What Is Expedited Shipping?

Having your goods delivered securely and on time is one of the foundations of a successful business. In today’s hyper-competitive market, speedy delivery could be the difference between losing and retaining a client. Expedited shipping is one of the means by which parcels and packages can get to your customers in the desired time frame.

So what does that mean, and how can you implement it in your business strategy? Keep reading to learn all about this service and whether it’s worth the investment.

What Does Expedited Shipping Mean Precisely?

The question – what is expedited shipping – can be complicated to answer, as each particular carrier has its own policies, but it can be simplified. In its base form, expedited shipping means getting your goods delivered faster than normal.

This delivery method is an optional service some carriers provide for an additional fee. The package that is expedited gets priority over others, allowing it to arrive faster. However, once again, what is classified as normal or considered standard will depend on the carrier. Their policy will determine the specific time of delivery for an expedited shipment.

Expedited shipping is ideal for businesses wanting to get their products to customers quickly or for urgent shipments requiring prompt delivery. While it can be more expensive than standard delivery, it gives businesses the flexibility to meet tight deadlines and ensure customer satisfaction. Overall, expedited shipping is an essential service for any business that prioritizes speed and efficiency in its supply chain operations.

How Fast Is Expedited Shipping?

Expedited shipping time can range anywhere from same-day, next-day delivery, or the standard three-day delivery, based on the distance the shipment needs to travel. An expedited shipment will generally not be in transit for more than three business days, even for international shipments and accounting for customs.

Your carrier’s policy will determine how long your shipment will be in transit, but for shipments that would usually take 5-6 days to arrive, you can expect an expedited shipment to arrive within 2-3 days.

An advantage of faster shipping, besides the faster travel time, is that the expedited delivery is usually time-definite. This means that you will know by which time the shipment will arrive. Reputable expedite carriers use advanced tracking technology to track their shipments, allowing you to keep track of your package.

Expedited Shipping vs Express Shipping – Is There a Difference?

The terms "expedited shipping" and "express shipping" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among businesses that require fast and reliable shipping services. Both delivery options offer faster delivery times than standard shipping, but are there any differences?

The answer is both yes and no. There is no set industry standard for what constitutes expedited or express shipping. Consequently, many shipping companies will offer either one or the other.

Conversely, some carriers consider these two types of shipping separate services. When a carrier offers both expedited and express shipping, the latter is usually faster. You would need to check their exact shipping policy to determine which is the fastest shipping method.

Expedited shipping usually refers to a shipping service that guarantees delivery within one to three business days, depending on the carrier and destination. Express shipping, on the other hand, generally comes with even faster delivery times, often within one business day.

Is Insurance Provided for Expedited Services?

When it comes to expedited shipping, insurance is an important consideration for businesses that want to ensure their shipments arrive safely and securely. While many carriers offer some level of insurance coverage for expedited shipments, the amount can vary drastically depending on the carrier and the specific shipping service selected.

Most major carriers provide insurance for expedited shipping. However, their insurance usually covers only up to $5000 in value at high rates. This is not nearly enough to cover the cost of high-value packages. But Unival Logistics provides 100% insurance on high-value packages, giving you peace of mind that you will always be able to recover your investment.

As a business, you should carefully review the carrier's insurance policies and limitations before choosing an expedited shipping option to ensure they have adequate coverage in case of damage or loss during transit. In some cases, you can purchase additional insurance to ensure greater peace of mind and protection for your high-value parcels.

Expediting Fees – What to Expect

Expedited shipping service often comes with additional fees to cover the cost of faster delivery and other premium features. The cost of shipping can vary depending on several factors, such as the carrier, the destination, and the specific shipping service selected.

Though it does cost extra, this type of shipping offers businesses the flexibility to meet tight deadlines and ensure customer satisfaction. So, the extra cost will not be a waste of money, especially because fast delivery is one of the best practices within ecommerce shipping.

Also, some carriers may offer discounted expedited shipping costs for businesses that ship frequently or in large volumes. That is why you should take the time to shop around and compare shipping rates to find the best value for your needs.

5 Benefits of Expedited Delivery

While expedited shipping services are more expensive than standard shipping, the benefits you will reap can be well worth the additional cost if you prioritize speed and efficiency. These are just some of the advantages of using this shipping method.

• Saving time
• Shipping perishables and time-sensitive items
• Attracting and retaining customers
• Increasing customer satisfaction, hence increasing sales and profit
• Lowering chances of damage

Getting Packages to Their Destination on Time via Expedited Services

Getting packages delivered on time without sacrificing security is a complex operation. You should always check your carrier’s shipping and insurance policy to make sure that the services you are getting are proportional to the costs. The services of different carriers may be the same in name only, but not in practice.

Delivering packages over long distances in a short time span necessitates an entire end-to-end logistics operation. Unival Logistics provides shipping insurance and can deliver your high-value parcels on time, safeguarding your reputation and helping keep your customers satisfied!

Get in touch with us and let us handle your luxury shipments – ensure secure delivery of all your items.