Within the current logistical climate, many businesses are re-assessing their shipping methods to accommodate for any delays currently being experienced because of the repercussions following COVID-19.
If you’re confused about the variations between standard shipping and express shipping, read on to find out the differentiating characteristics.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPRESS AND REGULAR SHIPPING?
The importance of shipping in today’s industry is undeniable. Whether you’re selling a finished product or raw materials, shipping is the means through which your goods can reach your customer. However, each customer would wish their orders to be delivered at a pace that suits them best. While some might need their orders urgently, others may afford to wait some time for their goods to arrive at their warehouse.
When we talk of shipping, regular and express are two of the most utilised services available, depending on the type of shipment and the delivery time desired.
EXPRESS SHIPPING
Express shipping refers to expedited shipping; which typically involves fast freight process to ensure goods arrive swiftly. It is more often accomplished by air or road transportation, depending on the shipment dimensions and weight. Provisions are made to ensure orders are dispatched overnight or next day from order initiation.
REGULAR SHIPPING
Regular shipping refers to standard shipping. It does not usually include shipping overnight or any special provisions to deliver orders in a fast manner. Usually, regular shipping is done via slower modes of transport such as sea freight and costs are lower than when express methods are used.
Here are a few differences between the two:
DELIVERY TIME
One of the main differences between express and regular shipping is the delivery time. In express shipping, it can be as fast as one day and the order would be shipped by air or even by dedicated truck. If you require something urgently, most airfreight or courier services provide deliveries within 24 to 48 hours. On the other hand, in regular shipping, the normal delivery time ranges between a few days to a few weeks, depending on the distance between origin and destination.
COSTS
Regular shipping is less costly when compared to express shipping, as the shipment is more often sent using sea or road freight, which are cheaper methods of transportation when compared to air freight. As express shipping means urgent and faster delivery, the freight and delivery rates are usually higher than other forms of transportation. Based on the delivery timelines and the value of the products, one can then decide on the best suited means of transportation.
SHIPPING METHOD
Determining between regular and express shipping may involve a number of considerations and shipping solutions. Standard shipping could be offered using multiple transportation modes, including multimodal combinations of air, road and sea freight options. Express shipping usually involves one direct air or road solution, depending on the dimensions and weight of the shipment.
TRACKING
Having clear transparency on the whereabouts and current placement of your order through real-time data can enhance your peace of mind. With express shipping, tracking is part and parcel of the service; whereas with regular shipping, the order’s placement is usually only visible through a tracking option once it arrives at a particular destination.
The above factors and considerations will assist you in taking the right decision when deciding on the best and most suitable mode of transport for the safe delivery of your shipments. Have a look at Thomas Smith’s instant quote and booking system for Express shipping or allow our representatives to guide you on the various options that may be made available to you.
