Getting packages to your customers on time is one of the most important parts of running a successful ecommerce business, especially for those looking to scale. A question that often comes up is: does weight affect shipping delivery time? While the weight of a package does influence delivery speed, it’s not the only factor. Shipping zones, carrier selection, package dimensions, and more all contribute to how quickly — or not — an order arrives.
In this guide, we break down how weight and other important considerations impact shipping delivery time. You'll also gain insights into how growing ecommerce brands can optimize shipping strategies to ensure customers receive their orders on time, every time.
Does Weight Affect Shipping Delivery Time?
Yes, weight can influence shipping times. Lighter shipments are generally easier and quicker to load, making transportation more efficient. Heavier items, on the other hand, require more resources, such as additional manpower or equipment, which can slow down the process. Load balancing on trucks, planes, and ships may also take longer for heavier cargo, potentially delaying delivery.
How Else Does Weight Affect Shipping?
Weight is known to affect shipping in many respects beyond speed, with the most impactful being efficiency and cost. Generally speaking, light loads cost less to ship both domestically and internationally because they’re easier to move. Less time, manpower, and specialized equipment are required from shipping carriers, and those savings are reflected in service prices.
Major service providers like UPS and FedEx use dimensional weight (dim weight) to quantify the ‘moveability’ of individual packages and determine their shipping rates. Dim weight pricing takes into account the amount of space a package occupies, rather than just its actual weight. For example, a large, lightweight box could be charged at a higher rate if it occupies more space than its physical weight suggests.
NMFC codes offer a great example of how dimensional weight is woven into the cost of shipping. These codes classify goods based on factors like weight, size, and handling complexity. Smaller, lighter packages are generally assigned lower freight rates, while larger, bulkier items cost more to ship. The same principle applies to smaller-scale last-mile delivery trucks. Rates can be expected to be more affordable if less extra work is required from the courier.
Luckily, there’s a way around paying sky-high costs for shipping in any case. Large third-party logistics companies like Shipfusion get clients access to exclusive discounted rates through their preexisting high-volume relationships with major carriers. Ecommerce businesses that ship a variety of products further benefit from expertise in package optimization. 3PLs can make informed recommendations on the use of flat rate boxes vs. custom shipping boxes, dunnage selection, and more.
Other Factors That Affect Shipping Delivery Time
Weight is far from the only thing that can slow down or speed up delivery times. Take a look at the following additional influences at play.
Shipping Carrier Policies
Shipping carriers operate under specific rules and guidelines that can significantly impact delivery times. Each carrier has unique policies regarding weight limits, dimensions, and service levels, which vary based on the type of shipping service you select.
Standard shipping, for example, may accommodate heavier packages at a lower cost, but it often comes with longer transit times. In contrast, expedited shipping services focus on speed but may impose stricter weight or dimension restrictions to maintain efficiency.
It’s important to review a carrier’s specific rules before selecting a service to ensure your shipment complies with their restrictions. Not adhering to carrier policies, such as exceeding weight limits or mislabeling shipments, can result in delays, additional fees, or even the package being returned to the sender.
This is even more important for international shipments, as carriers must also comply with the regulations and customs requirements of various countries. Being proactive and familiarizing yourself with these policies can help you avoid unnecessary complications, ensuring timely and smooth delivery.
Package Size Considerations
While weight is important, package size is equally critical in determining shipping costs and speed, primarily due to dimensional weight pricing. Carriers calculate shipping costs based on whichever is greater: the actual weight or the dimensional weight. This means that using overly large packaging for a light product could lead to unexpectedly high shipping charges.
The best way to minimize unnecessary costs under this type of system is to reduce the space a package takes up – but without compromising its integrity. Lightweight, durable packing materials like kraft paper and molded inserts can help reduce dimensional weight, and in turn, shipping rates.
Dimensional weight pricing is especially relevant for ecommerce businesses that ship a variety of products in different shapes and sizes. Partnering with a logistics provider who can recommend the best packaging strategies will help ensure that you avoid excessive charges due to inefficient package sizing.
Method and Course of Transit
The shipping method you choose has a direct impact on delivery time, often more so than the weight of the package itself. Carriers offer a range of options from ground transportation to air and sea freight, each with varying transit times. Air freight, for example, is typically faster than ground or sea options, making it ideal for time-sensitive deliveries. However, it’s also more expensive and may impose stricter weight or size limits.
That said, even the most expedited shipping options are subject to external factors that can cause delays. Weather conditions are a common disruptor, with events like snowstorms, hurricanes, or heavy rainfall causing slowdowns in transportation networks. These delays are beyond the control of the carrier, and they can affect delivery times even if the package is light and traveling via air.
Customs and Duties
Customs clearance involves the verification of the contents of a shipment to ensure compliance with the regulations of the destination country.
If a shipment is crossing international borders, the customs clearance process is likely to extend its estimated delivery time. Inspecting packages, reviewing documentation, and paying applicable duties are additional steps that take time to complete. If there are any inconsistencies in the paperwork or hold-ups in payment, importing may take days or even weeks.
In addition to delays, customs non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or even the seizure of goods. For businesses, this means not only the loss of valuable products but also potential reputational damage if customers face long waits or don’t receive their items at all.
To mitigate these risks, ensure that all customs documentation is complete and accurate, and research the specific import regulations of your destination countries. Set realistic delivery expectations with customers keeping in mind that certain products or destinations might have lengthier clearance processes than others.
Delivery Location
The weight of a package can also influence the delivery time based on the location it is being delivered to. Packages destined for major metropolitan areas tend to arrive faster because these regions have well-established delivery routes and higher volumes of shipments.
Carriers optimize their operations in these areas, making trips more often and therefore reducing the amount of time packages wait before hitting the road. Rural or remote locations tend to experience longer delivery times due to less frequent route schedules and more challenging access.
Delivering to a remote village or a location with difficult terrain requires additional resources, such as specialized vehicles or multiple handoffs between carriers. Extra measures and labor add days to the estimated delivery time, even if the package itself is relatively light and easy to handle.
For ecommerce businesses, being aware of these geographic considerations can help set accurate customer expectations, particularly when offering standard shipping to remote or international destinations.
Pair Fast Delivery Time with Accuracy
Mastering the nuances of shipping carrier policies means more than just knowing how much your package weighs. From dimensional weight to surcharge fees, there are many hidden factors that can affect your costs and delivery times. By optimizing your packaging, staying informed about carrier restrictions, and carefully selecting the right shipping methods, you can save time, reduce expenses, and ensure a seamless delivery experience for your customers. The smarter you are with your shipping strategy, the more efficiently you can navigate the world of logistics.
Shipfusion offers best-in-class third-party logistics (3PL) solutions to ecommerce companies across North America. Count on our experienced Account Managers for ongoing, dedicated support with everything from order fulfillment to lot tracking and inventory management. Contact us today to learn more about what a partnership with Shipfusion can offer.
