How To Use Ground Shipping for Expedited Delivery

With over 4.2 million miles of road in the U.S., ground shipping is a practical option for ecommerce brands nationwide. But that doesn’t mean it’s simple. Between service levels like standard and expedited and providers like FedEx and UPS, the route you choose can affect cost, speed, and customer satisfaction.

Here’s what ecommerce business owners need to know about using ground shipping for DTC orders:

What Is Ground Shipping?

Ground shipping is a method of transporting goods over land, typically using trucks or trains. It is often chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ability to handle large shipments. 

Road-based ground shipping, which primarily utilizes trucks, semi-trailers, and delivery vans, forms the backbone of most domestic logistics networks. These vehicles range from small parcel delivery trucks handling last-mile deliveries to massive 18-wheeler tractor-trailers that transport goods across long distances on highways and interstates.

Ground Shipping Options In Ecommerce

Ground shipping is generally slower but more economical than alternatives like air and sea freight. But it's important to recognize not every ground shipping option is as cost-effective as the next. Both price and speed can vary between service types. Below, we review commonly used ground shipping options in ecommerce and how they differ from one another.

Standard Ground Shipping

Basic by definition, standard ground shipping works on a measured, simple basis. Businesses pay carriers to get parcels from Point A to Point B within non-urgent timeframes, usually a few days to a week. 

This option generally costs less than others because it neither literally nor figuratively requires service providers to go the extra mile. The expectation is a measured timeframe with no focus on speed. Ground shipping rates are determined through one of several pricing models – dimensional weight or a flat rate based on distance and weight.

Standard ground shipping is available for journeys of practically every length and stage in the ecommerce order process. It's just as easy to find cross-country coverage as it is to arrange for last-mile delivery via local courier services, which are perfect for short-distance deliveries. Ground-based services don't exclusively rely on cars and trucks but also use bicycles, scooters, and even couriers on foot.

Expedited Ground Shipping

Expedited ground shipping offers a faster delivery time compared to standard options. This method ensures parcels reach their destination more quickly by prioritizing them in the shipping queue and often involves direct routes or fewer stops. 

Expedited services are perfect for businesses that need to meet tight deadlines. By paying more, businesses can ensure online orders make it to customers in as little as one day. Same-day delivery is even possible in some regions. 

Customers love – and are becoming increasingly accustomed to – shorter timelines as giants like Amazon leverage its vast network to offer rapid delivery services.

Freight Ground Shipping

Freight ground shipping is used for larger shipments that exceed the size or weight limits of standard parcel services. This option typically involves the use of pallets and large trucks, making it ideal for businesses that need to move significant quantities of goods. 

Freight services can be tailored to specific needs, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) options, depending on the volume of goods being shipped.

Standard Ground Shipping vs. Expedited Ground Shipping

The right transportation method for a given ecommerce order, whether within the category of ground shipping or ecommerce shipping as a whole, depends on various factors such as cost, delivery speed, and the nature of the goods being shipped. Businesses should weigh these considerations carefully to select the most suitable option:

Cost

While expedited services offer speed, they come at a higher cost, which either the business or its customer will need to pay. The only real workaround is working with a third-party logistics company. As large-volume shippers, they can obtain below-market rates on both standard and expedited services. 

Otherwise, online stores have a choice: offer buyers the option to pay more for fast ground shipping or offer it by default with extra costs factored into product prices. This decision can influence customer satisfaction and retention and impact a business' overall competitiveness in the market.

Speed

Faster options like expedited shipping can enhance customer satisfaction but may not always be necessary. Will people really notice or care if their package arrives in two days instead of three? It largely depends on the expectations set by the business and the promises made at the time of purchase. Customers may appreciate the option for faster delivery, but it’s crucial to assess whether the speed aligns with the product type and customer needs.

For example, perishable goods or urgent medical supplies warrant special consideration. In these cases, the ability to deliver quickly can be a critical factor in maintaining quality and meeting customer expectations. Certain promotional campaigns or product launches might necessitate quicker delivery to capitalize on market trends or consumer demand. On the other hand, for products like books or clothing, a slightly longer wait may not significantly impact customer satisfaction. 

Shipping Carriers That Offer Expedited Ground Delivery

UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, and other prominent North American shipping companies operate first and foremost on the ground. Freight, air, and sea services are available from those with larger infrastructure networks. 

Similarly, types of ground delivery vary between providers. Some only offer standard ground shipping to select regions, while others have much broader solutions accommodating diverse timing and distance requirements. We’ll run through four major carriers’ core options below. 

UPS

United Parcel Service, or UPS, was founded in 1907 and has been in operation for more than 113 years. The company offers ground shipping within the U.S., with average turnaround times ranging from one to five business days. Ecommerce stores can choose from the following UPS delivery options.

• UPS® Ground: UPS® Ground promises cost-effective and reliable ground delivery for packages weighing up to 150 lbs. and up to 108” long across North America within one to five business days.
• UPS 3 Day Select®: Although 90% of UPS Ground packages are delivered in three days or less, this service guarantees it for 48 contiguous states.

FedEx

FedEx shipping options vary in both speed and price. Businesses sending packages to North American commercial and residential addresses should expect ground delivery timelines of one to five business days. The quickest turnaround times are for parcels being sent to neighboring states. Available services have been summarized below.

• FedEx Ground®: Standard ground shipping moves packages up to 150 lbs in weight and 108" in length from Point A to Point B within five business days.
• FedEx Home Delivery®: FedEx Home Delivery® offers cost-effective transit within five days, inclusive of weekends.
• FedEx Expedited Services: Priced at a premium and available on Saturdays for an additional fee, FedEx expedited shipments take as little as one to three days to complete.

USPS

The United States Postal Service, or USPS, can ship to 48 states by ground. The average shipping time is between two and five business days, with slightly longer turnaround times for parcels sent to rural areas. Customers have the three following options to choose from.

• Priority Mail Express®: Priority Mail Express® delivers seven days a week, 365 days a year, on a next-day or two-day basis.
• Priority Mail®: A balance between absolute urgency and practicality, Priority Mail® starts at about a third of the cost of Priority Mail Express® and operates with a timeline of one to three business days.
• USPS Ground Advantage®: This standard ground shipping service is the most cost-effective option, offering delivery in two to five business days.

DHL

DHL is best known for its international shipping options, which include several types of ground services. Like other major carriers, it has both standard and priority solutions for customers willing to pay a premium. Get a full rundown below.

• U.S. Max: For those needing the fastest delivery DHL offers, U.S. Max ensures parcels reach their destination in three or four days.
• U.S. Priority: This service offers a balance between speed and cost, delivering packages within three to six days. It's ideal for shipments that require a quicker delivery than standard options but don't demand the fastest possible service.
• U.S. Standard: U.S. Standard is a cost-effective solution with delivery times ranging from five to nine days.

Always Get the Best Ground Shipping Rates with Shipfusion

Want to give customers the absolute best in ground shipping cost and speed every time? Take advantage of Shipfusion's strong relationships with UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, and other carriers for flexible solutions tailored to specific needs. 

Thanks to our high-volume carrier partnerships, you can save up to 30% on both standard and expedited ground shipping. Our rate shopping tool presents available options in real time, giving you the ability to compare rates and ensure you're always getting the best deal. No hidden fees. No surprise surcharges. Just smart shipping built to scale with you.

Let’s talk about how Shipfusion can unlock better shipping for your DTC brand – schedule a quick call today.