Express Shipping

Express shipping is a premium shipping service that prioritizes speed over cost. Packages travel by air and receive expedited handling at every step, resulting in delivery in 1-3 business days regardless of distance.

Express Services by Carrier

Express Shipping Speed Options

Overnight (Next Day)

• Delivered by next business day
• Options: Early AM (8am), AM (10:30am), PM (3pm), End of Day
• Most expensive
• Cut-off times typically 6-8pm

2-Day

• Delivered in 2 business days
• More economical than overnight
• Good balance of speed and cost

3-Day Select

• Delivered in 3 business days
• Budget express option
• Ground backup in some cases

When to Use Express Shipping

Worth the premium for:

• Legal documents with deadlines
• Medical supplies and samples
• Time-sensitive business materials
• Gifts for events/occasions
• Replacement parts for breakdowns
• Perishable items with short shelf life

Consider ground instead when:

• Customer isn’t in a rush
• Margin doesn’t support express cost
• Destination is nearby (ground is fast too)

Express Shipping Guarantees

Most express services include money-back guarantees:

• UPS: Full refund if delivery commitment missed
• FedEx: Full refund or credit
• USPS Priority Mail Express: Refund of postage

Important: Weather and natural disasters may suspend guarantees temporarily.

Express Pricing Factors

Express rates depend on:

1. Weight - Actual or dimensional
2. Distance - Zone-based (less variance than ground)
3. Speed - Overnight costs more than 2-day
4. Time of day - Early AM delivery costs more
5. Fuel surcharge - Higher for air services

Tips for Express Shipping

1. Know the cutoff times - Miss cutoff = next day pickup
2. Verify address - Delays are costly at express rates
3. Consider Saturday - Available for extra fee
4. Compare services - 10:30am vs. 3pm may save money
5. Request refunds - File claims for late deliveries
6. Negotiate rates - High-volume shippers get discounts