Decoding Express and Standard Shipping

Introduction 

Shipping has been the foundation of the flourishing world of business.  Be it groceries, medicine, or even a single ice cream, it is made available anywhere at any time to the concerned person. The importance of shipping doesn’t require any more emphasis. It is an open secret that an efficient and secure logistics system is the core element for any business to thrive. Shipping lies at the roots of all industrial companies in the current world, influenced by globalization, urbanization, and modernization. 

Surveys show that nearly 44% of consumers are willing to wait only for two days to deliver orders via fast delivery. This perfectly summarizes the significance of effective and consumer-friendly shipping.

Walk down the historical lane.

Logistics has gone through massive evolution and transformation throughout history, to reach where it is today. Every mishap, insurgence, scientific, and technological development has helped logistics become effective and efficient, in the best possible way. 

Ancient history says, logistics was initially adapted by the “Romans”. It allowed their battalions to be swift and decisive, making them one of the world’s powerful empires to go down in history. As most of their supplies came from other provinces, it was necessary for them to have a sophisticated supply chain system.  

A transition from hands to machine, the first industrial revolution based totally on steam power, started from late 18th century. This had major impact on the history of human mankind as it affected every human being globally, in some way or the other. Mass production from a single plant reducing costs, led to challenges thrown by manufacturer to transport the production to far away markets in the minimum possible time-frame, in massive bulks, and at low prices. The solutions to these challenges grew overtime through the introduction of Railways, Steam ships, and improved quality of roads. Therefore, leading to a more efficient transportation system.

Then came the “World Wars”. These were tragic events; many lives were lost. But, the technological advances and developments post war were massive. These technological advances gave rise to many businesses. Mechanized cars, Air cargo and Containerizations etc., were some of the technological advances we got, inspired from the world war.

From the beginning of the trade, logistics has transformed in numerous ways, in the last 2000 years there has been umpteen developments in this sector. But, if you observe, the circle of these developments has been around; cost reduction, faster speed and raising the capability to manage quantity and complexities.

Types of Shipping

There are two ways of shipping an order, first is “Standard”, and the second is “Express”. The difference? The speed of delivery. It is purely based on the urgency of requirement by the client. He/she would opt for “Express” shipping, if there is a high urgency, and “Standard” shipping if there is no urgency. 

Let us know more about it:

• Express Shipping
  

  Express Shipping refers to a particular facility offered by some carrier companies to shorten the shipping process, thus expediting the delivery procedure. Express delivery is usually carried out by air, and the provisions ensure that the delivery is made within a day or two.

• Standard Shipping
  

  Standard Shipping refers to regular Shipping. It is a cost-efficient method that includes something other than overnight or air shipping. It is generally carried out via surface couriers.

The following are various factors that differentiate the two:

1. Shipping Cost
   

   Standard shipping is generally provided at lower costs by many e-Commerce businesses. Moreover, this service is offered entirely free of charge by several companies. This is primarily because the shipment is generally sent using sea or road freight, which provides a cheaper mode of transportation than air transportation.
   On the contrary, Express shipping is more expensive than Standard shipping, because the purpose of shipping is to reduce delivery time and cater to the urgent needs of the consumer. It uses air transportation which is more expensive than other modes but offers a faster way. The shipping cost is included in the product’s express shipping price or added as an extra cost.

2. Delivery Time
   

   Regular shipping is done by surface freight, and there is no limit on the dispatch timeline; the delivery can be expected in 2 – 8 days. It may also vary as per the distance of the recipient’s address. While products are delivered through express delivery in around one day, they are dispatched overnight and shipped via air couriers. Sometimes, the shipment may even reach the recipient on the same day.

3. Tracking
   

   A consumer often feels more relaxed and comfortable, if there is complete visibility during the shipping process. Full visibility into the whereabouts and current status of one’s order via real-time data lets the buyer relax. In Express Delivery, tracking an order’s placement is generally available when it reaches a specific destination near the delivery address. However, with Standard Shipping the order’s placement is usually only visible through a tracking option once it arrives at a particular destination because the process is longer and has lower profit margins.

4. Cost-effectiveness
   

   While placing an order, multiple factors, like weight, distance, and delivery timelines, are taken care of. Based on delivery timelines, one needs to opt for the type of shipping. Therefore, before shortlisting any shipping company, we examine and ponder upon multiple things. As express shipping means urgent and faster delivery, the price and rates are also higher than other forms of transportation, as they depend on fast services as air couriers. On the other hand, regular shipping is cheaper than express shipping, because the mode-of-transport used is budget friendly

5. Environmental Cost
   

   While both “Express” and “Standard” shipping have their share of pros and cons, one must keep in mind the protection and sustainability of the environment. In a recent study, The University of California addresses the gravity of the environmental issues attached to online shipping. It indicated that “Express” shipping has a heavier carbon footprint than “Standard” shipping. Extending the shipping period enables the companies to adopt the most efficient and environment friendly ways of delivering the goods. Options such as next-day delivery force companies to resend out trucks that aren’t at total capacity or use air transportation with higher environmental costs.

The above listed are the significant differences between “Standard” and “Express” delivery. Now, the question that arise is – Which is better?

The answer to this question remains subjective. Priorities always differ from one consumer to another. Hence, if you need more patience to wait for one whole week for an order or your excitement eats your intestines, “Express” shipping is the way to go.

But if your pocket calls whenever you pay extra or if you would rather wait for another ten days than give out extra money, then “Standard” shipping is your reason. 

Moreover, “Express” deliveries often become a necessity in instances of utmost urgency. It has become a saviour for industries like pharmaceuticals and other emergency services. It has a lot of additional environmental disadvantages, but if the opportunity cost is life, then it is preferable. The question is faster but at what cost?

But all this may need to be clarified, and passing the baton to a logistics aggregator is easier. Now, let’s know what a logistics aggregator is. 

Courier aggregators are primarily companies integrated with several carrier agents with which an e-commerce firm may wish to tie up. Aggregators provide a uniform and streamlined platform for monitoring and shipping orders and excellent communication. 

Shipyaari is the leading courier aggregator with the highest delivery ratio, and 20,000+ satisfied users at more than 28,000 pin codes. It provides 5X faster delivery at the lowest cost, with appropriate technology, operational control, and an empathetic approach for all logistics activities. 

Shipyaari is India’s first completely integrated, technology-backed, and data-driven logistics company providing 360-degree fulfilment, storage, and distribution solutions with an easy-to-use dashboard. It takes complete responsibility for your deliveries with 18X7 customer support, tracking facilities, end-to-end fulfilment expertise, no RTO charges, 100% money-back guarantee. It has over ten most-trusted courier partners, and offers real-time tracking of your orders. 

In short, All Logistics. One API. Shipyaari.

So, start powering your e-commerce business with Shipyaari today. They leave no stone unturned to help you reach your customers, and grow your business beyond geographical boundaries.