What Is Expedited Delivery and Shipping?
Expedited delivery (or expedited shipping) means a parcel, packet or consignment is delivered faster than the courier’s standard service – if standard delivery is three days, an expedited option might be next-day or same-day. Many courier companies offer expedited options for both UK and worldwide deliveries, and the term acts as a bracket covering the three quicker delivery types: next-day, express and same-day. This guide explains what expedited delivery means, how it differs from express delivery, and how to choose the right option.
| Expedited Delivery Type | Speed |
|---|---|
| Same-day delivery | Delivered the day it’s sent – the fastest option |
| Next-day delivery | Delivered the following working day |
| Express delivery | Faster than standard, typically 1–3 days depending on the courier |
What Does “Expedited” Actually Mean?
According to the Collins Dictionary, to expedite means “to cause things to be done more quickly” – the word derives from the Latin expedire, to free up or make ready. In parcel and consignment delivery, it simply means choosing a service tier faster than standard, whether that’s same-day courier services, next-day or express delivery, depending on how quickly you need your item to arrive.
Is Expedited Delivery the Same as Express Delivery?
Not necessarily – the difference between express and expedited varies between companies, and some online retailers offer both. Amazon, for example, has offered Prime next-day delivery while its separately-named expedited shipping service runs at 1–3 days – confusing, since you might not expect “expedited” to mean three working days. The reason is that retailers shipping worldwide must offer a range of timescales under each label. Our parcel delivery partners at Parcel2Go simplify this with plainly-named next-day, 2-day and 3+ day options, removing the confusing jargon.
What Are Amazon’s Delivery Options?
For online sellers, Amazon is the platform for products that sell in bulk, and it offers merchants a wide range of delivery options, including expedited tiers. Its expedited shipping has typically run at 1–3 days for Prime and non-Prime members alike, with the exact options shown at checkout depending on the product and your location – so always check the postage options before you purchase to confirm the faster service is quick enough. Note that expedited services often exclude Sundays and Bank Holidays; for weekend delivery, comparison services such as Parcel2Go offer a wider range. Amazon has also run ultra-fast services delivering selected products within two hours in selected areas. Delivery programmes change frequently, so treat the checkout options as definitive.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Faster Delivery?
Choosing expedited delivery doesn’t automatically mean next-day arrival – it depends entirely on the delivery terms of the company you’re buying from. If a company’s standard delivery is five days, its expedited option may be 2–3 days; if another’s standard is three days, its expedited service may be next-day. Always check the specific delivery times of the company before you order.
Who Offers Expedited Delivery Services?
It depends on the seller. Over the last decade, faster delivery has become a point of difference from the competition, and as the online market grows, pressure mounts on companies to offer a range of options – expedited shipping above all. For one-off parcels or bulk uploads of daily orders from e-commerce, eBay and Amazon sellers, the leading comparison site Parcel2Go compares the leading courier and pallet delivery companies for your shipment, with fixed online prices for your next delivery.
Need Bulk Letters Rather Than Parcels?
If you require bulk postage for letters rather than parcel delivery, visit our bulk postage page and use our calculator to compare savings against Royal Mail. We also offer a range of leaflet distribution and direct mail services worldwide – call 0333 038 3797 or email sales@thedirectmailcompany.co.uk
Expedited Delivery: Frequently Asked Questions
What does expedited delivery mean?
It means delivery faster than the courier’s standard service – a bracket covering same-day, next-day and express options.
Is expedited faster than express delivery?
It varies by company: some treat them identically, while others (like Amazon) run next-day “Prime” alongside a 1–3 day “expedited” tier – always check the retailer’s specific definitions.
Does expedited delivery guarantee next-day arrival?
No. Expedited is relative to each company’s standard service, so a five-day-standard courier’s expedited option might still take 2–3 days.
Who should I use for a fast parcel delivery?
A comparison service like Parcel2Go shows the leading couriers’ fixed prices side by side for next-day, 2-day and 3+ day options, for single parcels or bulk seller uploads.
What about fast bulk letter delivery?
For 500+ letters, bulk postage through The Direct Mail Company beats stamps and franking, with same-day collection available. Call 0333 038 3797.
