The Pros and Cons of Using FedEx Same-Day for Urgent Delivery

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses often find themselves in urgent need of shipping packages quickly. The FedEx Same Day delivery service can be a lifesaver; however, like any other service, they have pros and cons. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the FedEx SameDay delivery service for urgent deliveries. Read on to find out if this delivery service is exactly what your business needs.

Types of Same-Day Shipping FedEx Services 

Currently, FedEx offers two types of same-day delivery services: SameDay City and SameDay US.

SameDay City is designed for businesses that need urgent delivery of packages within the same city or metropolitan area. It includes four different service levels:

1. SameDay City Direct

• Delivery as fast as possible, with no intermediate stops.
• Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Packages can weigh up to 150 lbs. per piece and measure up to 65″ in length and 120″ in length plus girth (length + width + height).

2. SameDay City Priority

• Delivery within hours of pickup, with delivery times, based on distance:
  • 0 – 15 miles: within 2 hours
  • 16 – 35 miles: within 3 hours
  • 36 – 45 miles: within 4 hours
  • 46 – 60 miles: within 5 hours
  • 60+ miles: within 7 hours
• Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Packages can weigh up to 150 lbs. per piece and measure up to 65″ in length and 120″ in length plus girth (length + width + height).

3. SameDay City Standard

• Delivery within 4 hours of pickup for distances up to 45 miles.
• Available Monday through Friday during business hours.
• Packages can weigh up to 150 lbs. per piece and measure up to 65″ in length and 120″ in length plus girth (length + width + height).

4. SameDay City Economy

• Delivery within the same day the shipment is scheduled for distances up to 45 miles.
• Available Monday through Friday during non-business hours.
• Packages can weigh up to 150 lbs. per piece and measure up to 65″ in length and 120″ in length plus girth (length + width + height).
• Shipments cannot include more than 25 packages, exceed 70 cubic feet, or weigh more than 250 lbs.

It’s important to note that FedEx is retiring its SameDay City delivery service on March 31st, ending a decade of operation. The company wants to prioritize “other growth opportunities” and eliminate all positions supporting the service. 

SameDay City offered door-to-door delivery of critical supplies to businesses and residences within hours in over 30 US cities. It served the healthcare and automotive industries, among many others. They are heavily making cuts across operations due to declining volumes and poor economic conditions. This comes after the company announces a 10% reduction of its officers and directors to become more efficient and agile.

SameDay US, on the other hand, is designed for businesses that need urgent delivery of packages anywhere within the United States. It includes two service levels:

5. SameDay US

• Designed for envelopes or packages weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Delivery within hours of pickup.
• Prior approval is required if any package within the shipment weighs more than 70 lbs. or if any side of a package exceeds 48″.

6. SameDay US Freight

• Designed for palletized freight or multiple packages bound together, weighing 151 lbs. or more.
• Delivery within hours of pickup.
• Prior approval is required if any skid weighs more than 2,200 lbs. or exceeds 70″ in height, 119″ in length, or 80″ in width.

Before choosing to work with FedEx’s SameDay delivery service, be sure to consider its specific features and limitations. 

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4 Main Advantages of Using SameDay FedEx Delivery Service

Now that we’ve explored the different same-day delivery services offered by FedEx let’s take a closer look at their benefits. 

1. Fast and Reliable Delivery Service

FedEx SameDay delivery service guarantees reliable and timely delivery of packages. Businesses can rest assured that their urgent packages will arrive on time. This is crucial for time-sensitive shipments, such as medical supplies, legal documents, and perishable goods. With this service, your business can save time and effort, minimize the risk of late deliveries or damages, and maintain its reputation for quick deliveries.

2. Wide Range of Delivery Options

You can always count on FedEx to cater to your needs. Their same-day delivery service accommodates different delivery needs and budgets. The different types of services allow customers to choose the best option for their shipment based on factors such as delivery speed, distance, weight, and size. This flexibility optimizes shipping costs, reduces delivery times, and improves customer satisfaction.

3. Real-time Tracking and Monitoring

FedEx’s same-day delivery service also offers real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments. This feature allows customers to track the status of their packages and receive updates on their delivery progress. Real-time tracking helps customers plan and manage their shipments more effectively, with less room for error. Additionally, FedEx offers proactive notifications and alerts, such as delivery confirmation and proof of delivery, to give more transparency.

4. Dedicated Customer Support

Businesses can expect dedicated customer support using FedEx’s SameDay delivery services, no matter what issue they encounter. The customer support team is available 24/7 to answer questions, concerns, or special requests related to same-day deliveries. This support helps customers resolve issues quickly, minimizing the impact on their business operations. 

Plus, your customers can help themselves to FedEx’s online resources, including FAQs, user guides, and instructional videos, to optimize their shipping experience.

Check out this quick 9-minute read about on-demand logistics! 

4 Main Disadvantages of Using FedEx Same Day Delivery Service

While FedEx’s same-day shipping service offers many benefits, it has its fair share of drawbacks.

1. High Cost Compared to Other Delivery Options

One of the biggest cons of using FedEx’s Same-Day delivery service is its high cost compared to other delivery options. While it offers fast and reliable delivery service, the price will seem higher for businesses on a tight budget. This is especially true for larger packages requiring more expensive shipping options.

2. Limited Availability in Some Areas

Another potential drawback of using FedEx’s Same Day delivery service is its limited availability in some areas. As big of a name as FedEx is in the logistics industry, its same-day delivery services are not available in all areas.

3. Strict Delivery Time Windows

FedEx SameDay shipping service has strict delivery time windows, which is challenging for customers who aren’t available during those times. They may have to reschedule the delivery or risk missing the deadline for their urgent package.

4. Size and Weight Restrictions on Packages

We know how challenging it is to find a same-day delivery service that suits your business’s every need, especially when the biggest obstacle is size and weight restrictions. Unfortunately, FedEx’s SameDay delivery service has size and weight restrictions on packages, limiting customers. 

While the weight limit of 150 pounds might be enough for most packages, larger or heavier items will require a different shipping option. The size restrictions of 65 inches in length and 120 inches in length plus girth can also affect how handy this service is for bigger items.

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Top 5 Alternatives to FedEx Same-Day Delivery Service

We’re here to help your business streamline its operations in any way we can, whether through our courier services or helpful blog articles! 

Here are our top 5 alternatives to FedEx’s SameDay delivery service. 

1. United Parcel Service (UPS)

Here are some of UPS’s most popular same-day delivery service options:

UPS Express Critical

This is UPS’s fastest and most reliable same-day delivery service. It’s made up of air, ground, and charter services. UPS Express Critical is ideal for urgent packages that require immediate attention, like medical equipment and legal documents.

UPS Express Saver

This service provides delivery within one to three business days. It doesn’t necessarily deliver on the same day, but it’s still handy for urgent deliveries! Plus, it’s more cost-effective because it doesn’t deliver as fast as the other options. 

UPS Express Plus

UPS’s premium same-day delivery service guarantees delivery by 9:00 am on the next business day. It’s ideal for urgent packages arriving in the early morning hours. 

UPS My Choice

This one is the perfect choice for customers who want more control over their packages. Your customers can reroute packages, reschedule deliveries, and receive delivery alerts via text or email. This service is also available for both domestic and international shipments.

2. DHL

Looking for a reliable alternative? DHL is an industry leader in same-day delivery services, with decades of experience. They know how important it is to complete timely and successful deliveries to keep your customers happy. 

DHL Express Same-Day

This service is available 24/7, and the company guarantees delivery within a specified time window. It’s ideal for businesses that require urgent delivery of documents, small packages, and other items.

DHL Same-Day Sprintline

For heavier items, this service is the way to go. DHL’s Same-Day Sprintline service offers expedited delivery for larger shipments 24/7. Complete with real-time tracking features; most businesses use this service to move large items in high volumes quickly. 

DHL Same-Day Medical Courier

Healthcare facilities can take advantage of the DHL Same-Day Medical Courier service, that’s staffed with trained professionals who know how to handle medical shipments. Ideal businesses include hospitals, clinics, and medical practices that must deliver sensitive medical supplies.

With DHL, there’s no need to stress. Their vast experience in the shipping industry and extensive global network make them a trusted partner for any business.

3. ShipBob

ShipBob offers same-day delivery services through its Express service. The company uses a network of couriers and shipping carriers to provide eCommerce businesses with fast and affordable same-day shipping options.

Here are the benefits of using ShipBob’s same-day delivery services:

1. Fast delivery times: ShipBob’s Express service offers same-day delivery options for orders placed before the cutoff time. This means customers can receive their packages within a few hours of ordering.
2. Reliable service: Their network of couriers and shipping carriers is highly experienced in handling eCommerce orders.
3. Affordable pricing: ShipBob’s same-day delivery service is priced competitively, making it more affordable than other courier services.

In addition to same-day delivery, ShipBob offers other fulfillment services, including warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping. The company’s proprietary software makes it easy for customers to manage their orders, inventory, and shipping from a single dashboard. 

4. LaserShip

LaserShip guarantees same-day delivery within its service area, which covers the United States East Coast. Like ShipBob, their prices are also very competitive, with 10 to 35 percent cheaper rates than many competitors. Hence, they’ve become a popular choice among online businesses.

In addition to their same-day delivery services, LaserShip provides businesses with specialized packaging, delivery schedules, and services tailored specifically to your needs! 

With their streamlined processes, they can quickly pick up and deliver packages from warehouses to customers. This helps eCommerce companies meet the fast shipping demands of their customers and stay competitive in the marketplace.

5. United States Postal Service (USPS)

While USPS provides a wide range of delivery services, same-day delivery is not one of their standard offerings. However, the company offers Priority Mail Express, their fastest domestic service, with guaranteed overnight delivery to most US addresses. This service also provides options for Sunday and holiday delivery for an extra cost.

Here are USPS’s Priority Mail Express service features:

• Fastest domestic delivery service with guaranteed overnight delivery to most US addresses
• Includes tracking and insurance up to $100
• Free envelopes and boxes provided by USPS
• Delivery to PO boxes, military addresses, and more
• Available for both domestic and international shipments

Although Priority Mail Express is not considered a same-day delivery service, it’s still a great option for urgent shipments musted to be delivered by the next day. They also offer Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Parcel Select, which are more affordable for less urgent deliveries.

The alternatives to FedEx’s Same Day delivery service are genuinely endless. Find out our top picks for last-mile delivery companies and startups in the US.

How Dropoff Can Help with Same-Day Delivery Services

Whether you are transitioning from using the FedEx Same Day delivery service to another service or simply looking for a same-day courier service, our last-mile solutions will only advance your delivery operations. 

At Dropoff, we provide a same-day delivery solution that prioritizes the needs of your business nationwide. Our easy-to-use software lets you place and track orders in real-time, so you always know where your delivery is. We offer extra security measures, such as photo and signature confirmations, to give you peace of mind. Our flexible and straightforward service makes us an industry leader after nearly a decade of operation.

Get in touch with a Dropoff expert today. 

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