Cheapest Overnight Shipping Rates: Compare Shipping Rates for Overnight & Express Service
Compare the cheapest and fastest overnight shipping rates across carriers with carrier discounts on overnight costs with Stamps.com. Calculate shipping costs, fees and surcharges for express and priority shipments.
Get shipments there faster at discounted rates
Use Stamps.com today to unlock savings on overnight shipping and keep your delivery guarantee while avoiding excessive postage and shipping fees.
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USPS – Priority Mail Express
1 business day (to many ZIPs)
From ~US$31.40 (online/commercial)
Cheapest overnight solution for many domestic parcels
UPS – Next Day Air / Next Day Air Early
Next business day
Small packages ~US$60-80 (1-5 lbs)
When speed is key and you need a major carrier’s network
DHL – Express / Domestic Overnight
Next business day (in select zones)
Rates can run USD ~$100+ depending on zone & weight
When you need fast courier service and potentially international reach
Using Stamps.com (multi-carrier platform)
Varies by service selected
Access to discounted rates below retail
When you want to compare shipping carriers, generate labels, and save on freight/postage costs
For overnight shipping, the cheapest options depend heavily on your destination, package weight and dimensions (package size). While standard carriers’ retail overnight services such as United Parcel Service (UPS) Next Day Air, FedEx Corporation (FedEx) Standard/Priority Overnight and United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail Express all provide next-day or near-next-day service, their costs vary significantly. For example, USPS Priority Mail Express starts at around US $31.40 for commercial online shipping. UPS overnight shipping for small packages (1-5 lbs) may run in the US $60-80 range before discounts. With Stamps.com, you gain access to carrier discount rates, one interface for shipping labels, and the ability to compare shipping carriers and service levels (priority, express, overnight) quickly, lowering your shipping fees and making the shipping cost comparison much easier.
Why Cheapest Overnight Shipping Matters
Overnight shipping typically carries premium pricing because speed is prioritized. But simply paying the retail rate without comparing service levels or carrier options often means you pay more than necessary. By doing a proper shipping cost comparison — factoring in package weight, package size, destination zone, service level (priority vs express vs overnight) and delivery time — you can find the sweet spot between speed and cost. Even when selecting “overnight shipping,” some services labeled overnight may have cut-off times or limitations (e.g., zone coverage) that affect actual delivery. For example, USPS guarantees Priority Mail Express overnight in many 3-digit ZIP zones when mailed before the cutoff. Ultimately by using a tool like Stamps.com you can avoid paying inflated shipping fees, generate shipping labels in one place, and access cheapest shipping rates as part of a broader shipping strategy.
How Stamps.com Simplifies Shipping & Reduces Shipping Costs
Compare all shipping rates in one place
With Stamps.com, you don’t have to open separate portals for UPS shipping rates, DHL shipping rates or USPS rates. You can compare shipping prices across shipping carriers within one interface, input your package weight, package size and destination, and choose between priority/overnight or standard service—then print your shipping label and schedule pickup. This streamlined workflow allows for faster decisions and fewer errors.
Access exclusive discounts on postage
Stamps.com negotiates volume-based discounts with shipping carriers and passes those savings on. That means you may pay less than the carrier retail overnight price. For example, USPS flat-rate Priority Mail Express and other services can be cheaper when accessed through online shipping portals. The ability to access reduced rates makes overnight shipping more affordable and helps reduce your overall shipping costs.
Streamline label creation, tracking and paperwork
Whether you’re shipping domestically or internationally, overnight courier services often require particular documentation, account credentials or surcharges. Stamps.com handles the shipping label generation, tracking integration, and links into major shipping carriers, meaning less overhead and fewer surprises in your shipping charge.
Optimize for domestic shipping & service level selection
If you’re shipping within the U.S., selecting the right overnight service (priority vs express) and carrier can drastically affect delivery prices. Stamps.com allows you to pick the service like “overnight shipping” or “express shipping” and choose the carrier that meets your timeline and budget. You’re empowered to make a shipping comparison and choose the carrier and service level that balances cost with speed.
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—Adriana Hurtado, Procurement Manager, Midwest Vision Partners
How to Calculate Shipping for Overnight Service
- Package weight & size Bigger dimension (package size) or heavier weight pushes cost higher because carriers often calculate based on dimensional or actual weight.
- Destination zone/area Overnight shipping rates vary drastically by distance. The farther it has to go or for rural ZIP codes, the higher the charge. UPS provides zone-based online shipping cost estimates.
- Carrier and service level Choosing between standard next-day, courtesy pickup, early-morning delivery, or a priority/overnight courier option changes cost. For example, DHL same-day or overnight is higher cost than standard overnight.
- Use a rate calculator Carriers and shipping platforms offer calculators. UPS has an online shipping cost calculator for estimates. DHL provides rate quote tools too.
- Compare rates across carriers Don’t assume one carrier is always cheapest. For smaller parcels within the U.S., USPS Priority Mail Express may deliver a strong value. For larger/heavier or more urgent parcels, UPS or DHL may be better. Data indicates starting overnight rates from USPS may be ~US$41.50 for small parcels.
- Include packaging, pickup and surcharges Overnight service may incur additional pickup fees or surcharges. Always review the full shipping fee to get an accurate view of the final delivery price.
Domestic and International Shipping Made Simple
- Priority Often refers to a fast service but not necessarily next-day. E.g., priority shipping may be same day or 1-2 days depending on carrier and zone.
- Express / Overnight Shipping Guarantees next-day delivery in many cases ground or next-business-day international-express. These are the fastest shipping options, but they come at premium shipping costs.
- Delivery prices vs cheapest shipping rates If your main goal is speed or the fastest shipping, you may pay more. If your main goal is cost savings, you may choose a slightly slower service. A proper shipping comparison will help you choose between these trade-offs.
- Package weight/size vs cost Overnight shipping cost increases steeply with weight. For example, UPS overnight for a 10 lb package may cost ~US$150 or more.
- Domestic vs international coverage Domestic overnight is comparatively simpler; international overnight/express introduces customs, transit time variations and higher delivery prices. For international shipping, dedicated express services like DHL may be required.
- Carrier network & service reliability Some carriers may cover more zones or have stronger weekend holiday delivery capacity. Review pickup cut-off times, transit zones and guarantee terms.
Frequently asked questions about overnight shipping with Stamps.com
What is the cheapest overnight shipping option?
The cheapest overnight shipping option depends on your package weight, size, origin and destination. For many U.S. domestic small parcels, using USPS Priority Mail Express might offer one of the lowest retail entry points (starting around US$31.40 online). However, when you use Stamps.com you can access even lower discounted rates across carriers, making that service even more cost-effective.
How do I compare shipping rates across carriers for overnight service?
You can use a shipping rate calculator for each carrier (UPS, DHL, USPS) or use a platform like Stamps.com that aggregates carriers under one dashboard. Enter the same origin, destination, package weight and size for “overnight shipping” or “express shipping” service level and then you can compare shipping cost, delivery prices and choose the best. Always include any pickup or dimensional surcharges.
How do I calculate shipping cost for overnight or express parcels?
To calculate shipping cost you need the package weight, package size (dimensions for dimensional weight), origin ZIP and delivery ZIP (zone), and your desired service level (priority, express, overnight). Then you can use the carrier’s online rate calculator or shipping platform to estimate the final shipping fees and shipping label cost. For UPS, for example, they have a shipping cost calculator.
What are shipping fees and shipping charge differences for overnight vs standard service?
Overnight shipping generally carries higher delivery prices than standard or 2-day service. For example, overnight delivery may cost double or more compared to ground service for the same package weight/zone due to the speed guarantee. Some services (like early-morning or courier pickup) cost even more. A shipping comparison helps you determine if the faster service justifies the higher cost.
Can I use Stamps.com for overnight shipping labels and multiple carriers?
Yes, Stamps.com supports generating shipping labels, comparing shipping carriers, and selecting services across carriers including priority and express shipping. This means you can evaluate UPS overnight, DHL express overnight and USPS overnight/priority all within one platform, making the shipping comparison and label creation efficient.
Is overnight shipping always worth the cost?
Not always. If your delivery timeline is flexible or you’re trying to optimize for cost, you might choose a priority or 2-day service instead of overnight. The cheapest overnight shipping may still cost significantly more than a slower service. Use shipping cost comparison to evaluate whether speed or cost is your priority for that parcel.