7 Shipping Methods Explained: Which Is the Fastest?

From bicycles and barbecues to groceries and greenhouses — you can order anything online nowadays. But while ecommerce brings incredible convenience to consumers, it’s also a great source of frustration for many. Why? Two words: Shipping delays.

A recent study found that 90% of US online shoppers expect their goods to be delivered within 2-3 days, and when delays occur, almost half of shoppers will take their cash elsewhere.

As a business owner, how can you ensure these expectations are met? How do you find the speediest, — and just as importantly, the most reliable — shipping solution for your needs?

Below, we’ve outlined 7 of the most popular shipping methods, describing them in detail, and breaking down the pros and cons of each. By the end of this post, you should have a pretty clear idea of which method fits your business best.

Standard ground shipping

The workhorse of the shipping world, standard ground shipping handles the vast majority of parcels for online businesses.

Admittedly, ground shipping doesn’t have the best reputation. As the name suggests, it’s the standard option, and shipping time can vary from anywhere between 2 to 5 days. Reliability can fluctuate from one season to the next, and for customers in remote or rural areas, delivery times may be lengthy.

However, it’s also extremely cost-effective, allowing retailers the flexibility to offer free shipping — an option that often tips the scales for consumers initially turned off by the thought of waiting a little longer for their packages.

This said, infrastructure improvements — and the wide availability of third-party logistics providers like ourselves — now mean that ground shipping is a more viable option than ever before. In fact, many businesses are perfectly capable of providing 2-day shipping via ground, for a cost…

Pros of standard ground shipping:

• Affordable and widely available.
• Viable for bulk shipments and heavy items.
• Reliable for non-time-sensitive deliveries.

Cons of standard ground shipping:

• Slower than air or expedited methods.
• Delivery times can fluctuate depending on the season (e.g. holidays).

Expedited shipping

If standard shipping is the reliable workhorse, expedited shipping is its faster, sleeker, thoroughbred cousin, designed to get your packages from point A to point B quicker, without the price extremes of overnight or two-day options.

Expedited shipping cuts down the delivery window to anywhere from 1 to 3 days, offering a solid middle ground between speed and cost. It’s an ideal choice for those times when “as soon as possible” doesn’t mean “10PM today” or “tomorrow”, but equally, doesn’t mean “next week” either.

However, it’s important to note that ‘expedited’ is a bit of a catch-all term in the shipping world. Every carrier has its own brand name for its version of this shipping standard. What applies to one carrier may not apply to another. So, while one store’s expedited service may deliver goods in 1-2 days, another may take 2-5 (particularly if it’s an international delivery).

Pros of expedited shipping:

• Faster than standard ground, but without the hefty price tag of overnight.
• Widely available through most major carriers.

Cons of expedited shipping:

• Costs more than standard ground shipping.
• Not always guaranteed during peak times, such as holidays or high-traffic shopping seasons.

Overnight Shipping

Overnight shipping is the premium choice when you need your package to arrive as fast as humanly possible. Whether it’s an urgent business document or a last-minute gift, overnight shipping is designed to get your goods to their destination by the next business day, often within just 24 hours.

Unlike expedited shipping, which can range from 1 to 3 days, overnight shipping guarantees next-day delivery. However, this convenience comes with a higher price tag, making it a popular choice for time-sensitive shipments where speed outweighs cost.

Keep in mind that overnight shipping can vary slightly depending on the carrier and location. Some services offer options such as morning or afternoon delivery, and availability can depend on factors like post code — it may not be possible to guarantee overnight shipping to rural addresses, for example.

Pros of overnight shipping:

• Fastest shipping option available.
• Guarantees next-day delivery, ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
• Some carriers offer specific morning or afternoon delivery slots for added convenience.

Cons of overnight shipping:

• Higher cost compared to standard or expedited shipping.
• May not be available in all areas, particularly rural or remote locations.

Flat-rate shipping

If you’re in the business of sending heavy, bulky items, flat-rate shipping is a solid choice. With this shipping method, the cost remains the same, regardless of the weight or distance — as long as the package fits within the stated size constraints.

Flat-rate shipping is offered by all the major carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx, but it’s only worth considering if you really need it, because if you’re not making the most of the weight allocations you’ll still pay the same fees.

And while flat-rate shipping promises a flat price structure, the costs can vary from one carrier to the next, so it’s best to do your homework — particularly if you’re switching carriers.

Pros of flat-rate shipping:

• Predictable pricing, no matter the weight or distance.
• Simplifies shipping logistics with straightforward pricing.
• Cost-effective for heavier shipments.

Cons of flat-rate shipping:

• May not be the most economical option for lightweight packages.
• Limited to the sizes of boxes provided by the carrier.
• Speed varies based on the carrier’s delivery schedule and peak periods.

Local delivery and pickup

If your customers are close by, shipping may not even be necessary. Offering a local delivery service or pickup option can eliminate the logistics middlemen and any potential for delays altogether.

It’s a particularly handy option for small businesses — there’s no need to deal with a carrier, nor are there fees. However, there is an increased level of responsibility. If you plan to deliver the packages personally, will you have enough time in your schedule? Do you have an adequately sized team to handle multiple orders?

Local pickup will eliminate these issues, of course — but it also shifts the responsibility onto the shoulders of your customers.

Pros of local or pickup delivery:

• Extremely fast delivery, often same-day or next-day.
• No need to rely on national carriers or shipping logistics.
• Adds a personal touch to your service. Builds stronger connections with local customers and encourages repeat business.

Cons of local or pickup delivery:

• Limited to a specific geographic area.
• Requires an in-house delivery system or local courier partnerships.
• Not scalable for national or international orders.

Freight shipping

Most commonly used in B2B environments, freight is available via air, ground, or even multimodal solutions that combine these methods.

Freight shipping times can vary widely, depending on which mode of transport is deemed most appropriate for the situation:

Air freight is the fastest (no surprises there!), with deliveries usually completed within 1-3 days. This makes it well-suited for perishable items, or time-sensitive goods like fresh produce or prescription medications. If delivery speed is your priority, air freight is the ideal choice.

Ground freight — delivery via road or rail — typically takes 2-7 days. This method is often more economical than air freight and is ideal for domestic or regional shipments that aren't as time-sensitive.

Ocean freight is the slowest method, with delivery times ranging from weeks to over a month depending on the destination, but typically the most cost-effective way to ship large quantities of goods over long distances.

Multimodal freight uses a combination of transportation methods to move goods. Your consignment may be taken via rail to the nearest city, where it’s then loaded onto a plane, before completing the final leg of its journey via truck.

But while freight offers flexibility regarding transport options, it’s not as simple as paying for postage and slapping a label on a box. Freight shipping is typically reserved for large or heavy items, and shipments often need to meet specific qualifications — usually weighing over 150 lbs or exceeding dimensions of 30x30x30 inches.

Freight pricing also works a little differently — typically, freight services operate on custom quotes, rather than upfront pricing. Factors like weight, size, mode of transport, and the distance from collection to delivery all affect the final cost, as well as any special handling requirements for hazardous, perishable, or fragile cargo.

Pros of freight shipping:

• Handles large, heavy, or bulky shipments that standard services can’t accommodate.
• Customizable with various transport methods (air, ground, multimodal) to suit your needs.
• Available for special handling requirements, from temperature control to hazardous materials.

Cons of freight shipping:

• Requires custom quotes, making pricing less predictable.
• Can be slower than standard parcel shipping, especially if using ground or multimodal transport.
• Requires logistics coordination and may involve extensive paperwork.

International shipping

Shipping across borders opens up new opportunities for businesses but comes with its own set of complexities, including international regulations, customs documentation, and fluctuating (often expensive) shipping rates. However, partnering with a reputable international carrier (or a 3PL provider with an established global network) can smooth the road.

Most major carriers offer a range of international shipping services, from economy to express, with delivery windows varying from a lightning-fast 2 days to 15 business days, depending on the destination.

As we mentioned previously, costs can fluctuate, and this is due to a multitude of factors. Taxes, tariffs, and regulations make this method one of the most expensive options around — but it’s a necessity for brands scaling on an international level. Any extra customs or shipping fees will be passed onto the customer too, so it’s best to make this as clear as you can if you’re considering global delivery!

Pros of international shipping:

• Expands your customer base to global markets.
• Multiple service levels available (economy to express).
• Carriers often handle customs clearance and documentation.

Cons of international shipping:

• Expensive, with unpredictable duties and taxes.
• Delivery times vary widely, depending on the destination and service.
• High potential for delays due to customs, international holidays, or carrier capacity.

So, which shipping method is the fastest?

If speed is your top priority, then expedited or overnight shipping will be your go-to option. Whether it’s sent via rail or air, these methods ensure your packages reach their destination in the quickest possible time. Perfect for urgent orders or time-sensitive deliveries, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your customers won’t be left waiting.

For particularly urgent or high-priority orders, overnight shipping by air is often the quickest, with some deliveries arriving within 24 hours. On the other hand, expedited shipping offers a balance between speed and cost, perfect for when you need fast — but not necessarily next-day — delivery.

Need ultra-fast shipping? At Pro3PL, we partner with some of the world’s top shipping carriers so you can offer your customers blazing-fast deliveries without breaking a sweat. Contact us today for a no-commitment chat, and if you think our shipping services are right for you, we’ll take things from there!

What’s the best way to keep my shipping costs under control?

The best way to keep your shipping costs under control is to optimise your shipping strategy by consolidating shipments, negotiating rates with carriers, and using shipping software to compare prices across different services. It’s also important to choose the most cost-effective method based on package size, weight, and delivery speed requirements.

Fortunately, partnering with a reliable third-party logistics provider like Pro3PL can help streamline your operations and secure better rates. We can help you save money by pooling resources and negotiating bulk discounts, and we partner with various shipping carriers to help you compare rates and get the best deal.

I manage a small ecommerce business — what’s the best shipping option for me?

As a small ecommerce business, the best shipping option for you will depend on your specific budget, delivery promises, and customer expectations. Generally, a hybrid approach works well — for regular, non-urgent deliveries, standard shipping through reputable carriers offers cost efficiency; while for customers who need faster delivery, offering expedited options can boost customer satisfaction.

Whether you need standard, express, or even international delivery, a 3PL like us can help you find the perfect fit. Our expertise in ecommerce shipping methods means we can offer competitive rates across a range of shipping speeds, from standard to same-day delivery.

Can shipping carriers help me with bulk orders?

Yes, most shipping carriers can assist with bulk orders and often offer discounted rates for high-volume shipments. Additionally, bulk shipping contracts or negotiated rates can help you save on costs while ensuring reliable delivery.

Our relationships with shipping carriers enable us to secure bulk shipping discounts and dependable shipping services. Whether you’re shipping hundreds or thousands of units, we’ll ensure your orders get out efficiently and at the best possible rate.

How do I decide on the right shipping method for my business?

It all boils down to what your customers need. The right shipping method will depend on the balance of speed, cost, and how quickly your customers expect to receive their goods. If your customers are looking for fast service, expedited shipping services might be perfect. For slower, budget-friendly options — or you’re in a niche with low competition, standard-speed ground shipping might be the best choice.

Of course, offering a range of shipping options is the most optimal tactic, and partnering with a 3PL is one of the best ways to do this.

What is the most eco-friendly shipping method?

When it comes to eco-friendly shipping, the best method is often the slowest one! Ground shipping tends to have a lower carbon footprint compared to air freight or express services, simply because it's more fuel-efficient. Shipping in bulk, consolidating orders, and using recycled or sustainable shipping boxes are also great ways to reduce environmental impact.

As a 3PL, we can help you choose greener shipping options by working with carriers who prioritise sustainability and optimising your logistics to reduce waste. It's a win-win: good for the planet and good for your brand!

Are expedited shipping services worth the extra cost?

For some businesses, absolutely! If your customers expect quick delivery, expedited shipping services are a must. We offer a variety of options to help you get orders to customers fast. And here's the bonus: by letting us handle the logistics, you won’t have to worry about balancing speed with shipping costs — we'll take care of that!