The 10 Best Shipping Methods: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

Over 66% of online shoppers cite shipping speed as a key factor in their purchasing decisions, while 49% prioritize affordable delivery methods available. Efficient and cost-effective e-commerce delivery is important but with numerous shipping methods available, finding the right type of shipping method can be hard. 

Whether you’re a small business seeking the cheapest shipping method or looking for the fastest shipping method, understanding different types of shipping methods can help streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction.

In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 best shipping methods, covering various shipping types, postage methods, and shipping options. We hope to help you decide the best shipping method for your needs, whether you're looking to cut costs, reduce delivery times, or ensure the safe handling of fragile products.

1. Standard Ground Shipping

Standard ground shipping is one of the most commonly used shipping methods, especially for small to medium packages that don’t need to arrive urgently. This method involves transporting goods by road, making it a cost-effective option for businesses and individuals alike.

• Best for: Non-urgent, cost-sensitive shipments within a country.
• Pros: Economical, widely available, easy tracking.
• Cons: Can be slower than air shipping and may not be ideal for perishable items.

Standard ground shipping is particularly popular among small businesses because it is often the cheapest shipping method, especially for short to medium distances. Many small businesses use it as a default shipping option due to its affordability and reliability.

Read more: Full Guide to USPS Ground Advantage

2. Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipping, sometimes known as priority shipping, is a faster alternative to standard shipping. This method speeds up the delivery time, making it ideal for customers who need products quickly.

• Best for: Faster-than-standard delivery times.
• Pros: Quicker than ground shipping, reliable for urgent deliveries.
• Cons: More expensive than standard shipping, limited availability in remote areas.

Expedited shipping appeals to businesses looking to provide a faster option without the higher costs of overnight shipping. It’s a good balance for those seeking a faster delivery speed without a hefty price tag, making it a favorite among small businesses looking to offer a premium shipping option.

3. Overnight Shipping

For businesses needing to meet tight deadlines, overnight shipping is an excellent solution. This shipping method ensures that packages arrive the next day, often before a set time, such as noon.

• Best for: Urgent deliveries that need to arrive the next day.
• Pros: Fastest shipping method for urgent needs.
• Cons: One of the most expensive types of shipping methods, limited to certain regions.

Overnight shipping is often the best shipping method for businesses that sell time-sensitive products, such as medical supplies or perishable items. While it’s not the least expensive shipping method, it offers unparalleled speed for those who need it most.

Read more: How to Properly Implement Overnight Shipping

4. Same-Day Delivery

Same-day delivery is a premium shipping option that has gained popularity in the e-commerce sector, especially with businesses that need to cater to last-minute demands.

• Best for: High-priority deliveries within the same city or region.
• Pros: Quick delivery, often within hours.
• Cons: Expensive, only available in certain urban areas.

This type of shipping method is especially appealing to customers in metropolitan areas who expect immediate gratification. Although it’s costly, businesses that offer same-day delivery can attract a broader audience looking for instant fulfillment.

5. Two-Day Shipping

A popular option among e-commerce giants, two-day shipping strikes a balance between speed and cost. It is particularly appealing to customers who want their products delivered quickly but aren’t willing to pay for overnight shipping.

• Best for: Moderate-urgency items that need to arrive within 48 hours.
• Pros: Fast delivery, relatively affordable compared to overnight.
• Cons: Limited availability in certain areas, still pricier than ground shipping.

Two-day shipping has become a staple shipping option in online retail, with many consumers now expecting this as a standard. Businesses offering two-day shipping can improve customer satisfaction and attract shoppers who value convenience without the urgency of same-day delivery.

6. Freight Shipping

Freight shipping is designed for transporting large or bulk items, such as furniture or equipment. This method can utilize various transportation modes, including ground, sea, or air, depending on the distance and urgency.

• Best for: Large shipments or bulk orders.
• Pros: Cost-effective for large items, multiple shipping types available.
• Cons: Slower than parcel services, additional handling fees.

Businesses dealing with wholesale or large products often rely on freight shipping due to its ability to handle oversized and heavy items. It’s one of the best shipping methods for bulk shipments, though it might not be the cheapest shipping method for smaller loads.

7. Flat Rate Shipping

Flat-rate shipping provides a fixed price for shipping, regardless of the package's weight or destination. This shipping option can be beneficial for businesses that need predictable costs and want to offer their customers a straightforward pricing structure.

• Best for: Simplifying costs for small to medium-sized packages.
• Pros: Predictable costs, great for small businesses.
• Cons: Limited by package size and weight restrictions.

Small businesses often consider flat-rate shipping as one of the best shipping methods due to its simplicity and consistency in pricing. By using flat-rate shipping, businesses can streamline their pricing model, making it easier for customers to understand and expect shipping costs.

8. Economy Shipping

Economy shipping, sometimes referred to as "budget shipping," is a slower but very affordable shipping method, making it ideal for non-urgent deliveries.

• Best for: Budget-conscious shipping needs with flexible delivery timelines.
• Pros: Least expensive shipping method, good for large volumes.
• Cons: Longer delivery times and limited tracking options.

Many small businesses and budget-focused retailers use economy shipping as it is the cheapest method to ship a package. While it may not be suitable for urgent needs, it’s a reliable and cost-saving option.

9. International Shipping

For businesses with a global audience, international shipping is an essential method. This method can include various shipping types, such as air, sea, and courier services, depending on the destination and package requirements.

• Best for: Shipping goods overseas to different countries.
• Pros: Global reach, multiple shipping options available.
• Cons: High costs, customs, and duties apply.

International shipping can be complex due to customs regulations and varying delivery times. However, for businesses looking to expand their reach, it’s an invaluable type of shipping method that can open new markets. Many companies partner with international couriers to streamline this process, balancing speed and cost according to customer needs.

10. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is unique in that it involves a different type of shipping method. In this model, the supplier or manufacturer ships the product directly to the customer, eliminating the need for the business to hold inventory.

• Best for: E-commerce businesses with low overhead or limited storage.
• Pros: Reduced warehousing costs and inventory flexibility.
• Cons: Less control over delivery times, dependent on supplier reliability.

Dropshipping is especially popular among e-commerce businesses looking to scale quickly without the need for physical storage. While it may not offer the fastest shipping method, dropshipping is a flexible option for businesses wanting to focus on marketing and customer service rather than logistics.

Choosing the Right Shipping Option for Your Business

Choosing the right shipping option is critical for meeting customer expectations and maintaining profitability. To determine the best shipping method for your business, follow these steps:

1. Evaluate Your Product Type and Size – Consider whether your products require special handling, such as temperature control or oversized packaging.
2. Assess Delivery Speed Requirements – Decide if your customers prioritize fast delivery or prefer lower shipping costs for non-urgent items.
3. Compare Costs Across Methods – Analyze different shipping types like ground, air, and flat-rate options to find the most cost-effective solution.
4. Understand Customer Preferences – Offer multiple shipping options, such as economy and expedited shipping, to cater to a range of customer needs.
5. Partner with Multiple Carriers – Use a mix of carriers to leverage competitive rates and ensure coverage for various destinations.

By carefully analyzing these factors, businesses can select the best shipping methods that balance speed, cost, and reliability, enhancing customer satisfaction and optimizing operations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shipping method is crucial for a business’s success and can impact both customer satisfaction and profitability. Here’s a quick recap of the ten best shipping methods and their ideal applications: