When you need to send packages quickly and reliably, but you’re also mindful of your budget, finding affordable overnight shipping services can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a small business owner, an online seller, or an individual in need of urgent delivery, this blog is designed to help you navigate the vast landscape of shipping providers and discover the most cost-effective solutions. Get ready to uncover practical tips, money-saving strategies, and insider insights that will enable you to streamline your shipping process while keeping expenses in check.
What are overnight shipping services?
Overnight shipping refers to services that offer next-day delivery options for packages. However, it’s important to note that if a package is shipped later in the day or after a carrier’s cutoff time, it may be shipped the following day and delivered within a two-day timeframe. Overnight shipping differs from same day shipping in terms of delivery time. With overnight shipping, the package is delivered the day after it’s shipped. While same day shipping implies that the package is shipped on the day it is ordered, but it does not guarantee delivery on the following day.
Cheapest overnight shipping options
Some of the most common and cheapest used overnight shipping options include USPS Priority Mail Express®, UPS Next Day Air®, and FedEx offerings like FedEx First Overnight®, FedEx Priority Overnight®, and FedEx Standard Overnight®. The delivery timeframes for these services can be dependent on when the package is shipped, holidays, and shipping deadlines.
USPS Priority Mail Express®
USPS Priority Mail Express guarantees next-day to two day delivery by 6PM. Additionally, USPS Priority Mail Express can be used for shipments up to 70 pounds and can be used with free USPS packaging. ShipEngine merchants can save up to 89% on retail rates and 15% off Commercial Plus Pricing on Priority Mail®.
UPS Next Day Air®
UPS Next Day Air® shipping is a next-day delivery service that reaches all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This service can be used for shipments up to 150 pounds and 108 inches long. When shipping UPS on ShipEngine, merchants can save up to 82% on international services, 73% UPS 2nd Day Air® services, 72% on UPS Next Day Air®, and 77% on UPS® Ground.*
*Discounts off UPS daily rates. Rates are limited to shipping from the U.S. only. Rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.
FedEx overnight shipping
FedEx offers shippers a variety of overnight shipping options like FedEx Priority Overnight®, FedEx Standard Overnight®, and FedEx First Overnight®. All three services can be used for shipments up to 150 pounds and have a length of 119 inches/ a girth + length of 165 inches (L+2w+2H). Additionally, these services run on a Monday – Friday delivery schedule.*
*Saturday delivery for FedEx First Overnight® and FedEx Priority Overnight® is potentially available for an additional cost, and FedEx Standard Overnight® is potentially available for free Saturday pickup, depending on the destination.
How to save money on overnight shipping
- Avoid extra shipping costs and delays in delivery time by accurately measuring your shipments.
- Round measurements up to the nearest inch or pound to align with how carriers measure shipments upon arrival.
- For example, a shipment weighing 70.2 pounds and a length of 47.3 inches would be considered a 71-pound shipment with a length of 48 inches.
- Weigh and measure shipments multiple times to confirm all information is correct.
- Utilize free shipping supplies where applicable.
- Free USPS supplies can be ordered through guest checkout, and free UPS and FedEx supplies can be ordered after a free account is created.
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