Americans send millions of packages through the mail every day.
but there are several different shipping options to choose from, each with a different price and speed. so how are you supposed to tell them all apart?
We’ve put together this guide to break down the ins and outs of expedited shipping. wondering, “how fast is expedited shipping?”
Be sure to keep reading below for more information.
what is expedited shipping?
Expedited shipping is a faster delivery method than the standard shipping process.
If you choose expedited shipping when you check out online, your package will be placed on a truck that makes few or no stops before it reaches your home.
While this is a useful shipping option, there are a few things you should know about expedited shipping before you pay for it. Here’s a quick look at three important questions about expedited shipping.
how fast is expedited shipping?
Expedited shipping does not have a set speed, such as overnight or next day shipping.
instead, expedited shipping is simply “faster than standard shipping”.
The exact amount of time expedited shipping will take depends on the carrier. however, standard shipping typically takes 5-10 business days. so expedited shipping could send your parcel to you in 4 days.
The most urgent shipment takes between 2 and 3 days. this makes it slightly faster than standard delivery.
how much does it cost?
It is important to know that expedited shipping is more expensive than standard shipping options.
And we’re not just talking a few bucks. expedited shipping can cost $10 or even $20 more than the normal cost of shipping.
but again, it depends on the company. Some companies charge much more for expedited shipping than others.
can you trace it?
Most carriers give you the option to track your package with expedited shipping. this means you can see exactly where each step of the delivery process is.
tracking your package is a useful feature.
keeps you up to date on progress and gives you peace of mind knowing your package is where it’s supposed to be. You should always track your package if you have the option.
expedited shipping is not the same as express shipping
Do not confuse expedited shipping with express shipping. Although they sound similar, they are two very different things.
express shipping is faster than urgent shipping and therefore much more expensive. For example, Amazon lists their express shipping as overnight delivery.
Pay close attention to these two options when shopping online. each company defines expedited shipping and express shipping in different ways.
You don’t want to choose the wrong one by mistake and spend more on shipping than you intended.
Is expedited shipping worth it?
it depends.
There is no single answer to this question.
If you’re a casual online shopper who’s not in a hurry to have items show up at your door, expedited shipping probably isn’t worth the extra cost. but many times it is worth paying the extra money, even if it is necessary.
It all comes down to your specific needs and circumstances.
expedited shipping times are helpful
There are several times when paying extra for speedup is useful. If you’re shipping one of these items, it’s always a good idea to choose expedited shipping, even if you’re not in a hurry.
perishable food
perishable foods have to stay below a certain temperature. otherwise, it will spoil before reaching its final destination.
You should always mail perishable foods with expedited shipping. no matter how many cold packs you use. you don’t want to risk the food spoiling.
This is even more important if you are shipping frozen items, such as meat. this food could make someone seriously ill if it goes bad, so always choose the fastest shipping you can.
fragile items
The post office is generally a safe place for your packages. however, it does come with its fair share of punches and explosions.
This puts fragile items at risk of breaking. the longer it stays in the mail, the greater the chance of damage.
If you’re shipping something fragile through the mail, you should use expedited shipping. this will protect it from harm.
expensive items
Shipping companies don’t lose packages very often. however, if you are mailing a valuable or expensive item, you should keep your trip as short as possible.
Expedited shipping can cut your package shipping time in half. this will reduce the risk of something happening before you reach your final destination.
you have a time limit
Of course, if you need your package to arrive before a specific time limit, you should choose expedited shipping. this will ensure you receive it on time, while standard shipping can take too long.
understand the ins and outs of expedited shipping
so how fast is expedited shipping?
This type of shipping usually takes 2-3 days, but the only real answer to this question is that it’s faster than standard shipping.
The question to ask is is expedited shipping worth the extra cost? Many times, spending a little extra money is worth the speed and the guarantee that your package will arrive on time.
Are you looking for a reliable transport company to handle your important packages?
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