Ground Expedite Vs. Regular Shipping: Choosing the Right Speed for Your Needs

Choosing the right shipping comes down to speed, cost, and reliability. Ground-expedited shipping is fast and reliable and ensures your goods arrive on time. On the other hand, regular shipping works for non-urgent deliveries. It’s more cost-effective, with scheduled transit times perfect for shipments not bound by tight deadlines.

As one of the leading business logistics experts in North America, we know how challenging it is to configure reliable, cost-effective, fast shipping. Curated by experts at Load One, this quick read will walk you through both options, compare them, and explain how to choose the right one for your business.

Let’s dive in.  

What is Ground Expedited Shipping?

Ground-expedited shipping is perfect for urgent deliveries. These shipments are transported directly from pickup to delivery without the usual stops or transfers. 

It’s a go-to for e-commerce companies where nearly two-thirds of online shoppers (72%) expect a fast delivery, typically within 24 hours. Likewise, healthcare, food, automotive, and manufacturing industries rely on it whenever they require urgent freight.

Unlike its regular counterpart, expedited shipping involves vehicles dedicated solely to your shipment, which helps you move your goods as quickly and securely as possible. If you run a business that depends on timely deliveries, like a fresh seafood supply company, you will benefit from this type of shipping.

What is Regular Shipping?

Regular shipping, also known as standard delivery, is the backbone of most logistics solutions. It operates on a predefined schedule, using shared routes and consolidating multiple shipments. 

While it doesn’t offer the speed of expedited options, it is a reliable choice for non-urgent deliveries where budget matters more than speed. Most companies rely on these freight solutions for inventory restocking and consumer goods delivery, where a few extra days won’t disrupt operations.

Comparing Ground Expedite and Regular Shipping

Choosing between these two shipping methods involves five key factors – speed, reliability, cargo safety, cost, and tracking. Let’s compare them to see which one fits your business better.

1. Delivery Speed

If speed is your top priority, ground-expedited services are the clear winner. With fast transit times, these services eliminate unnecessary stops and delays, delivering urgent freights directly to their destinations. 

Expedited shipping is suited for transporting perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, milk, dairy, and fresh seafood. It’s also the right choice for transporting medical supplies or last-minute replacement parts for a factory. 

In contrast, regular shipping follows a more structured schedule, where transit times may vary due to factors like route optimization or shipment consolidation. While regular shipping works well for routine deliveries, it’s not suitable for tight deadlines.

2. Reliability

Expedited shipments stand out for their reliability, especially when hauling time-critical freights. These services minimize the risks of delays by using dedicated vehicles and direct routes. Fewer handoffs mean fewer chances for errors, making expedited shipping a preferred choice for high-priority deliveries.

Though generally reliable, regular shipping may face occasional delays as it relies on shared freight routes and goes through several handoffs before reaching the final destination. Of course, scheduled pickups and deliveries are dependable, but not as much as expedited shipping.

3. Cargo Safety

In-transit cargo safety is another major concern, with up to 11% of the goods arriving in a damaged condition at the distribution centers. However, with ground-expedited services, you need not worry about the safety of your goods. Fewer transfers reduce the risk of damage, making it an excellent choice for shipping fragile items or high-value cargo.

While regular shipping also focuses on cargo safety, it typically involves more transfers and handling. This increases the likelihood of minor issues like scratches or dents. In other words, expedited shipping is better if you want to transport sensitive or fragile items.

4. Cost

Rising shipping costs are plaguing the global transport industry. These costs skyrocketed in 2024, recording a 250% increase in the first seven months. This increase has affected all types of shipping, including expedited and regular deliveries. 

Ground-expedited services are typically priced higher due to their specialized nature, faster transit, and dedicated freight routes. That said, value often outweighs the higher costs if you need quick turnaround time to avoid disrupting your operations. 

On the other hand, standard delivery is the go-to for cost-effective shipping. Sharing routes and resources makes this option more affordable, especially for shipments that don’t require fast delivery. If your budget is tight and delivery timelines are flexible, regular shipping may be the more suitable choice.

5. Real Time Tracking and Communication

In a data-driven market, you must rely on real-time updates for better control over your supply chain. Real-time tracking allows you to optimize your supply chain, which can typically translate into 15% lower shipping costs. 

Expedited shipping often comes with advanced real-time tracking and direct communication with your carrier. This keeps you in the loop as your shipment moves from one location to another. You are better equipped to handle potential delays due to bad weather or any other issues. 

Regular shipping also offers tracking, but the updates may not be as frequent or detailed. Your shipments are also more likely to get delayed since it goes through multiple transfers and stops. Expedited services are a better choice if you want regular shipping updates and a direct line of communication with your carrier.

How to Choose the Right Shipping Speed for Your Needs

Choosing the right shipping option depends on your specific requirements.

Here is what you must consider: 

• How urgent is the delivery? If time is critical, go with expedited business shipping.
• What’s the nature of your cargo? Fragile or high-value items are safer with ground-expedited services.
• What’s your budget? Regular shipping is more practical for cost-sensitive shipments.
• Do you need detailed updates? If so, expedited options with real-time tracking are worth considering.

Where Does Load One Fit into This

When it comes to finding a reliable shipping partner in North America, Load One is a go-to for many businesses. We operate across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada and offer competitive pricing for all freight, regular or expedited. 

• Expedited Expertise: We provide second-to-none expedited shipping services, with 24/7/365 dedicated staff and air ride trailers. 
• Customer Satisfaction: Load One prioritizes client needs with personalized service and direct communication.
• Comprehensive Options: Ground expedited, air services, and specialized logistics – we have got you covered for every type of shipment.
• Advanced Tracking: With cutting-edge satellite tracking, you will always know where your freight is and when it’s arriving.

Conclusion

Both ground expedited and regular shipping offer unique advantages depending on your business needs. If speed and reliability are critical, expedited shipping is a good choice. On the other hand, standard delivery is more cost-effective and perfect for less urgent deliveries.

At Load One, we provide effective shipping solutions that optimize your operations and exceed your expectations. Trust our team to handle your shipments with care, precision, and expertise.

Need reliable shipping solutions? Contact us today to get started!