As the global supply chain crisis continues well into the holiday season, shippers are exploring all of their options. Expedited shipping presents a potential solution when companies need to move freight fast. This is especially important as lightspeed shipping becomes an increasingly important factor in keeping e-commerce businesses competitive in a world in which speedy deliveries are becoming more of an expectation. So what is expedited shipping, and what can it do for your business?
What Is Expedited Freight Shipping?
Expedited shipping refers to the fast delivery of time-sensitive freight. Many e-commerce businesses have started offering delivery in as little as two days. Accomplishing such quick deliveries often involves adjusting routes and modes of transportation to cut down on time. For example, a shipper that typically uses less-than-truckload (LTL) freight may need to use a faster method, such as full truckload (FTL).
Because using expedited shipping can require deliveries within as little as two days, shippers must have products warehoused in strategic locations. Moreover, finding a third-party logistics company (3PL) that partners with local carriers may be necessary to ensure on-time delivery. This is especially true given that 97.4% of trucking companies operate fewer than 20 trucks. Expedited shipping really hinges on those strong local connections.
Several industries use expedited shipping frequently. E-commerce businesses offer quick delivery to keep up with competitors like Amazon. For other industries, though, expedited shipping is a long-established practice. Medical and pharmaceutical companies, for example, ship devices and medications. Their timely delivery can be a matter of life or death for patients. Likewise, manufacturers may need replacement parts quickly to keep a factory operating.
Although some industries use expedited shipping more regularly than others, you can use expedited shipping any time you need something delivered within a narrow time frame. It’s designed for urgent situations. Shippers may also choose to use expedited shipping to mitigate risk in unpredictable situations. It can even be deployed to deliver much-needed supplies to sites of natural disasters.
What Are the Types of Expedited Freight Shipping?
Expedited shipping can be used to move freight down the street or around the world. Consequently, many different types of transport are necessary. There are three main types of expedited shipping.
Ground Expedited Services
For domestic shipments, in particular, shippers may find ground expedited services useful. Over-the-road options tend to be significantly less expensive than air services. Cargo vans and sprint vans can carry several thousands of pounds whereas straight trucks and tractor trailers can carry upwards of 12,000 pounds. Over long distances, teams of drivers can work together to drive around the clock.
Air Freight Services
Freight moved by air can be shipped via cargo services or commercial services. Cargo services involve moving freight in an aircraft designed for carrying cargo freight. Commercial services refer to expedited shipping with the use of commercial airplanes.
Air freight services are commonly used for international expedited shipping. The regulations for cargo carriers and commercial airliners differ, though. Working with a third-party logistics company (3PL) can help you make sure your freight meets all relevant standards.
Air Charter Services
Air charter services make up the most expensive option for expedited shipping. By chartering a plane, a company rents its services solely for that freight. It ends up costing the most per pound of the three types of expedited services.
Common Questions about Expedited Freight Shipping
Expedited shipping involves a few different considerations than standard shipping. These are a few of the most commonly asked questions about expedited shipping.
How does expedited shipping work?
A 3PL can help shippers navigate expedited shipping. It may require finding a freight service provider that operates around the clock. Shippers also will want to consider rates and freight visibility among other factors in making their decision. Carriers ought to have transportation management systems (TMS) in place so that urgently-needed freight can be located throughout transit.
How fast is expedited shipping?
Usually, expedited shipping takes two or three days; however, times can differ depending on the carrier. It is significantly faster than standard shipping, which often takes up to 10 business days. A 3PL can help shippers figure out what their best option is given their circumstances.
Is expedited shipping worth the cost?
It’s true that expedited shipping costs more. Recent news stories can make it seem like an intimidating, and possibly untenable, solution for some shippers. In 2021, Peloton invested $100 million in expedited ocean and air freight. There are times when expedited shipping is not only ideal but necessary. If your product is perishable or needed immediately, expedited shipping may be the only way to make sure your freight reaches customers on time. Another advantage of expedited shipping is that freight is handled less, minimizing the risk of damage.
Work with First Call for all of your Time-Sensitive & Expedited Freight Shipping Needs
In today’s fast-moving marketplace, businesses need the ability to react quickly to market conditions. Specializing in expedited freight services, First Call Logistics makes logistics and supply chain management easy. To learn how our best-in-class technology and extensive carrier network can provide your organization with supply chain efficiencies and cost savings year-round, contact us today!