Standard shipping vs. express shipping: The right shipping option for your B2B shipping
Reliable, affordable and efficient shipping services are the be-all and end-all of business shipping. Aside from special services, standard and express shipping are regularly available as options. But what exactly distinguishes these two shipping methods, what are their respective advantages and disadvantages? And which is the right one for your B2B shipping?
Standard shipping: Reliable and affordable
Standard shipping is the most cost-effective option for sending parcels and pallets. The main features are:
- Pick-up usually on the next business day
- Longer delivery times (usually 2-5 business days nationally, 5-10 business days internationally)
- Usually the cheapest way of shipping
- Basic tracking
Standard shipping within your country is usually delivered within 2–5 working days. International shipments take 3–10 working days, depending on the destination, and in some cases two weeks.
Express shipping: when speed is of the essence
The main feature is clear from the name: an express parcel is ideal for anyone who values particularly fast delivery.
- Collection: If booked by 12 noon, collection on the same working day
- Delivery on the next working day (national)
- Higher costs compared to standard shipping
- Detailed tracking in real time
The delivery time also depends on the destination, especially for international shipping, which can take up to seven days – and even longer in some cases. We are talking here about a standard delivery time, mind you, since not all service providers still offer guaranteed delivery times for express delivery.
Differences between standard and express delivery
Speed
Express is significantly faster than standard.
Cost
Express delivery is usually more expensive.
Tracking
Express often offers more precise tracking options.
Delivery guarantee
If the specified express delivery time is exceeded, shipping service providers sometimes offer customers a money-back guarantee.
Pick-up
Customers can often choose more flexible pick-up times with express services than with standard shipping.
Special features of international shipping
When shipping internationally to third countries outside the EU, there are a few additional points to consider when deciding for or against standard shipping:
- Customs clearance: Express services often take care of the entire customs clearance process.
- Documentation: Correct shipping documents are essential for both types of shipping.
- Transit times: The faster customs clearance makes express shipping particularly advantageous for international shipments.
- Country-specific regulations: Please note that some countries may have certain restrictions for express or standard shipments.
What additional options can be booked?
Various additional services can be booked for both standard and express delivery:
Standard shipping:
- Insurance for high-value goods
- Delivery to packing stations
- Handling of oversized goods for large or bulky items
Express shipping:
- All standard shipping options
- Time slot delivery
- Saturday delivery
When is express shipping worthwhile?
Express shipping is indispensable for anyone who absolutely needs their shipment or delivery to arrive on the next business day or within a few business days. But even if two or three days don’t necessarily matter, it can make sense to opt against standard shipping. This may seem contradictory at first glance, after all, the costs for express delivery can be twice as high or more than the costs for standard delivery. However, the calculation is not as simple as it seems at first glance, especially when it comes to international shipping. Let’s take a closer look.
Not only fast, but also prioritised
In addition to the costs, the predictability of the logistics processes plays at least an equally important role. Speed is certainly an important factor, but there is another aspect to express delivery that makes express delivery possible in the first place and yet is rarely appreciated. This is because express deliveries are processed as a priority. What does that mean? If there is a high volume of parcels or disruptions to operations – e.g. due to strikes, natural disasters or wars – an express parcel (or express pallet) is given priority handling and loading. To make this possible, parcel service providers put standard shipments on hold. And when cargo flights have to be temporarily suspended, or – as is currently the case – air freight demand significantly exceeds capacity, it is the express shipments that are loaded first. So anyone who books an express delivery can be sure that their shipment will arrive on time or, in the event of disruptions, at least be given priority processing.
Guaranteed delivery times with a money-back guarantee
In 2022, the standard delivery time was exceeded for 50% of all parcels in Germany. And staff shortages among delivery personnel are likely to exacerbate the situation in the near future. The rate of delayed express shipments, on the other hand, is significantly lower. In addition, some shipping providers still offer a money-back guarantee if delivery is later than agreed.
Is an express parcel always more expensive? Not necessarily
The costs for express delivery are high, no question about it. And generally higher than for standard delivery. However, if you take all factors into account, in some situations express delivery can actually be the more economical option, for example, if:
- warehousing costs are incurred, which are lower for express delivery
- particularly large or heavy goods are being shipped
- for international shipments, the total costs (including customs clearance) are calculated
As paradoxical as it may seem, express international is often cheaper than standard shipping. A price comparison or a consultation with your personal account manager at LetMeShip is therefore definitely worthwhile
The choice between standard and express delivery depends on various factors, such as the urgency of the delivery, budget, value of goods and customer expectations. However, these factors are weighted differently from company to company and shipment to shipment; it is therefore impossible to make a general statement. B2B companies should consider both options in their shipping mix and compare them on a case-by-case basis in order to be able to react flexibly to different business requirements.
Optimise your shipping with a multi-carrier shipping platform
Comparing the rates of different services can quickly become time-consuming. If different shipping service providers come into play, time quickly becomes a cost factor. Multi-carrier shipping platforms like LetMeShip take this work off your hands. You simply select the desired service, the pick-up location and the destination and you will receive a clear overview of all available rates from different carriers, including all additional costs and your savings compared to a direct booking.
With LetMeShip you get even more: we believe that only by knowing our customers can we meet the shipping needs of SMEs. And by that we don’t mean some abstract idea, but you and your company in particular. With over 20 years in the business and now operating in seven European countries, there is hardly a problem or requirement that the shipping experts in our in-house customer service or your personal account manager are not familiar with.
We look forward to your enquiry.
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