Guaranteed delivery vs. standard delivery time: understanding delivery times in B2B shipping
Imagine you are waiting for a package that is crucial for your business. But what happens if it arrives a day later than promised? Frustration sets in and trust in the shipper disappears. To avoid such scenarios, it is important to understand the hidden differences between standard delivery times and guaranteed delivery. These two types of delivery times significantly influence the efficiency of your supply chain and the satisfaction of your customers. In this article, we will explain what is behind them, how major carriers such as DHL, UPS and FedEx deal with them, and how you can find the right shipping solution for your company. Legal regulations are different for courier services.
Guaranteed delivery time and standard delivery time
Before we look at how the different transport companies handle these options, we should clarify what we mean by guaranteed and standard delivery times.
By the way: When booking with LetMeShip, you can see the details of the various services available in our price calculator clearly and transparently before placing your order. So you no longer need to check on different platforms, possibly hidden in the terms and conditions, to see which service includes a delivery time guarantee or a money-back guarantee.
Standard delivery time
The standard delivery time, often referred to as the ‘estimated delivery time’ or ‘transit time’, is the usual time it takes for a parcel to reach its destination under normal circumstances. This time frame is based on historical data and average transit times. However, shipping companies do not guarantee delivery within this time frame.
- Usually cheaper than guaranteed options
- The delivery time is an estimate, not a promise
- Ideal for non-urgent shipments
- Nationally usually 1-2 days, but can vary depending on origin, destination and current logistics conditions
On the other hand, the guaranteed delivery time represents a commitment by the transport company to deliver the shipments by a specific date and time. If the delivery time is exceeded, the sender usually receives compensation.
- Usually more expensive than standard shipping
- Guaranteed delivery date
- Ideal for time-critical shipments
- Usually with money-back guarantee
Compensation for long delivery times
Your shipment is booked but arrives at its destination later than the specified date. Especially in the B2B sector, shipping processes – inbound and outbound – are often precisely timed and any delay can cause additional costs or customer dissatisfaction. In such a case, are you entitled to compensation from the shipping company? This is where the distinction between standard delivery time and guaranteed delivery is important.
No compensation is paid for shipping services with a specified standard delivery time, even if the shipment arrives significantly later than planned. However, if the service includes a money-back guarantee, the sender can demand compensation; this is usually the case with express and overnight services. It is important to note that the money-back guarantee only covers the difference between the service booked and the service actually provided. For example, if an express service with delivery by 12:00 noon is booked, but the shipment is not delivered until the afternoon, the shipping company will charge the regular express delivery fee and only refund the surcharge for the ‘by 12:00 noon’ delivery option.
LetMeShip – your unrivalled personal multi-carrier shipping platform
For over 20 years, we have been helping small and medium-sized companies to handle their business shipping cost-effectively and efficiently. ‘LetMeShip’ stands for: personal advice and an in-house customer service that still answers the phone and takes care of your shipping needs. And all this with the best price-service performance and without any contractual obligation.
Delivery times for selected shipping providers
Now that we know the difference between delivery times, let’s see how the different shipping companies deal with them. Standard shipping services are offered by all major shipping providers with only a specified standard delivery time. If you need to send an urgent shipment, you can book express services that include a guaranteed delivery time, or at least the option to book it, depending on the service provider.
Transit times at DHL
DHL offers express services with both standard delivery times and guaranteed delivery options, although there are differences depending on the service chosen.
With standard delivery times:
- DHL Express worldwide: delivery usually by the end of the next possible working
- DHL Express 12:00: delivery by noon on the next possible working day
Guaranteed delivery:
- DHL Express 9:00: Guarantees delivery by 9:00 a.m. on the next possible working day.
- DHL Express 10:30: Guarantees delivery by 10:30 a.m. on the next possible working day.
DHL offers a money-back guarantee for the express services 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 12:00 noon, which includes a refund of the surcharge compared to the regular express service.
Delivery times at UPS
Auch UPS bietet für alle Expressservices eine Geld-zurück-Garantie an:
Guaranteed delivery:
- UPS Express Saver: Guaranteed delivery by 6:00 p.m. the next business day
- UPS Express: Guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m. the next business day
- UPS Express Plus: Guaranteed delivery by 9:00 a.m. the next business day
The money-back guarantee is included in all UPS express services.
Delivery details at FedEx
FedEx also offers a mix of standard and guaranteed delivery options.
Services with a standard delivery time::
- FedEx Express Saver: Delivery within 1–3 working days
- FedEx Ground: Delivery within 1–5 working days
Guaranteed delivery:
- FedEx First Overnight: Guaranteed delivery by 8:00 am, 10:00 am, or 12:00 noon on the next business day.
- FedEx Standard Overnight: Guaranteed delivery by 3:00 pm on the next business day.
- FedEx Priority Overnight: Guaranteed delivery by 10:30 am on the next business day.
Similar to DHL, FedEx also offers a money-back guarantee only on selected express services.
Want to learn more about the difference between standard and express shipping?
Then be sure to also read our blog article:
Standard shipping vs. express shipping: The right shipping option for your B2B shipping
Choosing between guaranteed delivery time and standard delivery time
Which option is the right one for your shipment depends on various factors:
- Urgency: For time-critical deliveries that have to be delivered at a specific time of day, a service with guaranteed delivery should be chosen.
- Cost: Guaranteed delivery services are more expensive and the additional costs are not always worthwhile.
- Customer expectations: Especially in the B2B sector, customers expect punctual deliveries in order to plan their own processes and resources.
- Seasonal peaks: During the peak season, services with guaranteed delivery offer more planning security.
No matter which service and which delivery time you choose: communicate the delivery times clearly to your customers and always plan a small buffer for unforeseen delays.
LetMeShip – your unrivalled personal multi-carrier shipping platform
From over 20 years of experience, we know how important it is to know both your own shipping requirements and the offers of shipping service providers. This is the only way to optimally balance costs, reliability and speed. As Europe’s leading multi-carrier shipping provider, we support small and medium-sized companies in handling their business shipping: with personal advice; an in-house customer service that still answers the phone and takes care of your shipping needs; and the best price-service performance. Because the key to cost-effective and efficient B2B shipping is knowing when and how to use which service provider and which service is the most suitable.
We look forward to your enquiry.
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