2 Day Shipping Cost: Compare Rates and Save
Need your package there in two days? Compare 2-day shipping rates from all major carriers and find the cheapest option for your shipment.
How much does 2 day shipping cost?
2 day shipping typically costs $8-45 depending on package weight, size, and distance. USPS Priority Mail is the cheapest option for most packages, starting around $8.70 for small items. UPS 2nd Day Air starts at approximately $22, while FedEx 2Day begins around $24. For packages under 1 lb, USPS Priority Mail offers the best value.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail | $8.70 | 1-3 Days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail (Flat Rate) | $9.85 | 1-3 Days | |
| UPS | 2nd Day Air | $24.50 | 2 Business Days | |
| UPS | 2nd Day Air AM | $32.80 | 2 Days by Noon | Fastest |
| FedEx | 2Day | $26.15 | 2 Business Days | |
| FedEx | 2Day AM | $34.20 | 2 Days by 10:30 AM |
Priority Mail
Priority Mail (Flat Rate)
2nd Day Air
2nd Day Air AM
2Day
2Day AM
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Understanding 2-Day Shipping Options
Two-day shipping strikes a balance between overnight urgency and standard ground economy. It is fast enough for time-sensitive items but costs 40-60% less than overnight delivery.
USPS Priority Mail offers 1-3 day delivery for most destinations at the lowest cost. While not a guaranteed 2-day service, it reliably delivers within 2 days for shipments within your region.
UPS 2nd Day Air and FedEx 2Day are guaranteed 2-day services with delivery by end of business day. Both offer morning delivery upgrades (2nd Day Air AM and 2Day AM) for packages that need to arrive before noon.
When to Choose 2-Day Over Overnight
2-day shipping saves you 50-70% compared to overnight while still providing fast delivery. Choose 2-day shipping when:
- Your deadline allows it - If your package needs to arrive by Friday, shipping on Wednesday with 2-day delivery is much cheaper than overnight on Thursday
- You are shipping heavy items - The price gap between 2-day and overnight grows significantly with package weight
- Regional shipments - USPS Priority Mail often delivers in 2 days within your region at a fraction of the cost
- Business deliveries - Most business recipients do not need packages first thing in the morning
USPS Priority Mail vs UPS/FedEx 2-Day
The biggest decision with 2-day shipping is whether to use USPS Priority Mail or a guaranteed service from UPS/FedEx.
Choose USPS Priority Mail when: Cost is your primary concern, your shipment is under 5 lbs, you are shipping to a nearby region, or you are okay with 1-3 day delivery variability.
Choose UPS/FedEx 2-Day when: You need a guaranteed delivery date, you are shipping across the country, the package is time-sensitive, or you need proof of delivery for business purposes.
For most personal shipments, USPS Priority Mail provides excellent value. For business-critical packages, the guaranteed services are worth the premium.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use USPS Priority Mail for Nearby Destinations
USPS Priority Mail typically delivers in 2 days within your region at half the cost of guaranteed 2-day services.
Check Flat Rate Options
USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes offer predictable pricing. The Medium Flat Rate Box is $17.10 for up to 70 lbs of contents.
Ship Monday or Tuesday
Avoid shipping on Thursday or Friday when 2-day delivery extends over the weekend, potentially delaying your package.
Compare Morning vs End of Day
AM delivery services cost $8-15 more. Only pay for morning delivery if your recipient truly needs it by noon.
Use Calculated Shipping
If you sell online, offer calculated shipping rates so customers can choose between 2-day and cheaper ground options.
Consider Regional Carriers
Regional carriers like OnTrac and LSO offer competitive 2-day rates in their service areas, often cheaper than national carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- No, USPS Priority Mail is not a guaranteed service. It typically delivers in 1-3 business days, with most packages arriving in 2 days. For a guaranteed 2-day delivery, you need USPS Priority Mail Express or 2-day services from UPS or FedEx.
- Standard 2-day shipping counts business days only. If you ship on Thursday, your package will arrive Monday (2 business days later). Saturday delivery is available from UPS and FedEx for an additional fee. USPS Priority Mail may deliver on Saturdays at no extra charge.
- USPS Priority Mail accepts packages up to 70 lbs. UPS 2nd Day Air and FedEx 2Day both accept packages up to 150 lbs. For heavier packages, you may need freight services with longer delivery times.
- Guaranteed services like UPS 2nd Day Air and FedEx 2Day offer money-back guarantees for late delivery. USPS Priority Mail does not offer a delivery guarantee, so refunds are not available for delayed Priority Mail packages.
- 2-day shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is available but costs significantly more. USPS Priority Mail typically takes 3-5 days to these destinations. UPS and FedEx offer guaranteed 2-day service at premium rates.
- Standard 2-day services deliver by end of business day, typically 7 PM for residential addresses and 5 PM for businesses. AM services deliver by 10:30 AM or noon for an additional fee.
- All carriers provide tracking numbers for 2-day shipments. USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer real-time tracking through their websites and apps. You will see scans at origin, in transit, out for delivery, and delivered.
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