts customers who want quick delivery.

Additionally, businesses can manage their inventory better with expedited shipping. Faster delivery means less need for storage space, saving costs. It also helps reduce the number of abandoned shopping carts because customers are more likely to complete their purchase if they see faster delivery options.

So expedited shipping is beneficial for both customers and businesses by providing quick, reliable delivery and improving customer satisfaction and business efficiency.

How Expedited Shipping Works?

Expedited shipping is a method designed to deliver packages faster than standard shipping. The process starts with priority handling. When an order is marked for expedited shipping, it is processed ahead of others. This means the order is quickly picked, packed, and prepared for shipment. Throughout the logistics chain, these shipments are given special attention to ensure they move faster than regular packages.

Next, expedited shipping uses special transport methods to reduce transit time. This often involves choosing the most direct routes, such as direct flights or express road routes that avoid standard distribution hubs. To keep the package moving continuously, multiple drivers or relay teams might be used, so there are no rest breaks that could slow down the delivery.

Additionally, third-party logistics (3PL) providers play a crucial role in expedited shipping. These providers offer a range of transportation options, including hot shots, dry vans, sprinter vans, straight trucks, and cargo vans, all aimed at meeting tight delivery deadlines. They use their extensive networks to find the quickest and most efficient routes for these urgent shipments.

Moreover, optimized routing is another key aspect of expedited shipping. Advanced software helps plan the fastest routes by considering factors like traffic, weather, and road conditions. This minimizes delays and ensures timely deliveries. Expedited shipments also have fewer stops, reducing the time packages spend in transit and limiting the handling processes that can cause delays.

Finally, reduced transit time is achieved by prioritizing speed over cost. Expedited shipping involves higher costs due to the need for faster transport methods and additional handling resources. Dedicated teams, trained to manage urgent deliveries, handle these packages to ensure they are prioritized at every step.

And that’s how expedited shipping works! Expedited shipping makes it perfect for urgent deliveries.

How Long Does Expedited Shipping Take?

Expedited shipping is designed to deliver packages faster than standard shipping options, providing a middle ground between regular and express shipping. Here’s a comprehensive look at how long expedited shipping takes:

Domestic Shipping

For domestic shipments within the same country, expedited shipping usually takes between 1-3 business days. The exact time frame can vary depending on the carrier and the specific service selected, for example:

• USPS Priority Mail Express: Offers next-day or 2-day delivery by 6 PM​.
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Delivers within two business days, with options for end-of-day or morning delivery​.
• FedEx 2-Day: Ensures delivery within two business days, with an option for early morning delivery with FedEx 2Day A.M.

International Shipping

Expedited shipping for international deliveries typically takes longer due to customs and longer distances. Here are the average time frames from the top 3 carriers:

• USPS Priority Mail Express International: Generally delivers within 3-5 business days.
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: Typically takes 2-5 business days depending on the destination.
• FedEx International Priority: Usually delivers within 2-4 business days​.

So what factors can affect the exact delivery time for expedited shipping? Here are some suggestions for you to be aware of:

• Shipments to remote or rural areas may take longer.
• International shipments may be delayed by customs clearance processes.
• The time of day when the package is shipped can affect the delivery time. For example, orders placed after a carrier’s cutoff time might not be processed until the next business day​.
• During peak seasons like holidays, delivery networks can be overwhelmed, potentially leading to delays​.

Top 5 Carriers Providing Expedited Shipping and Price Comparison

Expedited shipping is essential for urgent deliveries, and various top carriers provide reliable services to ensure quick transit times. Here are the top 5 carriers you can consider: 

FedEx

FedEx is a global leader in logistics, known for its wide range of expedited shipping services. They provide fast and reliable options for both domestic and international shipments, ensuring packages arrive quickly and securely.

Services Offered with Prices:

• FedEx First Overnight: Next business day morning delivery.
  • Pricing: Starting at $61.25.
• FedEx Priority Overnight: Next business day afternoon delivery.
  • Pricing: Prices vary based on distance and package size.
• FedEx 2Day: Delivery within two business days.
  • Pricing: Prices vary depending on distance and package size.
• FedEx International Priority: Delivery within 2-4 business days internationally.
  • Pricing: Approximately $38.75 for a 2-pound package from the U.S. to international destinations.

UPS

UPS is renowned for its comprehensive logistics solutions, offering a variety of expedited shipping services that cater to both urgent domestic and international delivery needs. They are known for their reliability and extensive network.

Services Offered with Prices:

• UPS Next Day Air: Ensures delivery by the next business day.
  • Pricing: Starting at $67.44.
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Delivery within two business days.
  • Pricing: Prices vary based on distance and package size.
• UPS 3 Day Select: Delivery within three business days.
  • Pricing: Prices vary based on distance and package size.
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: International delivery within 2-5 business days.
  • Pricing: Around $36.65 for a 1-pound package from the U.S. to international destinations.

DHL

DHL excels in international shipping, offering competitive rates and fast delivery times. They provide a range of expedited shipping services designed to meet the needs of global logistics.

Services Offered with Prices:

• DHL Express Worldwide: Next business day delivery to most destinations.
  • Pricing: Starts at $40.24 for a 2-pound package from the U.S. to Canada, $48.48 to the UK, and $41.31 to France.
• DHL Express 12:00: Ensures delivery by noon the next business day.
  • Pricing: Prices vary based on destination and package size.
• DHL Express 9:00: Guarantees delivery by 9:00 AM the next business day.
  • Pricing: Prices vary based on destination and package size.

USPS

USPS is a cost-effective option for smaller packages, providing reliable flat-rate shipping services. They offer a range of expedited shipping options that balance speed and affordability.

Services Offered with Prices:

• Priority Mail Express: Next-day or 2-day delivery guaranteed.
  • Pricing: Starting at $28.75.
• Priority Mail: Delivery within 1-3 business days.
  • Pricing: Starts at $9.35 for flat-rate boxes.
• First Class Package International Service: Affordable international shipping for smaller packages.
  • Pricing: Starting at $23.54 for a 2-pound package to Canada and $28.92 to the UK.

Forward Air

Forward Air specializes in expedited freight services, offering flexible solutions for urgent shipping needs. Their extensive network ensures broad coverage and reliability for critical shipments.

Services Offered with Prices:

• Expedited LTL (Less-than-Truckload) Services: Suitable for mid-sized shipments.
  • Pricing: Varies based on shipment specifics.
• Direct Drive: Provides fast, non-stop transportation.
  • Pricing: Varies based on distance and urgency.
• Team Service: Minimizes transit times for longer distances.
  • Pricing: Varies based on distance and urgency.
• Exclusive Use: Offers a dedicated truck for extremely urgent shipments.
  • Pricing: Varies based on shipment requirements.

Here’s a comparison table for you to save! 

Tips To Implement Expedited Shipping in Your Business

Implementing expedited shipping can significantly improve your business by speeding up deliveries and keeping customers satisfied. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

Evaluate your shipping needs

Determine how often you need expedited shipping and for which products. For example, some items might need overnight delivery, while others might be fine with 2-day shipping. This helps you choose the right service level without over-committing to unnecessary costs.

Select the right logistics partners

Look for shipping companies that offer various expedited shipping options and use advanced technology for tracking. Examples include UPS, FedEx, and DHL. These companies provide real-time tracking and reliable service, which helps you keep your customers informed and manage their expectations effectively.

Streamline your internal processes

Automate order processing, picking, packing, and labeling to handle expedited shipments efficiently. Here are some tools to help you:

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Tools like ShipBob and ShipHero can help automate and manage your inventory and orders in real time.
• Barcode Scanners: Use barcode scanners to reduce manual errors and speed up the picking and packing process.
• Automated Sorting Systems: Implement automated sorting systems to quickly organize and dispatch orders.

Communicate clearly with customers

Provide clear information to customers about expedited shipping options, costs, and delivery times at checkout. Use the following tools to enhance communication:

• Tracking orders in real-time: Synctrack – Tracking tool is a fantastic tool that provides you and your customers with a free tracking tool for tracking orders. Additionally, it offers Synctrack order tracking app that allows you to integrate an order-tracking page that aligns seamlessly with your brand assets. This includes features like estimated delivery dates (ETAs) and automated courier matching, ensuring a smooth and customized tracking experience.
• Shipping information widgets: Shopify and WooCommerce offer plugins that display shipping options and costs clearly during checkout.
• Email/SMS notifications: Tools like Klaviyo and ShipStation can send real-time updates to customers about their order status.

Use multiple fulfillment centers

Distributing your inventory across multiple locations can reduce transit times and shipping costs. For example, you can identify key regions where your customers are concentrated. Placing fulfillment centers in these areas can drastically reduce delivery times. If a significant portion of your customer base is on the East Coast, consider having a fulfillment center in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

Or you can leverage third-party services to support like ShipBob. This service offers distributed fulfillment centers across the country. They handle everything from inventory management to order fulfillment and shipping. Another service you can consider is Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). Amazon’s vast network of warehouses can be leveraged to store and ship your products. FBA not only handles storage and shipping but also customer service and returns.

Negotiate better rates

Negotiate shipping rates with your shipping providers based on your shipment volume. Combine shipments and optimize load capacities to reduce costs. 

You can contact your shipping providers to discuss volume discounts. The more you ship, the better rates you can negotiate. Use data from your shipping history to show your volume and potential for growth. If you ship 500 packages a month, leverage this volume to negotiate bulk rates with FedEx or UPS.

Also, optimize your shipping strategy by combining multiple shipments going to the same region. This increases load capacities and can reduce costs. Instead of sending multiple small packages, consolidate them into fewer, larger shipments. This not only saves on shipping costs but also reduces the handling charges.

Besides rates, negotiate other terms such as payment schedules, minimum shipment volumes, and service guarantees. Having favorable terms can provide additional cost savings and operational benefits.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, customer satisfaction is paramount. Expedited shipping bridges the gap between standard and express shipping, offering a perfect balance of speed and cost. Also, it plays a crucial role in ensuring timely deliveries and reducing potential issues. By integrating expedited shipping into your strategy, you’ll satisfy your customers and build loyalty and repeat business. Make the switch to expedited shipping and watch your customer satisfaction soar.

Learn More: Standard vs Expedited Shipping: How To Pick The Right One For Your Business