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By Meredith Flora August 10, 2022
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Step-by-Step Guide to Overnight Shipping [+Best Practices]
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A whopping 73% of consumers view fast delivery as critical online shopping criteria, and nearly 60% of consumers would pay extra for fast shipping options.
The rise of retail giants like Amazon has altered customer expectations, and online shoppers have come to expect 2-day delivery options wherever and whenever they shop. When 2-day shipping is the norm, how can ecommerce brands stand out?
Enter overnight shipping, a delivery option that offers a premium shipping experience to your customers — so you can exceed their expectations (and cater to last-minute shoppers).
Table of contents
- What is overnight shipping?
- How overnight shipping works
- 4 benefits of overnight shipping
- What are the cheapest overnight shipping options?
- How much does it cost to overnight a package?
- Overnight shipping costs by carrier
- Is there a difference between overnight shipping and next-day delivery?
- Next-day shipping services compared
- Best practices for handling overnight shipping
- How ShipBob helps execute overnight delivery
- Overnight shipping FAQs
What is overnight shipping?
Overnight shipping is the quickest delivery option offered by couriers that guarantee customers will receive their order on the next business day.
Different shipping carriers that offer overnight shipping services will have daily cutoff times after which next-day delivery cannot be guaranteed, and, depending on the carrier and shipping service, orders placed over the weekend, which is usually the off time, may need two days to arrive.
This is often synonymous with next-day delivery or one-day shipping; however, exact delivery dates depend on when the order is placed.
Shipping companies that offer overnight shipping have transportation networks that allow them to offer a delivery service with such fast shipping times. The transportation network is usually spread out across the country, as this allows customers to drop off a package and have it ready for early morning delivery. These express services are sometimes limited to certain locations (i.e., if the package is shipped to a rural delivery area).
How overnight shipping works
Overnight shipping is an expedited shipping option that involves several steps to ensure customers receive their orders within a short timeframe.
1. The order must be placed before the overnight delivery cut-off time.
In order to have true overnight delivery, a customer must place an order before the overnight delivery cut-off time. Establishing a delivery cut-off time gives you plenty of buffer time for order processing, picking, packing, courier pick-up, and delivery.
2. You or your fulfillment partner prepare the overnight delivery order for courier pick up.
This includes packaging the product(s) and printing the shipping label.
3. The courier picks up and processes the parcel.
When the courier receives the package, it will be sorted along with other overnight shipping orders and routed to its final destination.
4. The package is transported to an overnight delivery hub.
Once routed, the parcel will be sent to the hub closest to the end customer overnight. Overnight orders are, like the name suggests, shipped overnight via ground or air transit in order to make it to the customer on the next business day.
5. The customer receives their order the next day!
Most major carriers have overnight delivery options to satisfy both business owners and customers.
4 benefits of overnight shipping
75% of consumers are craving fast shipping, but only 50% of ecommerce businesses offer same-day shipping as an option.
Offering overnight shipping is a competitive advantage that can set you apart from other ecommerce businesses. Below are just some of the benefits of offering overnight shipping.
1. Ability to deliver time-sensitive shipments
By offering overnight shipping, you can extend to your customers more delivery options for when they’re in a pinch. Overnight shipping is the quickest delivery available, so by giving your customers this option, you’re able to appeal to more customers who may be seeking faster delivery.
2. Greater customer satisfaction
As customer expectations continue to rise and fast shipping becomes the standard shipping option, offering overnight shipping can increase your brand’s customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Giving customers the freedom to choose faster shipping options if they need them endears shoppers to your brand.
3. Increased sales and revenue
With greater customer satisfaction comes an increase in sales, and, consequently higher revenue. Since customers know they can count on you for speedy delivery, they’ll keep coming back to your online store.
4. Reduced storage costs
Offering overnight shipping also helps alleviate storage costs. Overnight shipping helps free up warehouse space, which reduces storage costs and minimizes the chances of deadstock and obsolescence.
What is the cheapest overnight shipping option?
The cheapest options for shipping are based on many criteria, including package weight and dimensions, delivery time frame and distance, and any discounts that could be negotiated with a carrier. Generally, USPS will be the cheapest option for packages under 2 lbs.
Their Priority Mail Express Flat Rate shipping envelopes will be the best option for any shipment that will fit into them. For packages over 70 lbs, the cheapest option will be UPS or FedEx. Online sellers may be able to negotiate lower rates by negotiating with carriers, or by partnering with retail fulfillment providers like ShipBob.
Popular overnight shipping company calculators
How much does it cost to overnight a package?
The short answer? It depends.
Overnight shipping costs can change due to a number of factors, including the following:
1. Package dimensions
All major carriers use a pricing model called dimensional weight (aka DIM weight) to calculate shipping costs. DIM weight takes a package’s dimensions into account to determine the shipping cost.
The dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of a package, then dividing that number by a DIM divisor. Shipping carriers base shipping rates on whichever is greater: the actual weight of the package or its DIM weight. That becomes the billable weight that determines your overnight shipping cost.
2. Package weight
Heavier packages cost more to ship than lighter shipments. As mentioned above, if the actual weight of a package is greater than the DIM weight, it’ll be used to calculate shipping costs. The heavier and larger the package, the more expensive it will be to ship.
3. Shipping zones
Shipping zones measure the distance between a package’s point of origin and its destination.
Carriers use shipping zones to calculate shipping costs. In the US, these can range from Zone 1 to Zone 8.
Shipping zones are calculated based on where an order is shipped from. This means that two different points of origin with the same destination could be shipping to completely different zones.
The higher the shipping zone, the more expensive a package will be to ship. When it comes to overnight delivery, next-day shipping, and other expedited shipping options, the price increase between zones gets exponentially higher.
4. Shipping agreements with carriers
You may be eligible to receive discounted shipping rates from carriers. Some carriers offer discounts for small businesses, while others discount rates based on high shipping volumes. When choosing which carrier(s) — or third-party logistics providers — to work with, look into which rate discounts might be available to you.
Overnight shipping costs by carrier
The table below breaks down overnight shipping rates by different carriers.
| Shipping Carrier | Shipping Cost | Shipping Time |
| Priority Mail Express | $26.95 (at post office & online) $23.50 (commercial) | Overnight guaranteed |
| Priority Mail | $8.70 (at post office & online) $7.37 (commercial) | 1-3 days |
| First-Class Mail | $0.60 (at post office & online) $0.45 (commercial) | 1-5 days |
| First-Class Package Service | $4.50 (at post office & online) $3.37 (commercial) | 2-5 days |
| USPS Retail Ground | Starts at $8.50 | 2-5 days |
| Media Mail | $3.49 (at post office & online) $2.17 (commercial) | 2-8 days |
Is there a difference between overnight shipping and next-day delivery?
Overnight shipping and next-day delivery may sound different, but they mean the same thing. The two delivery terms can be used interchangeably to refer to shipping services that deliver packages to customers the day after they’re ordered.
Next-day shipping services compared
Next-day shipping is often expensive, but pricing can vary between carriers. Here are the overnight delivery options available from three major carriers.
USPS overnight shipping
One popular USPS mail type is its overnight offering, Priority Mail Express, their “fastest domestic service.” Packages under 70 pounds ship overnight through Priority Mail Express shipping starts at $26.95. If you (or your customers) are really in a rush, there are also Priority Mail Express options that guarantee delivery by 10:30 am the next day.
Among the three major carriers, USPS offers the cheapest overnight shipping option. That’s because USPS runs local routes daily, so they don’t have to go out of their way to deliver to your end customer.
UPS overnight shipping
UPS offers many different delivery options, but UPS Next Day Air is the fastest. UPS boasts that they offer “more overnight, on-time, guaranteed deliveries in the US than anyone.” Their overnight delivery options include (listed from most expensive to least expensive):
- UPS Next Day Air Early: Guaranteed overnight delivery as early as 8 AM the next business day.
- UPS Next Day Air: Guaranteed overnight delivery, typically by 10:30 AM the next business day.
- UPS Next Day Air Saver: Guaranteed overnight delivery typically by end of the day on the next business day.
All overnight delivery options from UPS offer online tracking.
FedEx overnight shipping
Often the most expensive of the three carriers, FedEx also offers three US overnight delivery options in the US (from most to least expensive):
- FedEx First Overnight: The fastest option. Delivery as early as 8:00 am the next business day for most US destinations. Delivery by 2:00 pm to additional extended destinations.
- FedEx Priority Overnight: Delivery by 10:30 am on the next business day to most US destinations, with remote area delivery by 4:30 pm.
- FedEx Standard Overnight: Delivery by 4:30 pm to most US addresses.
All FedEx overnight options allow shippers to customize delivery and pickup options, including requiring proof of delivery.
Best practices for handling overnight shipping
If you’re ready to offer an overnight shipping option, but aren’t sure where to start, use these best practices to ensure your packages will arrive at the right location, on time, and undamaged.
1. Set a clear cutoff time
In order to offer overnight shipping, you’ll need to create a clear policy that outlines your brand’s cutoff time. You’ll want to set this policy so you have ample time for orders to be processed and fulfilled in order to meet overnight delivery times. This policy should clearly communicate your cutoff time to avoid misunderstandings and set expectations with your customers.
2. Operate from multiple warehouses
By distributing your inventory across multiple warehouses, you’re able to reach your end customers more quickly. Shipping from multiple warehouses helps you complete urgent shipments because your inventory is stored closer to the delivery location.
3. Establish a centrally located warehouse
Using multiple warehouses can complicate inventory management if not done strategically – not to mention drive up warehousing costs. For some businesses, using one centralized warehouse is a much more efficient and cost-effective way of completing overnight shipments.
4. Work with reliable partners
Forming relationships with partners who you can count on helps you deliver on the promise of overnight shipping. Vet fulfillment partners with due diligence in order to find one who consistently meets SLAs.
How ShipBob helps execute overnight delivery
Working with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, like ShipBob, can help you offer customers overnight shipping. In addition to major carriers like USPS, UPS and FedEx, ShipBob also works with various regional carriers. Regional carriers like CDL Last Mile Solutions, Lone Star Overnight (LSO), United Delivery Service (UDS), and OnTrac allow ShipBob to offer overnight shipping options for merchants.
Because ShipBob works with different shipping carriers, delivery times are based on when the carrier scans a package after picking packages up from a ShipBob fulfillment center. This can be later that same day or the next business day, depending on the carrier and time of day.
In addition to overnight shipping, ShipBob also offers ground shipping, 2-day shipping, and same-day delivery. This way, we’re able to give merchants plenty of shipping options they can offer their customers and stay competitive in today’s market.
Location and distance from end customers make a huge difference when offering overnight shipping. Thanks to ShipBob’s network of fulfillment centers across the country, we can help you keep your inventory closer to end customers. Distributing inventory shortens transit times and lowers the number of shipping zones each order has to travel, which can help you save money on expedited delivery options.
ShipBob’s robust dashboard gives merchants insight into their data in real-time. Our analytic tool provides suggestions for how to optimize your inventory distribution based on historical data to reduce transit times and cut down fulfillment costs.
“Right from the jump, we opted to get our products into three ShipBob fulfillment centers across the US instead of one. This way, we would be able to decrease shipping times for more customers in different regions of the country. In the end, I want speed. I want customers to compare our delivery time to Amazon.”
– Dwight Lee, co-founder and COO of Hero Cosmetics
Get started with ShipBob today
While overnight shipping can be a more expensive option, offering it can help you exceed customer expectations and convert more last-minute shoppers. Working with a third-party logistics partner like ShipBob can help you offer expedited delivery options to your customers at scale by storing inventory in multiple locations across the country.
To start offering faster delivery and the cheapest overnight shipping options to your customers, request a quote to learn more about ShipBob.
Request a Fulfillment Quote
Overnight shipping FAQs
Here are the answers to the most popular questions about overnight shipping.
What is the cheapest overnight shipping?
Based on our research, the cheapest overnight shipping is from Priority Mail Express. It costs $22.75 for commercial and $26.35 at the post office and online.
How much does next-day shipping cost?
The price of next-day shipping depends on a few factors. If you go with UPS Next Day Air Saver, the starting price is $24.06.
What is the fastest shipping?
Various courier companies offer fast shipping. UPS, DHL, FedEx, and USPS all offer same-day delivery, which is arguably the fastest shipping option available today.
Learn more
In today’s competitive market, customers expect fast shipping. Learn how you can leverage a 3PL to distribute your inventory and speed up shipping times. Download the guide now to learn more.
Distribute Your Inventory
FAQs
What is the best way to overnight a package? ›
The fastest overnight delivery option is FedEx First Overnight. You can expect your package or envelope to be delivered by 8 a.m. the next business day in most areas.
How do companies do overnight shipping? ›Shipments are booked during the day and transported throughout the night so that delivery can take place the following day. Typically, it takes one night and a few hours of the next day to have your package delivered.
What is overnight shipping method? ›Overnight shipping can be completed overnight, but by definition, it's a delivery option that guarantees customers will receive their orders on the next business day. Overnight delivery, one-day shipping, and next-day shipping are terms used interchangeably.
What is better first overnight or priority overnight? ›FedEx First Overnight, which arrives by 9:30 a.m. in most places, is substantially more expensive than the other services. Meanwhile, FedEx Priority Overnight option is slightly less expensive and offers next-business-day deliveries by 10:30 a.m. to businesses and 4:30 p.m. to residences.
What is the most reliable overnight shipping? ›- Best For Logistics: ShipBob.
- Best For Reliable Overnight Delivery: UPS.
- Best For Overnight Saturday Deliveries: FedEx.
- Best For International Express Shipping: DHL.
- Best For Shipping Options: Easyship.
It depends. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If you're a casual online shopper who's not in a rush for the items to show up on their doorstep, expedited shipping probably isn't worth the extra cost. But there are many times paying the extra money is well worth it—even necessary.
How long should overnight shipping take? ›FedEx Priority Overnight® offers next-day delivery by 10:30 a.m. to most commercial locations and residential delivery by 4:30 p.m. Like Standard Overnight, it has options in all 50 states with a few exceptions. Saturday delivery can happen at 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., or 2 p.m.
How does FedEx standard overnight work? ›FedEx Standard Overnight offers next business day delivery to most U.S. addresses. Standard Overnight delivery time is by 3 P.M. to most U.S. business addresses, and by 8 P.M. to U.S. residences. FedEx Standard Overnight details: FedEx Standard Overnight is delivered Monday-Friday.
How does Priority Overnight shipping work? ›FedEx Priority Overnight is a delivery service available in all 50 U.S. states which guarantees your package or shipment will arrive next-business-day by 10:30am local time for most parts of the United States. For some rural and remote areas of the country, delivery is done by 12:00pm, 4:30 pm, or 5:00 pm local time.
How does 1 day shipping work? ›Same-day shipping means that a customer's order will ship out on the same day the order is placed. This can cut a day or two off delivery time versus retailers that wait to ship orders. Same-day delivery means the customer will receive their order on the same day it's placed.
Is USPS overnight guaranteed? ›
Priority Mail Express® service provides next-day to 2–day delivery service by 6 PM with a money–back guarantee1. You get competitive prices and fast delivery every day, all year, with limited exceptions, to most U.S. addresses and PO Boxes™3.
How much is standard overnight vs priority overnight? ›Standard Overnight packages reach residences by 8 PM and businesses by 4:30 PM. These shipments range from $85 to $145 per package depending on the weight and size of the package. Priority Overnight shipments arrive by 4:30 PM for residences and 10:30 AM for businesses. These range from $110 to $175 per package.
How do I guarantee overnight delivery? ›For overnight delivery, the three services you should consider are the post office (USPS), the United Parcel Service (UPS), and Federal Express (FedEx). With the USPS, the guaranteed overnight service is called Priority Mail Express or sometimes shortened to Express. Regular Priority Mail is not guaranteed.
Is USPS or FedEx more reliable for overnight shipping? ›Is FedEx or USPS more reliable? FedEx has a better reputation for reliability, in addition to its tracking and customer service. There's a price you pay for that, though, and the price is a higher cost. FedEx is also a more reliable shipping partner for specific types of shipments.
Is FedEx or USPS better for overnight? ›Among the three major carriers, USPS offers the cheapest overnight shipping option. That's because USPS runs local routes daily, so they don't have to go out of their way to deliver to your end customer.
How much does overnight shipping usually cost? ›Starting at $26.35 for packages weighing half a pound or less. Starting at $28.35 for packages 5 pounds or less.
Which carrier is cheaper for overnight shipping? ›FedEx Priority Overnight
FedEx also offers three overnight shipping services for shippers who want the quickest options. The three overnight shipping are FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, and FedEx Standard Overnight. Of these three, the FedEx priority is the cheapest.
Furthermore, FedEx is well-known for its overnight shipping services, meaning your package can be delivered faster and on time than UPS but for a higher cost.
What is FedEx standard overnight vs priority overnight? ›A: Packages that are shipped Standard Overnight are scheduled to be delivered by 4:30 PM the next business day. Priority One guarantees shipments before 10:30 AM.
How reliable is FedEx overnight shipping? ›How reliable is FedEx overnight shipping? Most businesses go for popular shipping options to ship their products rather than experimenting with alternative ones. FedEx is one such popular shipping courier that is the prime choice when it comes to shipping. FedEx is a reliable choice when it comes to overnight shipping.
What is UPS cut off for overnight shipping? ›
In general, UPS Overnight shipments are picked up by the driver between 5-7 PM. Are you having your package picked up from your location? Make sure to arrange a pickup time that's earlier than the cut-off time for your nearest UPS Store.
What is the standard shipping day? ›Standard shipping is a slower mail service that has a transit time of three and seven business days from the time the order is dispatched. Whereas, express shipping is the faster and more expensive option. The terms express and expedited shipping are sometimes interchangeably used.
What happens if my overnight package is late USPS? ›USPS has a money-back guarantee for all Priority Mail Express packages. These packages should be delivered within two days and by 6:00pm local time at the recipient's address. If your shipment is not delivered by the label's Scheduled Delivery Date, you can request a postage refund.
What if USPS overnight is late? ›If your Priority Mail package is not delivered on time, you are entitled to get a refund. 1-day delivery guarantees that your mail will be delivered on the next day, and 2-day delivery – that your package will be delivered two days later.
Is UPS overnight better than FedEx? ›Both Overnight options have a range of services with distinct delivery rates. UPS Overnight may be a better option in some situations as it can deliver your packages at a lower cost.
Which is cheaper FedEx or UPS? ›Usually, UPS is preferred for small packages as it offers lower shipping rates than heavier packages. In addition, UPS Overnight services are cheaper than that of FedEx. Use the shipping calculator for the best shipping prices.
Is UPS overnight faster than USPS? ›UPS vs USPS: which one is faster? For overnight domestic deliveries, UPS is faster than USPS, providing shipping solutions with same-day pick-up and guaranteed delivery by 8h on the next day. The quickest transport service offered by USPS is the Priority Mail 1-Day, with which the parcel gets delivered by 15h.
What is the safest way to overnight documents? ›USPS Priority Mail Express is a guaranteed way to send documents and packages to a destination overnight or in one to two days on any day of the year, including Sundays and holidays.
How reliable is USPS overnight? ›Is USPS overnight reliable? Yes. USPS overnight is a Priority Mail Express service that offers a delivery guarantee by 3 pm the next day. If your package isn't delivered as promised, you can request a refund of the postage within 30 days.
What is the best shipping method? ›While the USPS often has the most cost-effective prices, they have struggled in recent years with some shipping delays. For small items, the USPS is still likely the way to go. However, for larger packages, consider the delivery speed relative to the price. “UPS and FedEx are the most reliable,” says Brendan P.
How reliable is UPS overnight? ›
When it comes to sending packages overnight, no other carrier does it quite as well as UPS. Featuring fast, reliable service and rates that won't break the bank, UPS is the go-to carrier for overnight shipping.
How much does overnight shipping cost? ›Take a look at the pricing below: Priority Mail Express: Starting at $26.35 for packages weighing half a pound or less. Starting at $28.35 for packages 5 pounds or less.
What is the cutoff time for overnight USPS? ›The cutoff time for USPS overnight shipping is 6:00 pm. This means that your package must be postmarked by this time in order to be shipped overnight with a money-back guarantee. Anything postmarked after 6:00 pm will be shipped the following day.
Is FedEx overnight reliable? ›Most businesses go for popular shipping options to ship their products rather than experimenting with alternative ones. FedEx is one such popular shipping courier that is the prime choice when it comes to shipping. FedEx is a reliable choice when it comes to overnight shipping.
Is FedEx next day guaranteed? ›FedEx Standard Overnight® is FedEx's next-day shipping service that offers guaranteed delivery to businesses by 4:30 and to most residential addresses by 8 p.m. While it is available in all 50 states, some areas of Alaska and Hawaii have restrictions.
Does UPS do overnight shipping? ›Whether you need it there before the start of business, end of day or any time in between, count on us to deliver for you and your clients. For more information on UPS Express® Services, please contact your account manager or visit ups.com/overnight.
Does overnight mail require a signature? ›Priority Mail Express with additional insurance. A signature is required if additional insurance is purchased or for Priority Mail Express Collect on Delivery (COD).
What is USPS overnight called? ›Our speediest domestic service, Priority Mail Express®, delivers your packages overnight to most locations. Its benefits include: Guaranteed overnight delivery to most locations in the U.S. Tracking Services.