Expedited Shipping Explained: What It Is & How to Use It

Expedited shipping — it’s a phrase you’ve probably come across when shopping online or, if you’re a business owner, while handling logistics. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it work? Is it just another way of saying “fast shipping”, or is there more to it than that?

Spoiler alert: yes, there’s slightly more to the story than that — otherwise this would be a rather short article…

At its core, expedited shipping is all about speed, but understanding when and how to use it — and whether you can afford to do so — is crucial too.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about expedited shipping, from how it works to when it’s worth the extra cost. By the end, you’ll have a much better idea of whether to offer it up as part of your service.

What is expedited shipping?

Expedited shipping refers to any shipping method that’s faster than the standard option; but while the name may imply urgency, it’s important to note that the speed of an expedited delivery can vary depending on the courier. For one business, expedited shipping might mean next-day delivery; for another, it could be two or three days before the package arrives.

We know — it’s not the most straightforward answer…

The key point, though, is that expedited shipping means a faster than average delivery time, and often involves special handling or prioritisation to ensure the package reaches its destination ASAP.

How does expedited shipping work?

In a nutshell, expedited shipping works by prioritising your shipment over others.

Couriers offering expedited shipping typically use dedicated routes, faster processing at fulfilment centres, and more direct transport methods (with fewer stops or layovers) to get your package to its destination as quickly as possible.

With expedited shipping, the packages are given special attention and may skip certain regional processing centres, or be placed on direct routes. And, depending on their final destination, they may even be placed on rail, ocean, or air freight transportation.

What’s the difference between expedited shipping and express shipping?

In truth, not a great deal separates the two — and the distinction is often open to interpretation.

Both are faster than standard shipping, but one business’s idea of “express/expedited” shipping may differ from another’s.

Typically, express shipping is considered the fastest available option — often guaranteeing delivery within 1-2 business days — while expedited shipping is seen as faster than standard shipping but not necessarily the speediest option. Some companies interpret “expedited” delivery as 2-4 days, while others may classify it as 1-2 day service.

Confusing? It can be — which is why it’s best to read the small print whenever you’re ordering goods online.

When to use expedited shipping

Now that you know how expedited shipping works, the next question is: when should you use it? Expedited shipping isn’t necessary for every order, but there are specific situations where it can be a valuable option; for example:

• Urgent or time-sensitive deliveries: If a package absolutely needs to be at its destination by a specific date — whether it’s perishable goods, legal documents, or time-sensitive inventory — expedited shipping is the way to go.
• Improving customer satisfaction: Many customers value fast delivery times. Offering expedited shipping can improve customer loyalty by giving them the option to receive their goods sooner. For eCommerce businesses, this can be a competitive edge — especially in the age of Amazon Prime!
• Minimising supply chain disruptions: If you’re facing an urgent inventory shortage or need to replace stock quickly, expedited shipping can help keep your supply chain moving smoothly without major delays.
• Special events or seasonal peaks: During peak times like Black Friday, holiday shopping seasons, or limited-time product launches, expedited shipping can help you meet increased demand and avoid stockouts.

However, keep in mind that faster service comes at a higher cost. For low-margin products or non-urgent deliveries, the expense of expedited shipping may outweigh its benefits.

The costs of expedited shipping

Of course, speed comes at a price, and expedited shipping is typically more expensive than standard shipping. The cost of expedited shipping depends on several factors, including:

• Package weight and dimensions: Heavier or larger packages will typically cost more to ship quickly.
• Shipping distance: The farther the package has to travel, the higher the cost, especially for international deliveries.
• Service provider: Different couriers have their own rates and pricing structures for expedited services. For example, UPS, FedEx, and DHL may charge differently for the same route.
• Delivery speed: A one-day delivery will almost always cost more than a two- or three-day option.

As a business, you’ll need to carefully weigh the cost of offering expedited shipping against its benefits. You may decide to offer it as a premium option, allowing your customers to choose whether or not they want to pay more for faster delivery.

Can a 3PL provider help with expedited shipping?

You bet.

Partnering with a third-party logistics provider like us can make offering expedited shipping much more manageable. Handling the process on your own can be complex and resource-intensive, but by working with a 3PL you’ll benefit from their wealth of experience and pre-established supply chain infrastructure.

Here are a few ways we can assist with expedited shipping:

Access to a larger network of carriers

Thanks to our strong partnerships with a wide range of carriers, both locally and globally, we can offer you competitive rates and a variety of expedited shipping options. Whether you need next-day delivery or a faster-than-usual two-day service, we’ll help you choose the best option based on your specific needs and budget.

Warehouse and fulfilment optimisation

Our strategically located warehouses and advanced fulfilment processes are designed to handle expedited orders quickly and efficiently. From the moment an order is placed, our warehouse operatives prioritise picking, packing, and shipping to meet tight deadlines. This allows you to focus on your business while we ensure your customers get their products as quickly as possible.

Expert handling of urgent shipments

With years of experience in logistics, we know exactly how to handle urgent shipments. We’ll help you select the most reliable shipping routes and carriers to minimise transit times, ensuring that your expedited orders move smoothly through the supply chain. Your time-sensitive deliveries are in safe hands with us.

Technology and real-time-tracking

At Pro3PL, we offer real-time tracking solutions so you and your customers can stay updated on the progress of your shipments. Whether it’s an expedited or standard delivery, our bespoke software gives you full visibility from warehouse to doorstep, helping you manage customer expectations and keep them happy.

Cost efficiency

While expedited shipping can be more expensive, we use our logistics expertise and carrier relationships to help you reduce costs. Our team works hard to negotiate better rates and optimise delivery routes, so you can offer fast shipping without blowing your budget.

How to offer expedited shipping to your customers

So, are you convinced yet? If you’re considering offering expedited shipping as part of your service, be sure to follow some of these best practices:

1. Choose the right carrier: Not all couriers are created equal, and their delivery times and costs can vary. It’s worth comparing different carriers to find the one that offers the best balance of speed and price for your business.
2. Set clear expectations: Be upfront with your customers about the costs and timelines for expedited shipping. If you can guarantee two-day delivery, say so. But if there’s a chance of delays, be transparent about that, too. Clear communication will help manage customer expectations and avoid frustration.
3. Optimise your fulfilment process: Faster shipping doesn’t just rely on your carrier — your own warehouse or fulfilment process needs to be efficient, too. Make sure you have systems in place to quickly pick, pack, and ship orders to meet expedited shipping deadlines — or work with a trusted third-party logistics provider.
4. Offer expedited shipping as an optional upgrade: Not all customers will need their products right away. By offering expedited shipping as an optional service, you can cater to those who want the speed while giving others who don’t require the same urgency the option to save on costs.
5. Leverage expedited shipping during peak seasons: Consider offering discounted or free expedited shipping during peak shopping seasons, such as the holidays or Black Friday. This can be a great way to stand out from competitors and capture more sales during busy periods.

Ultimately, expedited shipping can be a valuable tool in your logistics toolkit, but it’s important to use it strategically. By offering it when it truly adds value — whether for urgent orders, special occasions, or peak seasons — you can keep your operations efficient while meeting customer demands.

From B2B or B2C, here at Pro3PL we cater to all kinds of businesses, so if you’re sold on expedited shipping but need a helping hand, get in touch with us today.