What is Standard Shipping & How long does Standard Shipping take?

In the glamorous world of overnight express and same-day drone drops, standard shipping, the Rodney Dangerfield of delivery alternatives, is frequently neglected. But what if I told you that this humble hero could deliver your package to your door in a remarkably short amount of time and without breaking the bank? 

Yes, normal shipping is more than just snail mail and cardboard box roulette. It's a dependable and cost-effective way to get your purchases delivered right to your door, sometimes within a week or two. 

So, before you hit the "Express" button and empty your cash, let's take a look at normal delivery. We'll assist you in determining what is standard shipping and whether it's the best fit for your next online buying trip.

What is Standard Shipping?

Standard shipping refers to the conventional and basic method of shipping goods from one location to another. It is a general shipping service offered by carriers and postal services that provides a reasonable balance between cost and delivery time. 

Key features of standard shipping

Transit Time: Standard shipping typically takes a moderate amount of time for delivery. The exact duration of how fast is standard shipping time varies depending on the distance between the sender and the recipient, as well as the specific shipping carrier.

Cost: Standard shipping is usually more cost-effective compared to expedited or express shipping options. It is a standard and economical choice for individuals and businesses looking to keep shipping costs at a minimum.

Tracking: Many standard shipping services provide basic tracking options, allowing both the sender and the recipient to monitor the progress of the shipment. However, the level of tracking may not be as detailed as with premium shipping services.

Reliability: Standard shipping is a reliable choice for non-urgent shipments. It is commonly used for routine deliveries where the speed of delivery is not a critical factor.

Delivery Methods: Standard shipping method can involve various transportation modes, including ground, air, or a combination of both. The specific method used depends on the shipping carrier, the destination, and the service level chosen.

Delivery Window: The delivery window for standard shipping days is usually within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the locations involved. This longer timeframe allows for more flexibility in the shipping process.

While standard shipping is a suitable option for many situations, customers and businesses may opt for expedited or express shipping services when they require faster delivery times. 

How long does standard shipping take?

The dreaded million-dollar question! Shipping dates vary depending on numerous factors, however, we can break it down for you to get a better picture of how long it takes to standard shippers:

Standard Domestic Shipping

The typical duration is 3-5 business days. This is the ideal spot for many domestic deliveries, however, others may come earlier or later.

Factors influencing speed include Distance from the shipping origin, carrier selection, routing logistics, and potential delays can all have an impact on the actual delivery date.

Rural areas might expect slightly longer wait times for basic shipment than urban ones.

Standard International Shipping

Typical turnaround time is 7-30 business days. Patience is essential for overseas travel! The greater the distance, the longer it will take for your package to arrive at its destination.

Customs clearance Depending on the country and type of products, this process can add days to the overall delivery time.

Tracking is essential Keep an eye on your tracking information to stay up to speed on the progress of your package through customs and international transit.

How Much Does Standard Shipping Cost?

Standard shipping costs can vary substantially depending on a variety of criteria, making it difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all solution. Here's a breakdown to assist you:

Cost Influencing Factors

Package Weight and Size: Due to greater space and handling needs, heavier and larger items often incur higher shipping prices.

Shipping Distance: The greater the distance your package must travel, the more expensive it will be to send.

Carrier of Choice: Different shipping firms have different pricing schemes and rates.

Extra Services: Choosing extras such as signature confirmation or insurance may increase the cost.

Pricing Policy of the Retailer: Some shops offer flat-rate delivery or free shipping for orders exceeding specific criteria, but others charge based on weight and distance.

Ranges in general

Domestic Standard Shipping: Smaller products transported within the same region or state often cost $5 to $20. Expect charges to rise to $30 or perhaps $50 for heavier or larger products or longer distances.

International Standard Shipping: Costs for international shipping can range from roughly $20 for close nations to $100 or more for remote regions.

Difference between standard shipping vs other shipping options

Choosing standard delivery allows merchants to reduce shipping costs, giving them the option to pass these savings on to customers. Offering only standard shipping, on the other hand, may not always match client expectations. To avoid potential sales losses due to shipping limits, it is critical to offer a variety of shipping choices that cater to diverse client preferences in terms of delivery speed and budget.

In the next section, we'll compare standard delivery to express, ground, and international shipping, providing insights into how each choice corresponds with customer wants and expectations.

Difference between standard shipping and express shipping

• Delivery Time:
  • Standard Shipping: Typically slower, taking several days to a week for delivery.
  • Express Shipping: Faster delivery, often with options for next-day or two-day delivery.
• Cost:
  • Standard Shipping: Generally more affordable, making it a cost-effective choice.
  • Express Shipping: Higher cost due to expedited service.
• Availability:
  • Standard Shipping: Widely available for most types of goods.
  • Express Shipping: Availability may vary depending on the carrier and destination.
• Best Use Cases:
  • Standard Shipping: Ideal for non-urgent, bulky, or heavy items.
  • Express Shipping: Suited for urgent, time-sensitive, or important shipments.

Each shipping method offers different advantages depending on the urgency, budget, and type of shipment, making them suitable for various shipping needs.

Difference between standard shipping and ground shipping

Here is the breakdown of ground shipping vs standard shipping:

• Definition:
  • Standard Shipping: A general term for regular shipping methods, not specifying the transportation mode.
  • Ground Shipping: Specifically refers to shipping via road or rail.
• Speed:
  • Standard Shipping: Varies, can include a mix of air and ground transport.
  • Ground Shipping: Generally slower than air, but quicker than sea freight.
• Cost:
  • Standard Shipping: Costs fluctuate based on carrier, distance, and package size/weight.
  • Ground Shipping: Often more economical than air shipping.
• Geographic Reach:
  • Standard Shipping: Can be domestic or international.
  • Ground Shipping: Typically limited to continental deliveries.
• Use Cases:
  • Standard Shipping: Suitable for a variety of needs, flexible.
  • Ground Shipping: Best for non-urgent, heavier, or bulky items within the same continent.

Difference between standard shipping and International shipping

• Geographic Reach:
  • Standard Shipping: Typically within one country or domestic regions.
  • International Shipping: Across international borders and overseas.
• Delivery Time:
  • Standard Shipping: Usually faster, ranging from a few days to a week.
  • International Shipping: Longer due to customs clearance and longer distances, often several weeks.
• Cost:
  • Standard Shipping: Generally more affordable.
  • International Shipping: Higher costs due to duties, taxes, and longer distances.
• Customs and Regulations:
  • Standard Shipping: Fewer complexities, mostly straightforward.
  • International Shipping: Involves customs declarations, duties, and adhering to international shipping regulations.
• Tracking and Security:
  • Standard Shipping: Basic tracking.
  • International Shipping: Enhanced tracking and security measures due to longer transit and multiple carriers.

5 Top Standard Shipping Providers

Here are 5 top contenders known for their reliable standard shipping services, each with its unique strengths:

UPS Ground

Strengths: Extensive network reaching over 220 countries, consistent delivery times, advanced tracking system, competitive pricing for domestic shipments.

Best for:  Businesses and individuals shipping high volumes domestically, needing reliable transit and extensive coverage.

FedEx Ground

Strengths: Wide domestic and international reach, multiple service options including economy and priority, strong on-time delivery performance, clear delivery timeframes.

Best for: Businesses and individuals looking for a balance between cost and speed for domestic and international shipments, appreciating clear delivery estimates.

USPS Parcel Select Ground

Strengths: Most affordable standard shipping option in the US, extensive rural coverage, convenient post office pickup and drop-off options.

Best for: Individuals sending light-to-medium weight packages within the US on a budget, who prioritize affordability and widespread accessibility.

DHL eCommerce

Strengths: Excellent international reach, focus on e-commerce solutions, competitive pricing for international shipments, strong tracking and customer support.

Best for: Businesses and individuals needing affordable and reliable international standard shipping, particularly for e-commerce orders.

Regional Carriers

Strengths: Competitive pricing, specialized knowledge of local regions, and potentially faster delivery times for regional shipments.

Best for: Businesses and individuals shipping within specific regions, seeking competitive rates and potentially faster local deliveries.

Conclusion

To summarize, standard shipping is more than simply a delivery choice; it's a dependable companion for your online buying excursions. It's the low-cost champion, providing a nice combination of speed and cost. While it is not the fastest stallion in the delivery stable, it completes the task in a decent amount of time, usually within a week or two. So, the next time you're tempted to click "Express" and empty your wallet, remember the unsung hero of expediency and affordability, waiting to deliver your products with a grin (and a sensible price tag). Accept the norm and enjoy the enjoyment of a simple, cost-effective online buying experience.