Delivery TodayCompare OptionsLocal + National

Same Day Delivery: Get Your Package Delivered Today

When overnight is not fast enough, same-day delivery gets your package there within hours. Compare options from national carriers to local couriers.

Compare Rates NowSee Price Examples

How can I get same-day delivery?

Same-day delivery options include UPS Express Critical (starting around $75-150), FedEx SameDay (starting around $100+), local courier services ($25-75 for metro delivery), and app-based services like Roadie, GoShare, or TaskRabbit ($20-60). National carrier same-day services are expensive and limited to major metros. Local couriers often provide the best value for urgent local deliveries.

Compare Shipping Rates

Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail

Local Courier
Cheapest

Same-Day Metro

$25-502-4 Hours
Roadie

Same-Day

$20-602-6 Hours
UPS

Express Critical

$75-200Same Day
FedEx

SameDay

$100-300Within Hours
FedEx

SameDay City

$50-100Same Day (Select Cities)
TaskRabbit

Delivery Task

$30-70Varies

* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.

Get Your Shipping Rate

Compare rates from multiple carriers and save up to 54% on shipping costs

Get Rate

Minimum 0.1 lb, Maximum 150 lb

Same-Day Delivery Options Explained

Same-day delivery breaks into several categories, each with different coverage, pricing, and reliability:

National Carriers (UPS/FedEx): UPS Express Critical and FedEx SameDay offer same-day delivery using dedicated vehicles and chartered air. Starting at $75-150 for local and $200+ for longer distances. Best for business-critical shipments where cost is secondary.

Local Courier Services: Regional courier companies specialize in same-day local delivery. Prices range from $25-75 depending on distance. Search for "same day courier [your city]" to find local options.

App-Based Delivery: Services like Roadie, GoShare, and TaskRabbit connect you with drivers for on-demand delivery. More affordable ($20-60) but less reliable than professional couriers. Best for non-critical same-day needs.

When Same-Day Shipping is Worth the Cost

Same-day delivery costs 5-10x more than overnight shipping. It makes sense when:

  • Business-critical emergencies - Machine parts, medical supplies, or legal documents that cannot wait
  • Production line shutdowns - When hourly downtime costs exceed same-day shipping fees
  • Time-sensitive events - Wedding items, event materials needed that day
  • Medical emergencies - Medications, blood samples, or medical devices
  • High-value deals - Contracts or materials for deals worth significantly more than shipping costs

For non-critical items, consider whether overnight delivery would actually suffice. The stress of "needing it today" often does not justify 10x the cost.

How to Arrange Same-Day Delivery

For local delivery (under 50 miles):

  1. Search for local courier services in your area
  2. Call or use their online booking for same-day pickup
  3. Most can pick up within 1-2 hours and deliver within 3-4 hours

For longer distances:

  1. Contact UPS Express Critical (1-800-714-8779) or FedEx SameDay (1-800-399-5999)
  2. Provide pickup and delivery details, package dimensions
  3. They will quote pricing and arrange pickup/delivery

For budget same-day:

  1. Download Roadie, TaskRabbit, or GoShare app
  2. Post your delivery request with photos and details
  3. Review driver offers and select based on timing and price

Pro Tips to Save More

1

Use Local Couriers for Best Value

Local same-day courier services are typically 50-70% cheaper than UPS/FedEx for deliveries within 50 miles.

2

Call Early in the Day

Same-day services have cutoff times. Request pickup before noon for guaranteed same-day delivery.

3

Consider App-Based Services

Roadie and TaskRabbit offer affordable same-day delivery. Best for items that do not require special handling.

4

Get Multiple Quotes

Same-day delivery pricing varies significantly. Call 2-3 couriers and compare UPS/FedEx quotes.

5

Have Package Ready

Same-day services move fast. Have your package sealed, labeled, and ready for immediate pickup.

6

Provide Exact Addresses

Same-day drivers work against the clock. Provide precise addresses, suite numbers, and recipient phone numbers.

7

Verify Delivery Windows

Confirm the promised delivery window and get the courier direct phone number for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, USPS does not offer same-day delivery services. Their fastest option is Priority Mail Express, which delivers overnight or in 2 days. For same-day delivery, use UPS Express Critical, FedEx SameDay, local couriers, or app-based services.
UPS Express Critical same-day service typically starts at $75-150 for local deliveries and $200-500+ for longer distances. Pricing depends on distance, package weight, and urgency. Call UPS Express Critical at 1-800-714-8779 for exact quotes.
Local courier services and app-based delivery (Roadie, TaskRabbit, GoShare) are typically cheapest at $20-60 for local same-day delivery. National carrier same-day services (UPS/FedEx) start at $75-100 and go up significantly for longer distances.
Most same-day services require pickup by early afternoon (12-2 PM) for same-day delivery. Some local couriers offer later cutoffs. For evening deliveries, you may need to pay rush fees. Call early in the day for the most options.
Same-day delivery is most available in major metro areas. UPS Express Critical and FedEx SameDay serve nationwide but at higher costs for rural areas. Local courier services are limited to their service areas. App-based services depend on driver availability.
UPS Express Critical and FedEx SameDay provide detailed tracking. Local couriers often provide driver phone numbers for direct communication. App-based services typically show real-time GPS tracking of your delivery.
Most items that can ship normally can ship same-day. Hazardous materials, oversized items, and some perishables may have restrictions. Medical samples and documents are common same-day shipments. Confirm specific restrictions with your chosen service.

Partnered with Leading Shipping Companies

We work with all major carriers to bring you the best rates and service options.

FedEx
Save Up to 54%

Fast, reliable overnight and ground shipping

Available Services:

FedEx GroundFedEx ExpressFedEx 2DayFedEx Overnight
UPS
Save Up to 48%

Comprehensive shipping solutions worldwide

Available Services:

UPS GroundUPS Next Day AirUPS 2nd Day AirUPS 3 Day Select
USPS
Save Up to 45%

Affordable shipping to every address in the US

Available Services:

Priority MailPriority Mail ExpressGround AdvantageMedia Mail
DHL
Save Up to 42%

Leading international shipping and logistics

Available Services:

DHL ExpressDHL GroundDHL InternationalDHL eCommerce

Real-Time Rates

Live pricing from all carriers updated continuously for accuracy.

Volume Discounts

The more you ship, the more you save with our tiered pricing.

Customer Support

24/7 support to help with all your shipping questions and needs.

Related Shipping Guides

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.

Saturday Delivery Cost: Weekend Shipping Options Compared

Need your package delivered on Saturday? Compare weekend delivery options, costs, and which carriers offer Saturday service without extra fees.

Cheapest Express Shipping: Fast Delivery on a Budget

Need speed without breaking the bank? Find the most affordable express shipping options that deliver in 1-3 days at competitive rates.

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.

Cheapest Shipping Option: Complete Guide

Finding the lowest shipping rate requires comparing all options. We break down the cheapest carrier for every situation.

Popular Shipping Calculators

Ship Headphones or Audio Equipment

Electronics & Tech

Ship Gaming Console

Electronics & Tech

Ship Shoes or Sneakers

Clothing & Apparel

Helpful Resources & Tools

How to ship a camera and lenses

How‑To

ShipWave vs Easyship: Full Comparison (2025)

Comparisons

How to ship a laptop

How‑To

Hear from Our Customers

Join thousands of satisfied customers who are saving money and time with ShipWave.

S

Sarah Johnson

Saved $2,400

Handmade Crafts Co.

"ShipWave has saved us thousands on shipping costs. The interface is so easy to use, and the savings are incredible. Highly recommend!"

M

Mike Chen

Saved $5,600

Tech Gadgets Store

"As an e-commerce business, shipping costs were killing our margins. ShipWave changed everything - we now save 45% on every shipment."

L

Lisa Rodriguez

Saved $1,800

Boutique Fashion

"The rate comparison feature is amazing. I can see all options at once and choose what works best for each customer. Game changer!"

D

David Thompson

Saved $8,200

Home Goods Direct

"Customer service is outstanding and the platform never goes down. We process hundreds of labels weekly without any issues."

50K+
Happy Customers
And growing every day
$2.5M+
Total Savings
Saved by our customers
1M+
Labels Printed
Shipped successfully

Ready to Save on Shipping?

Compare rates from all major carriers and save up to 54% on your next shipment.

Calculate Your Rate

Free to use. No account required.