Understanding Express Shipping and Standard Shipping

Sanidhya Negi / June 8, 2024

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Lately, the shifting of businesses over the e-commerce platform has altered the whole market industry. This has also increased the competition due to which the market has to evolve on a regular basis. For this, each business has to be an expert in logistics that will help them reach the height and stand forward in the market. 

In this, demand for timely and quick delivery has also been focused and has brought two terms in the market. Those are express shipping and standard shipping. 

Let’s get into more details to know about these terms through their difference and proper understanding. 

What does express shipping entail?

Express shipping is said to be expedited shipping. This means that the shipping process is hastened to a fast-track mode, making packages reach super fast and securely. This method is designed by keeping the customer values as a top priority that allows them to enjoy the benefit of fast shipping services.

Benefits of Express Shipping

• Ensures quick delivery without delays.
• Helps people during times of urgency.
• The package reaches you within 72 hrs. 

What does standard shipping entail?

Standard shipping or say regular shipping under which your product will be delivered to you within the business days. On the days when people do not have any urgent packages to be delivered, they mostly opt for this type of shipping. 

Benefits of Standard Shipping

• It is an affordable mode of shipping
• The package reaches within 3-7 business days 
• The package is securely delivered 

Differentiation between Express Shipping and Standard shipping

Although, Express and Standard both are common methods of shipping under which packages are transported from one location to another. But here are some differences between these two methods and those are mentioned below.

Parameters	Express Shipping	Standard Shipping
Speed	It is designed especially for urgent deliveries where customers want products within a day at the desired location. It guarantees the fastest delivery by reducing the time and providing packages at the doorstep within the given timeframe.	It is a usual or regular shipping method where customers receive their packages within a week. It is used when customers are not in a hurry to receive packages. This shipping can lead to a chance of delay but will make your package reach securely.
Time	Customer satisfaction also depends on time. If the package reaches them super fast then the level of their satisfaction will also increase. For this fulfillment, express shipping was introduced. Mostly, airways are taken for these fast deliveries.	It provides a slower delivery and is time-consuming, compared to express shipping, where customers have to wait for some days to have their packages delivered at the location. It is cost-effective due to slower means of transportation.
Cost-effective	Express shipping is a fast-track mode of shipping under which your product will arrive on time. This can increase the cost of shipping because of this and its high cost will depend on where the package is being shipped. It is ideal only for those who prioritize fast delivery over high cost.	Standard shipping is more convenient than express shipping, it is affordable, and generally, it takes a longer time to reach your destination. This is the reason it is cost-effective due to slower transportation but the chances of delay are also high.
Tracking and Insurance	It shows the real-time monitoring progress that includes location and estimated arrival. This way people can keep transparent track of their packages and allow them to sit and relax without any unnecessary stress.	It does not provide any real-time tracking but will let customers have limited tracking. There are chances of delays due to this and customers can be worried about the package.
Dispatch Process	It provides faster dispatch of orders leaving the warehouse. Prioritizing customer satisfaction and their urgency of receiving the products within the time frame.	It is a bit relaxed in its processing where customers receive products without any rush. The expected delivery happens within 3-7 days.
Reliability	Under this value, the time is given more as customers mostly opt for this during times of urgency.	It is time-consuming but take good care that the product reaches your doorstep safely without any damage.

Conclusion 

The choice between express and standard shipping largely depends on the urgency and cost considerations of the customers. Express shipping is ideal for those needing quick, reliable delivery within a short timeframe, but at a higher cost. It ensures timely delivery and real-time tracking, offering peace of mind. 

On the other hand, standard shipping is a cost-effective solution for non-urgent deliveries, providing secure package transit within a reasonable timeframe of 3 to 7 business days. Both methods have their unique benefits and serve different customer needs. Businesses must evaluate their logistics strategies to offer both options, ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving e-commerce market.

FAQs:

Ques: How long does standard shipping take time to deliver packages?

Ans: In standard shipping, it typically takes 3 to 7 business days for a package to reach its destination. Delivery speed may vary depending on the distance and efficiency of the shipping service.

Ques: How goods are transported in standard shipping? 

Ans: Goods sent via standard shipping are picked, sorted, and packed by shipping companies. They are then transported via ground methods, such as road or railway, to reach customers. 

Ques: Is express shipping expensive? 

Ans: Yes. As compared to the other shipping modes this is expensive because it delivers goods on a priority basis within a day or two via flight. 

Ques: What is the cost of standard shipping? 

Ans: The cost of standard shipping varies from package to package. For an accurate cost, it is important to measure the dimensions, weight density, and distance between the start point and the destination. 

Ques: Are there any major differences between standard shipping and express shipping? 

Ans: Yes, major differences exist between standard and express shipping. Two of them are mentioned below:

• Standard shipping is more affordable whereas express shipping is faster and expensive. 
• Standard shipping takes 3-7 days to deliver the package whereas in express shipping, goods are delivered within 1-3 days. 

Ques: Is it possible to save shipping costs on standard shipping? 

Ans: Definitely, it is possible to save shipping costs through: 

• By opting for Consolidated shipping
• By utilizing flat-rate offers
• By benefitting from bulk shipping discounts

Ques: Are there options for international standard shipping? 

Ans: Yes, the international standard shipping option is offered by many courier companies. They typically take longer than domestic shipping, depending on the destination.

Ques: What is economical shipping and how it is different from standard shipping? 

Ans: Economical shipping is the most cost-effective way of shipping but it is the slowest.

Standard shipping is a balance of both, express and economical shipping, and is affordable while taking only 3-7 days delivery time.