What is expedited shipping vs standard shipping?
October 30, 2026
Standard shipping is a carrier's normal-speed delivery service, usually the cheapest option. Expedited shipping is any faster service, such as next-day or timed delivery, that costs more in return for getting the parcel to the customer sooner.
Why it matters for online retailers
Delivery speed and price both affect whether a customer buys. Offering a cheap standard option and a paid faster option lets customers choose, and protects your margin on orders that need to arrive quickly.
Standard vs expedited at a glance
- Standard: lower cost, delivery in a few working days, suits most orders.
- Expedited: higher cost, next-day, timed or weekend delivery, suits urgent or high-value orders.
In the UK, the names vary by carrier. Royal Mail Tracked 48 is a typical standard service and Tracked 24 a typical faster one; couriers sell their own next-day and timed services.
Things to get right
- Set a clear daily cut-off time for same-day despatch.
- Make sure expedited orders are picked first.
- Check marketplace delivery promises match the service you actually use.
- Charge enough for faster services to cover the extra cost.
How StoreFeeder handles it
StoreFeeder connects to a range of carriers, including its own direct Royal Mail integration, so you can print labels for both standard and faster services from one place and send tracking back to each channel.
Read more about StoreFeeder shipping management.
Frequently asked questions
Is expedited shipping the same as express shipping?
Usually, yes. Both describe faster-than-standard delivery, though carriers use their own names.
Does expedited shipping guarantee delivery?
Not always. Some services are guaranteed with compensation if late; others are just faster on average. Check the carrier's terms.
Should I offer free expedited shipping?
Only if your margins allow it. Many retailers offer free standard delivery over a basket value and charge for faster services.
