Standard Shipping vs Express Shipping in North America.

The North American eCommerce market is competitive, and without the right shipping partner your business is likely to run into logistical challenges. Given how challenging the logistics space is, this business decision is an important one. What you make in profits, you surely don’t want to lose that in shipping.

Imagine you’re an online seller shipping a modern, handcrafted lamp that retails for $120. Sounds simple enough, until you realize the shipping costs are adding up $110 more per order. That’s almost as much as the product itself.

You’d be right to ask, ‘How’s that possible?’ 

Whether you’re a new seller or a seasoned one, with limited knowledge of shipping, your initial instinct would be to go ahead with the first shipping option you’d find. Maybe it's standard shipping, without comparing carriers or checking service levels. If you are selling bulky or oversized items like furniture or electronics, that cost can quickly rack up under standard services too. This is especially true when you aren’t optimizing factors like when distance, packaging, and delivery speed. 

Based on recent reports, 23% of U.S. online shoppers abandon their cart because the delivery is too slow, and approximately 48% leave due to high shipping costs. This makes it clear that delivery choices can directly impact your conversion rate and profitability.

So, if you're not careful, you could end up paying a higher fee for faster transit times or hidden surcharges without even realizing it. This will cut into your profit, since your customers are less likely to complete their purchase, with a delivery cost which is almost at par with the product you’re selling. 

This is precisely why it helps to learn the difference between standard and express shipping, as a seller. The difference is not just limited to speed. It also includes comparisons on parameters such as cost, reliability, and how well each option supports your business model. 

In fact, with the global same-day delivery market expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2023 to 2033, speed is no longer a luxury, it’s quickly becoming an industry norm.

Now, let’s break it down, to enable you as an eCommerce seller to make the right choice, while also showing you how the right partner can help you ship better. 

What is Standard Shipping?

In simple terms, standard shipping, also referred to as ground shipping, is a cost-efficient method of delivery with delivery times ranging from anywhere between 2 to 7 business days. 

Carriers like UPS, FedEx, and Purolator offer standard shipping under labels like ‘Ground’ or ‘Deferred’, with delivery timelines of 1 to 7 business days and varying prices depending on factors like weight and delivery zones.

Such delivery often involves road or rail as the preferred method of transportation. Local deliveries are usually faster, while coast-to-coast shipments may take longer.

What is Express Shipping?

Express shipping is a faster delivery option specifically to meet any urgent shipping needs you might have as a seller. Delivery times typically range from the same-day delivery option to 2 business days. 

Carriers like Canada Post, UPS, and FedEx offer express services under names such as ‘Express’ or ‘Priority.’ Pricing depends on factors like weight, distance, and speed efficiency. Express delivery is usually a premium level service so it costs higher than standard shipping. This method of delivery relies on a combination of ground and air to deliver timely. To stay competitive, it’s important to align these options with your overall marketplace shipping solution.

Express shipping is ideal for you if you are selling high-value items that require last-minute shipments. This shipping method allows you to manage speed and offers guaranteed delivery times, which is critical to manage customer expectations. 

Standard Shipping vs Express Shipping Comparison

Feature	Standard / Ground Shipping	Express / Expedited Shipping
Delivery Speed	3 to 7 business days	1 to 3 business days, sometimes next-day delivery
Cost	Lower, more economical	Higher, premium pricing
Tracking	Basic tracking with regular updates	Real-time tracking with frequent updates
Delivery Guarantee	Usually, no guarantee or refunds	Often includes guaranteed delivery and compensation if late
Customer Experience	Suitable for customers prioritizing cost	Designed for customers valuing speed and reliability
Best Use Cases	Bulk, heavy, non-urgent shipments	Urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive orders

For pricing, Canada Post uses a zone-based rate card, while private carriers use a combination of zones and dimensional weight pricing.

Cost Comparison by Carrier

Carrier	Standard Shipping (3–7 Days)	Express Shipping (1–3 Days)
Purolator	$14 – $22	$24 – $38
FedEx	$13 – $20	$25 – $42
UPS	$14 – $21	$27 – $44
Canada Post	$11 – $19	$22 – $36
DHL	$18 – $26 (limited within Canada)	$30 – $48
eShipper	Variable based on carrier and volume; access to discounted rates on both standard and express tiers

Note: These are approximate B2C retail rates based on a mid-size parcel from Toronto to Vancouver, as of 2025. eShipper offers volume-based negotiated rates which can significantly reduce your shipping spend.

Additional Factors that Influence Shipping Decisions

Beyond cost and speed, as a seller, there are several factors that determine whether standard or express shipping is the better fit:

• Demands (Seasonal): During peak seasons like holidays or promotional events, express shipping becomes more important to meet heightened customer expectations.

• Product Categories: Fragile, high-value, or perishable items typically demand express shipping, while durable and bulk items like furniture or fitness equipment may be more suitable for standard delivery.

• eCommerce Marketplace: If you sell on platforms like Amazon or Walmart Marketplace that prioritize delivery speed, express services might help you meet performance metrics or win the buy box.

• Dropshipping: For dropshippers, express delivery helps maintain customer trust since you don’t hold inventory yourself.

• Location: Urban deliveries can benefit from express options due to stronger logistics networks, whereas rural or remote areas may lean on standard methods due to cost or carrier limitations.

• Type of Business: Subscription box companies may use standard shipping for predictable schedules, whereas gifting or luxury retailers often need express for on-time, high-touch delivery.

• Load Type (FTL vs LTL): Full truckload (FTL) shipping suits businesses moving large quantities with more predictability, often under standard shipping. Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, especially across provinces, may benefit from faster services when delivery windows are tighter.

To understand pricing more effectively, let’s begin by learning about Dimensional Weight Pricing or DIM weight, as usually referred to. 

What is Dimensional Weight Pricing?

Most North American carriers apply dimensional (DIM) weight pricing. 

This method calculates shipping cost based not just on actual weight of your shipment but also on the volume occupied:

DIMweight=(LxWxH)/DIMdivisor

Now you must know If DIM weight exceeds the actual weight, the shipping cost is calculated based on the higher number. For light but bulky items, such as pillows or winter jackets, this can significantly raise costs. 

To optimize shipping costs, you can rely on a platform like eShipper that can help reduce DIM weight costs for you. 

When Should You Choose Standard Shipping? 

Choose Standard Shipping when: 

• You Need a Cost-Efficient Option
  If you want to keep shipping expenses low, standard shipping will offer you the most cost-effective rates.

• Delivery Times are Flexible
  When your orders do not require fast delivery, and your customers are comfortable with a longer wait (typically between 3 to 7 business days), standard or ground shipping is the ideal option.

• You are Shipping Large or Bulky Items
  If you’re shipping heavy or oversized products such as furniture, appliances, or bulk inventory, ground shipping often offers better rates and handles larger packages more efficiently.

• The Deliveries are Non-Urgent
  If you are restocking inventory in the warehouse or fulfilling orders that don’t necessarily require tight timelines for delivery, you should opt for standard shipping to reduce costs. 

• You are Shipping High Volumes of Goods
  If as an eCommerce business, you’re shipping high volumes of goods where small savings add up, you will benefit from the lower per-package costs of standard delivery services.

When Should You Choose Express Shipping?

Choose Express Shipping when: 

•  You Need Fast, Reliable Delivery
  If your customers expect their orders quickly, usually within 1 to 2 business days, express shipping is the best choice. It works well for time-sensitive items or last-minute gifts.
• You’re Shipping High-Value or Fragile Products
  For expensive or delicate goods, express services often provide better handling, insurance options, and tracking. This gives both you and your customers extra peace of mind.
• Your Brand Focuses on Premium Customer Experience
  Offering express shipping helps your brand meet customer expectations for speed and reliability. This can build trust and encourage repeat business.
• You Need Guaranteed Delivery Dates
  Express shipping usually includes delivery guarantees so you can confidently promise specific arrival dates. This is important during busy seasons or special promotions.
• You’re Shipping Small, Lightweight Items
  Express rates are often most cost-effective for smaller packages where fast delivery and tracking provide value without adding too much cost.

A Hybrid Shipping Strategy: When to Combine Standard and Express

Many eCommerce sellers in Canada use a hybrid shipping strategy to balance cost and customer satisfaction. 

Here’s how you can use it too:

• Express for Top-Sellers or VIP Customers: If you sell beauty products, you may want to offer express delivery for high-velocity SKUs or loyal customers as a loyalty perk.

• Standard for Routine Orders: Use cost-effective ground shipping for restocking inventory or when fulfilling non-urgent items such as seasonal decorations or large homeware products.
  
• Split Fulfillment by Region: You could deliver locally within Ontario via standard shipping and switch to express for shipments to Alberta or the U.S., especially if delivery timelines are shorter. 

• During Promotions or Product Launches: Offer express shipping to meet early demand, then switch to standard once order volumes stabilize.

• Let Customers Choose: By integrating platforms like eShipper, you can offer both shipping options at checkout and let customers decide based on urgency and price.

This flexible approach will allow your eCommerce business to stay both customer-centric and cost-effective.

Cross-Border Considerations

When shipping from Canada to the US, it is important to understand the differences between standard and express shipping. Key points to consider include:

eShipper helps manage customs paperwork and supports businesses in leveraging trade agreements for smoother cross-border shipping

• Standard shipping usually takes around 4 to 7 business days
• Express shipping delivers faster, often within 2 to 4 business days
• Tracking is generally included with both options
• Express shipping tends to offer more reliable delivery estimates and faster customs clearance

eShipper’s Shipping Options and Platform Benefits

Deciding what’s best for your business can be a complex decision to make. To simplify the process for you as a seller, a platform like eShipper offers you a fair comparison by giving you access to multiple carriers on a single platform. 

You can choose from 100+ top carriers for the most efficient and cost-effective option for your shipments based on your business needs. 

Here’s how eShipper supports your day-to-day shipping decisions:

• Rate comparisons in one place
  If you are a seller shipping home décor items from Ontario to British Columbia, you can easily compare Purolator, FedEx, and Canada Post in one view. This minimizes the need to jump between carrier websites and helps you in identifying the most cost-effective option that still meets your delivery timelines.
• Flexible shipping for high-volume days
  When 20 customer orders come in over the weekend, you as a seller can quickly assess each shipment’s needs and choose the best carrier based on cost, service level, and speed. This ensures every order goes out efficiently without delaying fulfillment.
• Integrated label printing and returns
  For instance, if you are a skincare brand fulfilling orders every day, you can generate labels in batches, schedule pickups, and manage returns all from, within the platform. This reduces manual work and keeps your fulfillment operations running smoothly.
• Store integrations for seamless shipping
  If you are a seller offering tech accessories through Amazon or Etsy, you can sync your storefronts directly with eShipper. Orders auto-populate, addresses stay error-free, and tracking details are updated without the need for manual input.
• Cost control on oversized items
  Say, you are a  furniture seller shipping chairs, you can easily benefit from eShipper’s dimensional weight calculator. It ensures the right packaging is selected upfront, preventing extra charges and keeping your shipping margins in check.
• End-to-end tracking with every shipment
  You might be an apparel brand, shipping Canada-wide. For you, the real time tracking allows you full visibility on shipments. Your customers receive timely updates, while you can monitor delivery progress without needing to follow up with carriers.

How eShipper Solved a Last-Mile Delivery Challenge for a Furniture Seller

A mid-sized furniture brand based in Calgary was struggling with oversized package surcharges when shipping dining chairs across provinces. 

Standard carriers priced the shipments based on dimensional weight, which led to inflated shipping costs, as steep as $95 per item.

So, they came to eShipper for a solution. Not only did we help them optimize packaging dimensions using the platform’s built-in DIM weight calculator, but also offered access to LTL freight options with better rate structures. 

Since these were time-sensitive deliveries, this approach helped them combine standard LTL for bulk restocking with express small-package services for customer-facing orders.The result was a 22% immediate reduction in shipping costs and a 30% faster average delivery time on direct-to-customer orders. Their customers were satisfied and there were minimal returns.

The Role of Delivery Reliability and Customer Satisfaction

As a seller, you know your customers are spoilt for choice so naturally, customer expectations have shifted. The customer now wants access to options like real-time  tracking and delivery times.

They also expect clear communication, accurate tracking, and reliable delivery windows. Express shipping often provides faster transit and stronger delivery guarantees. This leads to a better customer experience. Standard shipping can have longer and less predictable delivery times which may affect satisfaction and repeat business. 

Reliable delivery and proactive communication are essential to building trust with your customers.

Sustainability Considerations

Choosing shipping options carefully can help support your business sustainability goals. 

Standard shipping may involve multiple transportation modes, including air and ground, which can increase environmental impact. Express shipping often relies on air transport which also affects the carbon footprint.

Platforms like eShipper help businesses optimize shipments, consolidate packages, and reduce packaging waste. Many carriers now offer carbon-neutral shipping options to help lower environmental impact and promote greener logistics.

Conclusion

As an eCommerce business in Canada, the choice between standard and express shipping depends on budget, delivery expectations, and customer needs. Standard shipping is a solid option for lower-value or non-urgent orders where keeping costs down is the priority. Express shipping offers faster delivery, reliable tracking, and guaranteed timelines, making it the better choice when speed and customer experience are critical.

eShipper gives you easy access to both options, as a seller. Our platform helps you compare rates and services so you can find the right balance between cost and speed. With the right shipping strategy, you can improve customer satisfaction while protecting your profit.

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