What Is Economy Shipping and Why Should You Offer It?

A Dropoff courier loading boxes into a van

What is economy shipping? This is a question that many business owners have but may not be sure how to answer. Economy shipping is a way to offer your customers lower shipping rates on smaller orders. 

It can be a great way to attract new customers and keep existing customers happy.

What Is Economy Shipping?

In its simplest form, economy shipping is a method of transportation that is less expensive than other methods. It is often used for large or heavy items that are not time-sensitive.

This shipping typically takes longer than other methods, such as express shipping. Still, it is a cost-effective way to send items. Several different economy shipping options are available, including ground shipping, the most common type.

Economy Vs. Standard Shipping

Standard and economy domestic shipping are tracked and delivered within 3-5 days to most US states.

There is a difference between standard and economy shipping when it comes to international shipping. Economy shipping is usually a slower delivery service, while standard shipping is faster.

Economy Vs. Ground Shipping

Ground shipping is when a package is sent through land transportation. This means it goes by trains and trucks. Economy services are the cheapest for delivering packages through trains and trucks.

The main difference between economy services and ground shipping is that economy services refer to the cheapest rates. At the same time, prices are similar between the two types of shipping.

How Long Does Economy Shipping Take?

A consumer checking the time on their phone

The expected economy shipping time within the United States is 1-5 business days, depending on the package’s destination. Suppose you are sending a package within the same state. In that case, it will likely be delivered more quickly than if sent to a different state or a more remote area.

If you’re shipping something to an international destination, it will take much longer, depending on where you’re sending it. Make sure you take this into account before you ship anything.

Last-Mile Delivery and Tracking for Economy Shipping 

The tracking system for economy services is not as detailed as the tracking system for expedited or standard shipping. Some services track your package.

The service scans the package when it is collected, received, and sorted. The service also scans the box when it is delivered. There are also economy shipping services for bulk packages to lower the shipping cost. For instance, USPS allows tracking of lightweight packages to select countries only.

One area where these services could certainly improve is in the area of tracking. Currently, most services only provide basic tracking information, such as the location of the package and its current status. 

If these services were to also provide information on the estimated time of arrival and delivery confirmations, it would make them much more helpful for customers. The tracking system should also be updated in real-time so that customers can always ensure they have the most accurate information.

In addition, by gathering this data, economy shipping services could better assess their performance and make necessary improvements. 

Dropoff offers a last-mile delivery tracking system that is simple and easy to use.

Our tracking system monitors the location of your deliveries in real-time. This way, you can see where your package is at all times. The system also captures a signature and/or other delivery confirmations. With this information, you can rest assured that your package was delivered safely and has accurate compliance documentation.

We can send you delivery confirmations based on what you want. Our couriers will take a picture or get a signature to verify that the package was delivered. We can also send you confirmations via email, text, or any other way you want.

Overall, our reliable last-mile delivery services support the argument that 3PL companies do last-mile delivery best

Benefits of Economy Shipping from a Customer’s Perspective

The benefits of economy shipping

Providing an excellent overall delivery experience for customers is great for business. Business owners should consider learning how to manage B2B logistics successfully.

Moreover, here are some of the benefits of economy shipping for customers.

1. It is inexpensive.

Our customers benefit significantly from comparing domestic and international rates on economy services. The price can range from as cheap as $7.70 and include a variety of collection, drop-off, and transit-covered options. For instance, the starting cost for shipping with FedEx is $9.25.

If you’re a business owner on a budget, this shipping option can help you save money while providing excellent service.

2. It is typically just as quick as standard domestic shipping.

For domestic shipments, economy shipping is often just as fast as standard shipping. In fact, it can sometimes be even faster than standard shipping since it usually uses lower-cost ground transportation options.

As a result, this service can be an excellent option for those looking to save money.

3. It is ideal for bulk shipping.

Economy shipping is not as fast as standard or express shipping, but your package will arrive within 15 days. There might be a delay of up to 15 days, but that can also happen with any faster shipping options. 

4. It uses less fuel than other shipping methods.

Another benefit of economy shipping is that it often uses less fuel than other shipping methods. This can be good for the environment and help reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, economy shipping can help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

Economy Shipping by Major Industry Names

Economy shipping by large providers

You can be sure that all significant courier companies offer economy shipping. These services use ground shipping and are suitable for large or heavy items. Further, you should probably also consider familiarizing yourself with the difference between shipping and delivery.

Many types of economy shipping services are offered by big and small courier companies in the US. Here is a breakdown of the different services.

1. USPS Economy: Priority Domestic

USPS economy shipping is a service that the USPS offers for mailing packages that weigh 70 pounds or less within the US.

  • Delivery time: 1 to 3 business days
  • Starting cost: $7.70
  • Tracking details: Includes USPS tracking services

2. FedEx Economy: FedEx Ground

You can ship small items quickly and cheaply through FedEx economy shipping. All you need is an item that weighs less than 70 pounds.

  • Delivery time: 2 to 7 business days
  • Starting cost: $9.25 (for a 3-pound package)
  • Tracking details: Includes FedEx tracking services

3. UPS Economy: UPS Ground

UPS economy shipping is a good option if your package is less than 150 pounds. This shipping method is available through UPS Ground and is a good choice for small businesses.

  • Delivery time: 1 to 5 business days
  • Starting cost: $19.02 (for a 3-pound package from NY to Miami)
  • Tracking details: Includes UPS tracking services

4. DHL Economy: DHL Economy Select

DHL offers an Economy Select service. As long as your package is not heavier than 150 pounds, you can start shipping it immediately.

  • Delivery time: 2 to 5 business days
  • Starting cost: N/A
  • Tracking details: Includes DHL tracking services

5. Dropoff

At Dropoff, we offer premium shipping services. With no weight limits, your item(s) can be delivered as quickly as 90-minutes or scheduled to be delivered at a specific date & time.

  • Delivery time: 90-Minutes to Next-Day
  • Starting cost: Get a Quote
  • Tracking details: Premium tracking services included, advanced multi-delivery tracking and a real-time delivery map.

Our ability to streamline delivery processes has led us to the forefront of the last-mile delivery market.

How Dropoff Can Help Businesses Provide a Better Delivery Service for Customers

Couriers helping many couriers with their shipping and delivery needs

As a leading last-mile delivery company, we continually keep up with current logistics innovations and industry trends.

In today’s economy, businesses continually look for ways to save money. One area where companies can save money is shipping. Dropoff offers economy shipping services that can save businesses up to 50% on shipping costs.

We pick up orders from businesses and deliver them directly to customers’ doorsteps, ensuring that each order is handled with care. 

Additionally, Dropoff offers tracking services for all economy shipments. This ensures that businesses can track their packages and know that their shipments are insured against loss or damage.

Further, we can help businesses provide a better delivery service for customers by implementing must-have features in our last-mile delivery solution.

FAQ

1. How does economy shipping work?

A courier will pick up your product from the assigned warehouse and move it like any other product. The post office handles the final delivery of products you order from online stores. It is more affordable because the post office delivers it to your house.

2. Can you save money using economy shipping?

Yes! This type of shipping does not require speedy delivery. In addition, the post office is often the cheaper option for shipping.

3. Is economy shipping safe?

Economy shipping is a more reliable and safe option when shipping heavy products or products in bulk. Standard or express deliveries are much quicker, but the quality of service is often not as good.

The items are not packed well and break easily in transportation. This is why economy shipping is safer. The items are well packed, so they can be delivered without breaking.

The economy delivery option makes it easy to track your order and ensure it is delivered properly.

4. How long does economy shipping take?

It takes a longer time than other types of shipping. Delivering the package inside the United States can take 1-8 business days. The time it takes to deliver also depends on the destination.

Generally, international economy shipping takes between 15 and 20 business days. This type of shipping is best for sending a large item or multiple items that don’t need to get to their destination quickly.

You can make your delivery faster by using economical shipping, but it will cost you more money.

Bottom Line

If you’re a business owner looking for ways to save on delivery costs, or if you’re a customer interested in finding the best deal on your order, economy shipping is definitely worth considering.

Talk with an expert at Dropoff today about how we can help you take advantage of this cost-effective shipping option.

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