What does overnight shipping mean, how does it work, how much does it cost, is it worth it? Overnight or next-day delivery is one of the most important aspects for the eCommerce industry. No matter the size of your business, your customers always expect fast, quality deliveries. If you don't meet these expectations, you run the risk of losing sales.
Are you looking to ship overnight with companies like UPS, FedEx, or USPS? Read on to find out all about overnight shipping and how you can use it to boost your business profits.
Why should you use next-day or overnight shipping?
To keep your buyers happy and coming back for more, you need a clear advantage – speed. Next-day delivery isn't just an option anymore, it's the expectation.
Consider this: nearly all online shoppers (95%) perceive next-day delivery as fast, making it a universally applicable strategy. This is why a whopping (90%) of online businesses have already embraced it. It's efficient, it's necessary, and it's the difference between one-time buyers and loyal customers.
What is overnight shipping?
It is the fastest delivery service available after same-day delivery. It guarantees that the package will arrive on the next working day after the courier picks it up, making it the quickest option for urgent shipments that don’t require same-day delivery.
Basically, this type of shipment is scheduled to be picked up during the day and transported overnight, ensuring that the courier can deliver it the next day.
This expedited service relies on a tightly coordinated network of transportation hubs, air freight, and ground logistics to prioritize time-sensitive shipments.
How are costs determined?
Four primary factors govern overnight shipping expenses:
- Delivery time: Carriers charge 30–50% more for deliveries scheduled before 8:30 a.m. compared to those arriving by 5:00 p.m. This is because earlier deliveries require more logistical coordination and may have limited capacity
- Distance and zones: Shipping carriers divide regions into zones based on the distance between the sender and the recipient. Local shipments (Zone 1) are more affordable, while cross-country deliveries (Zone 8) can cost 2–3 times more
- Dimensional weight (DIM weight): This pricing model applies to lightweight but bulky items, which take up more space in delivery trucks and planes. For example, a 10 lb package measuring 24x18x18 inches may be billed as 30 lbs, significantly increasing the shipping cost
- Weekend/holiday surcharges: Shipping on weekends or holidays comes with extra fees. Saturday deliveries, for instance, can add $12–$25 per shipment. Since fewer delivery services operate on these days, carriers apply surcharges to cover the additional labor and resources required
Overnight shipping vs same-day delivery
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How does overnight mail shipping work?
How to ship a package overnight? If you are an individual, you can do this manually through the shipping company's website. However, if you are a business, it is recommended that you integrate shipping software into your operations.
The carrier will pick up the package and transport it quickly through their distribution network, using priority services to arrive the next business day.
The cut-off time for this service is usually between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. in the United States.
During the process, tracking updates can be provided so that both the sender and recipient can monitor the progress of the shipment. In the event of a delivery failure, you will have the option to file a claim with the carrier, depending on the shipping insurance coverage you have taken out.
Carriers that offer overnight shipping
Several shipping and courier companies offer next-day delivery services, including UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS in the United States.
UPS Overnight Shipping
To utilize UPS overnight service, you have three choices available. UPS Next Day Air Early stands as the priciest option, yet it promises delivery by 8 a.m. on the subsequent business day. Conversely, UPS Next Day Air assures delivery by 10:30 a.m. on the following business day. Lastly, UPS Next Day Air Saver, the most economical selection, guarantees delivery by 3 p.m. the next business day.
FedEx Overnight Shipping
When choosing FedEx overnight services, you have three options to match your needs. FedEx First Overnight promises the fastest delivery by 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. for remote areas. FedEx Priority Overnight ensures delivery by 10:30 a.m. or 5 p.m. for remote addresses. Finally, FedEx Standard Overnight offers a less expensive yet still prompt delivery by 3 p.m.
DHL Overnight Shipping
If you need to ship a package internationally the next day, DHL Overnight Shipping is the best option, although it is expensive. It can cost between $220 and $240 to ship a 4.5 kg box from Los Angeles to Paris. However, be aware that there are daily cut-off times for shipping, and orders placed on weekends may take longer to be delivered. In addition, there are weight restrictions: USPS allows up to 70 pounds, while FedEx and UPS allow up to 150 pounds.
USPS Overnight Shipping
Priority Mail Express (USPS Overnight Shipping)service guarantees next-day or 2-day arrival before 6 p.m. With prices starting at $30.45 and with limited exceptions, it covers most addresses and P.O. boxes within the United States, ensuring broad coverage.
How much does overnight shipping cost in 2025?
As we said, the cost of overnight delivery may vary depending on several factors, including the weight and dimensions of the package, the distance to be traveled, the carrier selected and any additional services requested. It is advisable to request specific quotes from different carriers to compare prices and find the best option for your needs.
The following table synthesizes 2025 overnight shipping rates for FedEx, UPS, and USPS, incorporating base prices, surcharges, and service tiers.
| Carrier | Service Tier | 1 lb | 5 lbs | 10 lbs | 20 lbs | Key Surcharges (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | Standard Overnight® | $38.55–$95.35¹ | $49.06–$135.21¹ | $80.00–$190.46¹ | $110.00–$260.00² | +$6.20–$77.50 Delivery Area Surcharge |
| Priority Overnight® | $53.04–$110.55¹ | $64.20–$150.50¹ | $96.87–$225.00² | $130.00–$305.00² | +$175 Dangerous Goods per package | |
| First Overnight® | $150.50–$205.00³ | $175.00–$260.00³ | $225.00–$340.00³ | $305.00–$460.00³ | +$1.50/$100 Declared Value | |
| UPS | Next Day Air Saver® | $42.42⁴ | $60.00⁵ | $75.00⁵ | $100.00⁵ | +$240 Residential Surcharge (Zone 2) |
| Next Day Air® | $56.76–$110.55⁶ | $75.00–$150.50⁶ | $96.37–$190.46⁶ | $130.00–$260.00⁶ | +$50 Oversize Charge | |
| Next Day Air Early® | $160.00–$240.00⁷ | $190.00–$290.00⁷ | $225.00–$340.00⁷ | $305.00–$460.00⁷ | +$31.50 Remote Residential Fee | |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express® | $31.40⁸ | $59.50⁹ | $69.00⁹ | $89.00⁹ | +$12.50 Sunday/Holiday Delivery |
These prices are approximate and may vary. We recommend that you contact the transport company.
Overnight international shipping: what to know
Overnight international shipping can be a crucial option to meet the demands of your customers around the world. However, there are some things to consider.
In addition to the base cost of shipping, you need to consider potential additional charges such as duties, taxes, and customs fees.
Make sure you are aware of the necessary forms, such as the commercial invoice and customs declaration.
It is also important to be aware of each country's import and export restrictions to avoid delays and penalties.
To be on the safe side, we recommend reading ourguide to international shipping for eCommerce businesses.
How to reduce the cost of your overnight shipments
1. Diversify carriers and utilize hybrid shipping solutions
Relying on a single carrier can limit your options and lead to higher expenses. By integrating multiple carriers and using a shipping platform like Outvio, you can compare rates in real time and automatically select the most cost-effective option for each shipment.
Additionally, hybrid shipping solutions that combine national and regional carriers can further reduce shipping costs without compromising delivery speed.
2. Optimize packaging to reduce dimensional weight charges
Carriers often calculate shipping fees based on dimensional weight, which considers the package's size relative to its actual weight.
Using appropriately sized boxes and lightweight materials, such as air pillows, minimizes unnecessary volume and weight, leading to lower shipping fees. Even small adjustments in packaging dimensions can result in significant savings per package.
3. Strategically position fulfillment centers
The distance a package travels directly impacts shipping costs, with longer distances incurring higher fees. By strategically locating fulfillment centers closer to key customer bases, businesses can shift more orders into lower-cost shipping zones, thereby reducing overnight shipping expenses.
For example, a retailer that opens a secondary warehouse near a high-demand area can significantly decrease average shipping distances and associated costs.
4. Negotiate favorable rates and consolidate shipments
Carriers often offer volume-based discounts to businesses with consistent shipping patterns. By consolidating shipments and negotiating rates based on your shipping volume, you can secure more favorable terms.
Additionally, combining multiple orders into a single shipment reduces the per-unit cost, optimizing your shipping strategy and further lowering expenses.
Overnight vs. Same-day delivery: which works better?
Speed vs. cost
You want fast delivery, but at what price? Overnight shipping gets your package to its destination by the next day, covering 98% of U.S. addresses.
Same-day delivery, on the other hand, can get orders to customers within 4–8 hours—but it comes at a cost. You’ll typically pay 2–4 times more, with prices averaging $100–$200 for a 10 lb package.
Plus, same-day shipping is limited to urban areas, while overnight works across cities and rural regions alike.
Which one should you choose?
It depends on what you’re shipping and who your customers are.
- Go overnight if:
- You’re shipping intercity or to remote locations
- Your products are non-perishable (apparel, electronics, books)
- You need a cost-effective way to guarantee next-day delivery
- Use same-day if:
- You serve customers in big cities
- Your business deals with urgent items (medical supplies, perishable goods)
- You offer last-minute gifting options and want to wow your customers
Conclusion
Meeting the ever-growing demand for swift, reliable deliveries is not just a goal—it's a necessity. As highlighted, major players like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS offer comprehensive overnight shipping solutions tailored to diverse needs and budgets.
Understanding how overnight shipping works, from the swift transportation process to the variety of options offered by different carriers, empowers businesses to make informed decisions. While costs may vary depending on factors like weight, distance, and additional services, the potential benefits far outweigh the expenses.
The decision to incorporate overnight shipping into your business strategy can significantly impact customer satisfaction and improve retention rate.
