Regarding current online shopping and eCommerce, it is crucial to look for cheap delivery options for both business people and buyers. This means that everybody needs the optimal solution for cost and delivery time. Therefore, Economy shipping is one of the cheapest methods to deliver packaged items and is suitable for everyone.
But what does it especially mean, and is it the right option for your case? In this complete article, we will discuss economy shipping, estimated transit time, and its profits. We will also compare it to other shipping methods to help you make the right decision for your freight shipping needs.
What is Economy Shipping?
Economy shipping is the cheapest shipping method, locally or internationally offered by many carriers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS, among others. This service is most suitable for shipments that do not need special handling in terms of time and for shippers who wish to be economical.
It allows shippers to reduce their spending, which is helpful to many small businesses or individuals intending to ship goods without necessarily requiring a short-time shipping option.
That is, economy shipping reduces delivery time in exchange for cost. Although this may mean it will take longer for the package to arrive than standard or express delivery, it also means your package will arrive undamaged.
Ground shipping methods are the ones used by the economy shipping couriers and this implies that the delivery speed is slow. In international shipping delivery, such service has a higher potential of being useful because overseas delivery might be very expensive.
How Does Economy Shipping Work?
Economy shipping is where domestic delivery is done through ground transportation, and the cheapest international channels are chosen. Indeed, since the shipping cost is lower, the rate of delivery is also slower.
Economy shipments can be consolidated with other shipments going to the same destination to cut costs – however, this delays the overall delivery time for the package.
The majority of economy services have tracking capabilities so that the person receiving the package can follow its progress. However, it is usually not as dynamic as with the more expensive services such as express delivery.
Economy Shipping Time: How Long Does Economy Shipping Take?
Economy shipping may take several weeks to arrive at its destination, depending on the carrier, the destination as well as the various shipping zones. The economy shipping duration for domestic deliveries is 2-7 business days, depending on the range of the delivery.
Here’s a general idea of how long economy shipping takes with some popular couriers:
- USPS Economy Shipping: Considering delivery within the domestic market, the shipment takes 1-5 business days.
- FedEx Ground Economy: 2-7 business days
- UPS Economy Shipping (UPS Ground): 1-5 business days
- DHL Economy Select: 2-5 business days for deliveries in other countries
When it comes to international orders, it takes approximately 6-15 business days, depending on the destination country. If the destination is far then it will take much more time than that of the nearer one. Finally, the best option for those not concerned about the time factor is the economy of international shipping.
Is Economy Shipping a Good Choice?
Whether to use economy shipping or not depends on the concourse of business or individual shipping. Let’s look at some scenarios where this option might be a good fit:
- Non-urgent Deliveries
When your package does not have to be delivered quickly, then the economy shipping option is ideal for you. For instance, if you are shipping things like books, clothes, or small electronics, the delivery time of the package is not very important, and therefore, the cost can be reduced.
- Cost-sensitive Shipments
The lower cost of economy shipping will especially prove advantageous to businesses seeking to reduce their delivery costs to the lowest level possible. This is particularly true for small eCommerce businesses where shipping costs can cut profit. Delivery charges may also be avoided through free economy shipping for those customers willing to wait for their orders to be shipped.
- Heavy or Bulky Items
If one is to post heavy or large items, they must go with the ground economy shipping, which is always the lowest priced. Because air shipping is costly, the best long-distance shipping option is by economy ground for large parts and products.
- Economy International Packages
Overseas shipping can be costly, but it is possible to get cheaper and more affordable with an option labeled economy international shipping. Even though the delivery time can take longer, it is still possible with Budget economy shipping for a business to go international without paying much for the shipping charges.
- Tracking Options
Almost every economy shipping service provider includes a tracking service, although they may not be as comprehensive as the other classes of services. You are normally informed at critical instances, such as when the package was picked, sorted, or delivered.
It might seem cumbersome that you don’t get actual-time updates, but the fact that you can track the package gives a certain assurance.
Economy Shipping vs. Other Shipping Methods
It’s important to compare economy shipping with other shipping options to understand when it’s the best choice.
- Economy vs. Standard Shipping
Economy shipping and standard shipping are cheap delivery methods. However, the rate for standard shipping is often quicker, as it was between three to five days within the country for most items, while that for the economy may take up to one week.
The difference is much more noticeable in international shipping, where such economy services can take up to twice the time to deliver.
Regarding the price, the economy shipping is cheaper. Thus, it will be the best to choose if you don’t care about the time it will take. The tracking is usually included in both services, but economy tracking may not be extensive.
- Economy vs. Ground Shipping
Economy ground shipping means transporting goods through the ground, such as trucks or railway appliances. To be precise, ground shipping and economy shipping are almost similar to their delivery method for domestic orders.
Economy shipment is often delivered to the ground for domestic shipments, especially in large and heavy items. The term “economy” refers to the lowest rated available, while the term “ground” relates to the mode of transport.
- Economy vs. Express Shipping
However, if the delivery speed is a priority, then opting for express shipping is the best way to go. Express shipping ensures goods are delivered faster, although, within a short period of 1-2 business days, it will be very costly.
For urgent shipments, express delivery is the best way out. However, if one is working within a strict budget, the economy shipping offers a much slower but much cheaper solution.
Does Economy Shipping Have Tracking?
Indeed, the majority of the economy services have tracking features that are basic to some extent. Although, getting tracking updates is not done as often as in express or standard services. Usually, the tracking system will indicate the time the package was picked, sorted, and delivered, but there could be limited updates in between.
This can be a drawback if you are shipping a delicate item and wish to have more tracking data about the package. However, knowing that you can track your package’s status gives you the confidence that your package is on the way even when you order an economy service.
Shipping Internationally with Economy Services
If you are sending your package to another country, you can choose the economy service which is cheaper compared to other services, but will take a long time to have your package delivered.
International economy services are provided by all the major courier companies and they are useful for businesses where parcels are not time-sensitive and are being shipped to an international location.
Here are some options for international economy shipping:
- USPS Priority Mail International: Available for worldwide orders and ships products to more than 190 countries takes between 6 to 10 business days.
- FedEx International Economy: Sent to over 215 countries and takes between two to five days of business to arrive.
- UPS Worldwide Economy: UPS has cheap delivery prices in more than 210 countries.
- DHL Economy Select: This can ship to over two hundred countries within 7-12 business days.
This way you will be able to organize your shipping and use the shipping rate calculator for economy shipping to find the one that will be most suitable for your needs.
Economy Shipping Costs: How Much Does It Cost?
Economy shipment costs are adjusted based on the carrier, delivery location, and the weight of the shipment. Here are some estimated starting prices:
- USPS Economy Shipping (Priority Domestic): Starts at $7.70.
- FedEx Ground Economy: From $9.25 per 3-pound pack.
- UPS Economy Shipping (UPS Ground): Going for $19.02 for a 3-pound bag.
For international parcels, the prices are slightly higher but are still much cheaper than with other faster delivery options. For instance, shipping a 3-pound parcel from the US to China costs about $31 if you choose DHL eCommerce and the delivery time may take 10-17 business days.
Should You Use Economy Shipping?
In the final analysis, it is up to you to decide whether you will benefit from economy shipping services. We have economy shipping as the most suitable for your shipment if you are searching for affordability and the shipment is not urgent.
It also provides cheaper or even free economy shipping to the end users which will increase sales and customer satisfaction. On the other hand, if speed is of the essence then one might opt for something faster like Express delivery.
Conclusion
Economy shipping is a beneficial choice for customers and companies who want to get their packages shipped at a lower cost. It is still relatively cheaper even though packages may take time to be delivered to their respective destinations.
To ensure that you fully take advantage of economy shipping, then it is advisable to check on different economy shipping costs or at least try to track your shipment. If speed is not an important factor and you want to save money, then going for economy shipping is the right thing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is economy shipping?
Economy shipping is the cheapest shipping service that is available from courier companies. It is especially suitable for non-emergency delivery operations since it also minimizes delivery expenses.
2. What is the duration it might take with economy shipping?
The delivery time will also depend on the courier company used and the distance to be traveled. National deliveries usually deliver in 2-7 business days while international deliveries may take between 6-15 business days.
3. Is there any tracking available for economy shipping?
Yes, the usual tracking that comes with most economy shipping services is usually limited, but they do offer tracking of the parcel.
4. Is the option of economy shipping operative for international shipments?
Yes, large companies such as USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL provide an economy shipping service for both national and international deliveries.
5. When should I choose economy shipping?
Go for the economy service especially when you do not need the package to be delivered urgently or when you want to save some cash.
