Overnight Shipping: Comparing Speed, Cost and How it Works

Explore overnight shipping from USPS, UPS, and FedEx

Fast delivery isn’t just a perk anymore—it’s an expectation. Thanks to companies like Amazon, next-day shipping has become a standard in ecommerce and beyond. But overnight shipping isn’t limited to urgent medical deliveries or last-minute gifts anymore; it’s now a practical tool for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re shipping to customers or clients, choosing the right overnight service can make a big difference in cost, speed, and satisfaction. This guide will help you navigate the top carriers—FedEx, UPS, and USPS—so you can make the best choice for your shipping needs.

Table of contents

• What does overnight shipping mean?
• How does overnight shipping work?
• Who does overnight shipping?
• How much does overnight shipping cost?
• Who has the cheapest overnight shipping?
• Which carrier has the fastest overnight shipping?
• Why use overnight shipping for your business?
• Simplify overnight shipping with our shipping solutions

What does overnight shipping mean?

Overnight shipping is a service that guarantees next-business-day delivery, typically making it the fastest option available from major carriers. It’s often referred to as next-day shipping, express shipping, or one-day shipping—terms used interchangeably across the industry.

This service is ideal for sending time-sensitive items such as urgent documents, perishables, or high-value materials. Because overnight shipments are primarily transported by air, they’re not only faster than ground shipping but also more secure.

To qualify, a shipment must be scheduled and dropped off—or picked up—before a carrier’s cutoff time, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. From there, it’s processed, transported overnight, and delivered the next business day—often by 4:00 p.m., though some services offer earlier delivery windows for a higher price.

Saturday delivery or holiday delivery may be available for an additional fee. In some cases, carriers offer hold-for-pickup options or delayed weekend delivery, especially in rural areas where timing may vary.

How does overnight shipping work?

Overnight shipping works through a tightly coordinated series of steps designed to move packages quickly and reliably across long distances. Behind the scenes, it’s a logistical triumph—combining technology, routing, and carrier networks. Thanks to nationwide hubs, planes, and trucks, a package shipped from Key West, Florida on Monday afternoon can reach Juneau, Alaska by Tuesday afternoon.

To guarantee delivery, carriers follow precise schedules and routes. A delay or error at any stage may add an extra day. Here’s how the process usually works:

1. Schedule the shipment – Shipper places the order before the carrier’s cutoff time, typically 4–6 PM local time. Weekend or holiday delivery may require advance arrangements.
2. Package and label – Items are securely packed and labeled for overnight service.
3. Drop-off or pickup – The package is dropped at a carrier location or scheduled for pickup. Availability varies; rural areas may require earlier drop-offs.
4. Carrier pickup – The carrier collects the package and begins initial processing.
5. First scan and transport – The package is scanned, sorted, and loaded onto a plane bound for a primary hub. Regional overnight shipments may travel by truck instead of air.
6. Sorting at hub – At the hub, the package is re-scanned and routed. Weather or capacity issues may require rerouting through a secondary hub.
7. Final leg and delivery – Once within driving distance, the package moves by truck for final delivery—typically before 10:30 AM, noon, or by 4 PM depending on the service level.

Every step is timed down to the hour to ensure speed and reliability. While air transport drives most overnight shipping, ground networks play a key role for regional deliveries, ensuring that packages reach their destination the very next business day.

Who does overnight shipping?

Overnight shipping requires significant infrastructure and coordination, which limits the number of providers that can offer it reliably. In the U.S., only three shipping carriers—FedEx, UPS, and USPS—offer true overnight shipping services across the country.

Each carrier provides a mix of overnight shipping services with different delivery speeds, price points, and availability. Whether you're shipping urgent business materials or personal gifts, there are options that cater to early-morning delivery, end-of-day arrivals, or weekend drop-offs.

In the next sections, we’ll break down each carrier’s overnight shipping services to help you compare coverage, cost, and delivery performance. In the sections that follow, we’ll compare FedEx, UPS, and USPS to help you evaluate which service works best for your specific situation.

FedEx overnight shipping

FedEx is widely credited with inventing the overnight delivery model, and today it remains one of the top providers of guaranteed next day delivery. FedEx overnight shipping includes three core services designed to meet different speed and budget needs:

• FedEx First Overnight® — delivery by 8:00 a.m.
• FedEx Priority Overnight® — delivery by 10:30 a.m.
• FedEx Standard Overnight® — delivery by 3:00 p.m.

These FedEx overnight shipping options are available Monday through Friday, with Saturday delivery and pickup available in many areas for an added fee. Coverage includes all 50 states, though some remote ZIP codes in Alaska and Hawaii may have limitations.

FedEx First Overnight® is the fastest overnight shipping service in the lineup. All services include free tracking, flexible delivery options like FedEx Hold at Location, and a 150 lb. weight limit per package. Pricing is based on speed, distance, and dimensional weight. Dimensional weight rules don’t apply when using FedEx-branded packaging such as envelopes, paks, or tubes.

Whether you need early delivery or an end-of-day arrival, FedEx overnight shipping provides reliable delivery options and broad coverage for urgent shipments.

Comparison of FedEx overnight shipping options

Note: Delivery times and availability may vary by ZIP code or region.

UPS overnight shipping

UPS is a leader in overnight delivery and states that it reaches more U.S. ZIP codes by next-day morning than any other carrier. Its overnight shipping services are designed for flexibility, with options for early-morning, mid-morning, and end-of-day delivery—all backed by guaranteed next day delivery and real-time tracking.

There are three UPS overnight shipping options:

• UPS Next Day Air® Early — delivery by 8:00 a.m. to major cities
• UPS Next Day Air® — delivery by 10:30 a.m. to noon in most locations
• UPS Next Day Air Saver® — delivery by end of day

These services are available Monday through Friday, with Saturday delivery available in select areas for an added fee. Packages can weigh up to 150 lbs. and measure up to 108" in length. Residential delivery is supported for standard and saver options, but may be limited for early morning service. Delivery time and availability vary based on ZIP code, especially for rural or extended areas.

UPS offers robust delivery options for both business and ecommerce needs, with added flexibility such as Saturday pickup, hold-for-pickup services, and money-back guarantees on eligible overnight shipments.

Comparison of UPS overnight shipping options

Note: Delivery times and availability vary by location. Check ZIP code eligibility when scheduling

USPS overnight shipping

The U.S. Postal Service offers overnight delivery through its Priority Mail Express® service—one of the most affordable and widely available overnight shipping options, especially for packages under 2 lbs. As the nation’s oldest carrier, USPS also has the largest last-mile delivery network, reaching nearly every address in the country.

Priority Mail Express includes guaranteed next-day delivery to most U.S. ZIP codes, typically arriving between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., with earlier delivery available in some areas. The service runs 365 days a year, including Saturdays and limited Sundays, making it ideal for both personal and business shipments that can’t wait.

Every USPS overnight shipment includes free pickup, package tracking, and $100 in insurance coverage. Customers can also use Flat Rate packaging at no extra charge and request proof of delivery at the time of purchase.

While delivery is guaranteed, exact availability depends on the origin and destination ZIP codes—so not every address qualifies for overnight arrival. Still, Priority Mail Express remains a go-to option for reliable, cost-effective overnight delivery across the U.S.

USPS overnight shipping options

How much does overnight shipping cost?

Overnight shipping is the most premium—and costly—shipping option offered by most major shipping carriers. It can cost several times more than standard or two-day services, particularly for light packages, where pricing premiums are highest. Still, when fast delivery is essential, the value often outweighs the price.

Shipping costs aren’t based on weight alone. Here are the key factors that impact overnight shipping rates across FedEx, UPS, and USPS:

• Dimensional weight (DIM): Carriers use the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight (based on package size). A large but lightweight box may cost more than a small heavy one.
• Shipping zones: Rates increase with distance. Carriers use shipping zones (e.g., Zone 2 vs. Zone 8) to determine how far your package is traveling.
• Delivery window: Morning delivery (like 8 a.m.) is significantly more expensive than end-of-day options. Weekend or holiday delivery can also add surcharges.
• Packaging type: Flat Rate options (like Priority Mail Express Flat Rate) simplify costs, while custom-sized boxes are subject to more variable pricing.
• Carrier-specific structures: Each provider has different base rates, add-on fees, and service availability by ZIP code.
• Business discounts: High-volume shippers or those using negotiated rates may get lower prices than retail customers.

Rate comparison tools or multi-carrier shipping software  can help businesses and individuals find the most affordable overnight delivery service for their specific needs.

FedEx overnight shipping costs

FedEx offers three overnight shipping options with different delivery windows and price points:

• FedEx Standard Overnight® — delivery by 4:30 p.m.
• FedEx Priority Overnight® — delivery by 10:30 a.m.
• FedEx First Overnight® — delivery by 8:00 a.m.

Rates vary by package weight, delivery distance, and whether early-morning or Saturday delivery is selected. While costs are similar to UPS overnight shipping, pricing tiers and availability can differ by ZIP code.

FedEx overnight shipping price estimates by package weight

Note: Rates are estimates and may vary by ZIP code, package dimensions, and selected delivery time. Use a rate tool or shipping software for exact pricing.

Delivery estimates: Standard by 4:30 p.m., Priority by 10:30 a.m., First by 9:30 a.m. Availability and rates vary by ZIP code and shipment specifics.

FedEx rates can vary based on delivery distance, package dimensions, fuel surcharges, and whether weekend or early-morning delivery is selected. For the most accurate rate, use FedEx’s online calculator or compare options using multi-carrier shipping software.

UPS overnight shipping costs

UPS offers three overnight shipping options, each with different speeds and pricing to meet business and budget needs:

• UPS Next Day Air® Early – fastest and most expensive, with delivery by 8:00–9:30 a.m.
• UPS Next Day Air® – mid-tier service, delivers by 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• UPS Next Day Air Saver® – most affordable, delivers by 3:00–4:30 p.m. (commercial only)

UPS overnight shipping costs are comparable to FedEx, but final rates depend on delivery distance, package size, and delivery time. For high-volume shippers, even small differences can add up, so it's smart to compare options.

Estimated UPS overnight shipping rates by weight

UPS overnight shipping price estimates by package weight

Note: Final rates may vary based on ZIP code, package size, and requested delivery window.

Delivery estimates: Saver by 3:00–4:30 p.m., Air by 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Early by 8:00–9:30 a.m. ZIP code availability may affect timing and pricing.

UPS rates vary based on zone, package weight and dimensions, and whether you need Saturday delivery or early a.m. arrival. Using shipping software makes it easier to compare these rates side-by-side with FedEx and USPS to find the best fit for your overnight delivery needs.

USPS overnight shipping cost

When it comes to affordability and nationwide reach, USPS Priority Mail Express® stands out as one of the most accessible overnight services available—especially for lightweight packages.

Unlike FedEx or UPS, USPS offers just one guaranteed overnight shipping option: Priority Mail Express®. It provides guaranteed delivery by the next business day to most U.S. ZIP codes, with Saturday delivery included at no extra cost. Flat Rate packaging options simplify pricing and remove the need to calculate weight-based tiers—an advantage for businesses looking to ship overnight without surprises.

USPS Priority Mail Express® pricing

Note: Final pricing depends on origin/destination ZIP code. Flat Rate options may offer better value for shipments up to 70 lbs.

USPS overnight shipping cost advantages include easy access, Priority Mail Express flat rate envelopes, and wide coverage for residential and business delivery. While service isn’t available for every ZIP code, USPS is often the most cost-effective choice for smaller packages needing guaranteed delivery.

Who has the cheapest overnight shipping?

USPS is often the most affordable option for overnight shipping—especially for smaller packages. Priority Mail Express® starts around $28, while comparable services from FedEx and UPS can range from $60 to $100 or more depending on weight and delivery time. If you're shipping lightweight items and don’t require early morning delivery, USPS’s flat-rate overnight options can offer significant savings.

That said, there’s no single cheapest carrier in every scenario. Overnight shipping rates depend on several factors: delivery distance (shipping zones), package size and weight, speed preferences (e.g., 8 a.m. vs. end-of-day), and whether you’re shipping to a residential or business address.

Because pricing varies so widely, it pays to compare. Multi-carrier shipping software makes it faster and easier to see real-time overnight rates from USPS, FedEx, and UPS—helping you choose the most cost-effective option without the guesswork.

Which carrier has the fastest overnight shipping?

When speed is non-negotiable—like for perishables, legal filings, or medical supplies—you need the fastest overnight shipping available. Both FedEx and UPS offer early-morning delivery services designed for time-critical shipments.

Here’s how their fastest options compare:

• FedEx First Overnight®: Delivers by 8:00 a.m. to many locations and by 9:30 a.m. in most areas. Available nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii.
• UPS Next Day Air® Early: Offers 8:00 a.m. delivery in select major cities within the 48 contiguous states. Most other cities see delivery between 8:30–9:30 a.m. Coverage is more limited than FedEx for rural areas.

Delivery times may extend to 2:00 p.m. in remote locations, regardless of carrier.

Example: A 1 lb. package shipped from Stamford, CT to Missoula, MT would arrive by 9:30 a.m. with FedEx First Overnight®. UPS Next Day Air® Early is not available on this route. The fastest UPS alternative—UPS Next Day Air®—would deliver by 10:30 a.m. instead.

Because delivery times and availability vary by ZIP code, many shippers use multi-carrier shipping software to compare services in real time and select the best-fit overnight shipping option.

Why use overnight shipping for your business?

Although it’s relatively expensive, overnight shipping—when used judiciously—can offer powerful benefits, especially in a competitive ecommerce landscape. In fact, nearly 40% of online shoppers say they’ve abandoned a cart due to slow shipping options. Fast, guaranteed delivery helps businesses stay agile during peak seasons and stand out in crowded marketplaces.

• Time sensitivity – Get emergency supplies, medicines, just-in-time inventory, or critical documents where they need to be—even before the business day begins.
• Customer satisfaction – Today’s customers expect speed. Offering overnight delivery can increase loyalty and reduce cart abandonment.
• Increase order size – Requiring a minimum purchase to qualify for overnight shipping encourages larger orders.
• Ship perishables with confidence – Cold goods, flowers, and other time-sensitive items stay fresh with next-day delivery.
• Lower storage costs – Faster turnover reduces warehousing needs and holding costs.

Whether you're supporting customer expectations or managing operations more efficiently, overnight shipping can help unlock growth.

Simplify overnight shipping with our shipping solutions

Whether you’re shipping time-sensitive documents, perishable goods, or ecommerce orders that need to arrive tomorrow, Pitney Bowes gives you the tools to deliver—fast. Our cloud-based shipping solutions make it easy to compare rates and delivery speeds from trusted carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx—all in one place.

• PitneyShip® helps businesses of all sizes print labels, track packages, and access discounted shipping rates—without a postage meter.
• ShipAccel®  supports ecommerce sellers with real-time order management, faster fulfillment workflows, and more efficient inventory turnover.

With support for overnight shipping, you can build trust with customers, respond to urgent needs, and reduce operational overhead. Whether you're sending medical supplies across the country or ensuring your holiday orders arrive on time, Pitney Bowes makes fast delivery feel simple.

With PitneyShip®, easily compare carrier rates and print shipping labels with discounted USPS and UPS rates. For ecommerce sellers, ShipAccel® pitn offers robust fulfillment software to manage orders, optimize inventory, and speed up delivery—all built to help your business grow.