Overnight Shipping Rates: Compare All Major Carriers
Find the cheapest overnight shipping option for your package. Compare USPS Priority Mail Express, UPS Next Day Air, and FedEx Overnight rates side by side.
What is the cheapest overnight shipping option?
USPS Priority Mail Express is typically the cheapest overnight shipping option, starting at around $28.75 for packages up to 1 lb. UPS Next Day Air Saver and FedEx Overnight Saver offer competitive rates for heavier packages. The cheapest option depends on package weight, dimensions, and distance. Use our calculator to compare exact rates.
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail Express | $28.75 | Next Day by 6 PM | Cheapest |
| UPS | Next Day Air Saver | $45.20 | Next Day by End of Day | |
| UPS | Next Day Air | $58.90 | Next Day by 10:30 AM | Fastest |
| FedEx | Standard Overnight | $46.85 | Next Day by 3 PM | |
| FedEx | Priority Overnight | $62.40 | Next Day by 10:30 AM | |
| FedEx | First Overnight | $78.50 | Next Day by 8 AM |
Priority Mail Express
Next Day Air Saver
Next Day Air
Standard Overnight
Priority Overnight
First Overnight
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Understanding Overnight Shipping Services
Overnight shipping guarantees your package arrives the next business day. However, not all overnight services are created equal. Each carrier offers multiple overnight tiers with different delivery windows and prices.
Morning delivery options (by 8-10:30 AM) cost significantly more than end-of-day delivery. If your recipient can wait until afternoon, you can save 30-40% by choosing a later delivery window.
Cutoff times matter. To qualify for next-day delivery, you must ship before the carrier's cutoff time, typically between 5-7 PM for drop-off locations. Scheduling a pickup can extend your cutoff by 1-2 hours.
When Does Overnight Shipping Make Sense?
Overnight shipping costs 3-5x more than standard ground shipping. It makes financial sense in these situations:
- Time-sensitive documents - Legal papers, contracts, or proposals with deadlines
- Perishable items - Food, flowers, or medical supplies that need temperature control
- Replacement parts - When equipment downtime costs more than shipping
- Last-minute gifts - When you missed the standard shipping window
- High-value items - When faster transit reduces theft/loss risk
For non-urgent shipments, consider 2-day or 3-day express options that cost 40-60% less while still arriving quickly.
Saturday Delivery Options
Need your overnight package delivered on Saturday? All three major carriers offer Saturday delivery, but at an additional cost. UPS and FedEx charge $16-20 extra for Saturday delivery. USPS Priority Mail Express includes Saturday delivery at no extra charge in most areas, making it the best value for weekend overnight needs.
Note that Saturday delivery requires shipping on Friday before the cutoff time. Sunday delivery is extremely limited - only FedEx offers it in select major metro areas for an additional premium.
Pro Tips to Save More
Ship Earlier in the Day
Drop off packages before 5 PM at carrier locations to meet overnight cutoff times. Airport locations often have later cutoffs up to 8 PM.
Choose End-of-Day Delivery
Save 25-35% by selecting end-of-day delivery instead of morning delivery if your recipient can wait a few extra hours.
Use USPS for Small Packages
USPS Priority Mail Express is typically cheapest for packages under 3 lbs, with no fuel surcharges.
Consider Zone Differences
Overnight rates are the same regardless of distance, making them better value for cross-country shipments than shorter routes.
Check Business Account Discounts
Business accounts with UPS and FedEx often get 20-40% off overnight rates with volume commitments.
Know Your Delivery Guarantee
All carriers offer money-back guarantees on overnight shipping. Request a refund if delivery is late.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Delivery times depend on the service level you choose. Basic overnight services deliver by end of day (6-7 PM). Premium services offer morning delivery by 8 AM, 10:30 AM, or noon. The exact time guarantee varies by destination - residential areas may have later delivery windows than commercial addresses.
- Yes, all major carriers offer Saturday delivery for overnight packages. USPS Priority Mail Express includes Saturday delivery at no extra cost. UPS and FedEx charge a Saturday delivery fee of $16-20. You must ship on Friday before the cutoff time for Saturday delivery.
- Cutoff times vary by carrier and location. Retail locations typically have 5-6 PM cutoffs. Staffed carrier facilities may accept packages until 7-8 PM. For the latest possible cutoff, drop off at airport hub locations or schedule an evening pickup.
- USPS Priority Mail Express includes $100 insurance automatically. UPS and FedEx include $100 declared value coverage. For packages worth more, you should purchase additional insurance - rates are typically $2-3 per $100 of declared value.
- Overnight shipping costs more because carriers use air freight instead of ground trucks. Packages are transported on dedicated overnight flights, sorted at hub facilities overnight, and delivered first thing in the morning. This requires significant infrastructure and fuel costs.
- All major carriers offer money-back guarantees on overnight shipping. If your package arrives late, you can request a full refund of shipping charges. File a claim within 15 days of the delivery date. Note that guarantees may be suspended during peak seasons or weather events.
- Overnight shipping is available to most addresses in the continental US. However, some rural areas may only have next-day delivery to the local post office or carrier facility, with home delivery the following day. Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico typically take 2 days for "overnight" service.
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