What is Expedited Delivery? Definition & Solutions

TL;DR

• Expedited shipping is a premium service offering faster delivery times, typically between 1-3 business days, with priority handling by couriers.
• It can be more expensive than standard shipping due to faster transit, air transport, and additional handling.
• Couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS provide expedited options, which are ideal for urgent shipments such as legal documents or last-minute gifts.
• Expedited shipping is worth it when time is crucial, while standard shipping is a cheaper, slower alternative for flexible deliveries.

Expedited shipping is a premium delivery service that offers faster shipping times compared to standard services. Each courier company may have its own definition of expedited delivery, such as overnight shipping, express shipping, or two-day shipping. Expedited deliveries are ideal for businesses and private shippers who need timely delivery within a short time frame.

How does expedited shipping work?

When you choose an expedited delivery service, your items are treated with priority over standard shipments to ensure faster transit times. Courier companies use special resources, such as dedicated delivery vehicles or faster transport methods like air transport, to expedite the delivery of these parcels.

Expedited shipping services typically come with added benefits like online tracking and recorded delivery.

Read also:

• Air freight
• Parcel tracking
• Recorded delivery

How long does expedited delivery take?

Expedited delivery usually takes 1-3 business days, depending on the specific type of service and carrier used.

Expedited delivery is simply the courier company’s fastest shipping option. Some companies may have overnight deliveries, which are completed on the next business day. Others have two-day shipping as their expedited solution, in which case the delivery happens in two business days.

You may also be interested in:

• How long does shipping take
• Estimated delivery times
• Pick-up and delivery

Can expedited deliveries be delayed?

It is important to know that expedited deliveries can still be occasionally affected by external factors such as peak seasons and any unforeseen circumstances during transit (adverse weather or traffic conditions).

How much does expedited shipping cost?

The cost of expedited shipping is inevitably higher than that of economy shipping due to several variables. These variables include the weight of the item, desired delivery speed, the distance between pick-up and delivery locations, as well as whether the parcel will cross international borders and require customs clearance.

Is expedited shipping worth it?

If you want your item to be delivered fast, then the answer is yes!

Expedited shipping can be a valuable option when time is of the essence, making the extra cost worth it. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine whether expedited shipping is worth it in your specific situation.

Here are some examples of shipments for which our customers frequently choose expedited delivery:

• Legal documents
• Last-minute gifts
• E-commerce returns

Which couriers offer expedited delivery?

Several well-established courier companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS provide different options for expedited shipping and delivery.

The most suitable option for your needs will depend on the size of your parcel and the chosen shipping route. The best way to keep updated about their solutions is to visit the respective courier’s website or page about their expedited delivery services.

To help you out, we have gathered information about some of the most popular expedited shipping options for international deliveries:

• DHL Express Worldwide
• Evri Next Day Service
• FedEx Priority Overnight
• Parcelforce Express24
• Parcelforce Global Priority
• UPS Express Plus
• UPS Worldwide Expedited

Skip the hassle of comparing multiple expedited options. With Eurosender, simply click below and get a quote in seconds!

Expedited shipping vs Standard shipping: which to choose?

Expedited and standard services both have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main differences between the two options:

Expedited shipping

• Faster delivery times
• More reliable delivery due to preferential treatment of expedited parcels
• Increased flexibility with customisable delivery options
• Greater customer satisfaction with on-time delivery
• Generally comes with higher costs

Standard shipping

• Cheaper shipping costs
• Longer delivery times
• Parcels may be treated in larger quantities
• Less flexibility in terms of delivery options
• May not be reliable for time-sensitive or urgent shipments

When deciding between expedited and standard shipping, consider the urgency of the item and the value you place on quick and reliable delivery. If you are in a hurry, expedited shipping may be worth the extra expense. But, if the shipment is flexible and not time-sensitive, standard shipping may be the more cost-effective option.

Expedited delivery options with Eurosender

Trust us for quick and efficient delivery of your urgent shipments. Get fast and reliable deliveries in Europe and internationally in 24-72 hours. We provide instant pricing for easy comparison and also offer custom quotes for unique shipping needs.

Some of our expedited shipping solutions:

• Express parcel shipping
• Same day courier
• Next day courier
• Urgent cargo delivery
• Express van delivery

Still have questions?

Check our articles that answer the most common questions about shipping.