Same-Day Delivery
Also known as: Same Day Shipping, Instant Delivery, Rush Delivery
Definition
Same-day delivery gets packages to recipients on the same day the order is placed or shipped. This premium service has grown from a luxury to an expectation, especially for local and e-commerce deliveries.
How Same-Day Delivery Works
Typical Flow
- Order placed (e.g., 10:00 AM)
- Order processed (immediate)
- Picked and packed (within hours)
- Dispatched (local courier or carrier)
- Delivered (same day, often within 2-4 hours)
Requirements for Same-Day
- Local inventory (nearby warehouse or store)
- Early order cut-off compliance
- Dedicated courier network
- Real-time order processing
Same-Day Delivery Providers
National Carriers
| Carrier | Service | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | UPS Express Critical | Select metros |
| FedEx | FedEx SameDay | Metro areas |
| USPS | Same Day not available | N/A |
| DHL | DHL Same Day | Limited |
E-Commerce Platforms
| Platform | Service | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Same-Day Delivery | Prime metros |
| Walmart | Express Delivery | Major markets |
| Target | Same-Day (Shipt) | Most locations |
| Instacart | Same-Day | Grocery focused |
Local/Regional Providers
- Postmates
- DoorDash Drive
- Uber Connect
- Local courier companies
- Bike messengers (urban)
Same-Day Delivery Costs
Consumer Pricing
| Provider | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | Free (orders $25+) or $2.99 |
| Walmart | $10 |
| Target (Shipt) | $9.99 or membership |
| FedEx SameDay | $100+ |
Business Shipping
| Service Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local courier | $15-$50 |
| Regional same-day | $50-$150 |
| National same-day | $100-$500+ |
Cut-Off Times for Same-Day
Typical cut-offs:
- Amazon: Morning (varies by item)
- Walmart: As late as 1:00 PM
- Target: Varies by time of day
- Carriers: Early morning for guaranteed
Example schedule:
| Order Time | Same-Day Possible? |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Yes, delivery by evening |
| 12:00 PM | Maybe, check availability |
| 4:00 PM | Unlikely for most services |
| 8:00 PM | Next-day typically |
Coverage and Limitations
Where Same-Day Works Best
- Major metropolitan areas
- Near distribution centers
- Within delivery zones
- Urban and suburban locations
Common Limitations
- Not available everywhere
- Limited hours (no overnight)
- Item restrictions (size, hazmat)
- Weather/traffic impacts
- Higher costs
Offering Same-Day as a Business
Requirements
- Local inventory or stores
- Quick order processing
- Reliable courier partnerships
- Real-time inventory visibility
- Clear cut-off communication
Implementation Options
- Partner with same-day specialists
- Use local courier services
- Ship-from-store programs
- Micro-fulfillment centers
- Crowdsourced delivery
Same-Day Delivery Economics
Cost factors:
- Distance from origin
- Package size/weight
- Delivery window urgency
- Urban vs. suburban
- Driver availability
Pricing strategies:
- Free above order threshold
- Flat fee for members
- Dynamic pricing by demand
- Higher margins on same-day items
Customer Expectations
What Customers Want
- Accurate time estimates
- Real-time tracking
- Delivery notifications
- Contactless options
- Easy rescheduling
Managing Expectations
- Clear cut-off times
- Realistic delivery windows
- Communication on delays
- Backup options offered
Ready to ship?
Compare carriers side by side
Try Free