When your business faces tight deadlines, last-minute orders or urgent supply chain needs, expedited freight shipping becomes essential. Whether you need one-day air service or fast ground transportation, there are multiple options to ship freight fast — but how do you choose the right one?
There's no single solution that fits every shipment. But by understanding the key factors — distance, location, shipment size, contents, urgency and budget — you can make smart, informed decisions. This guide breaks down the most common expedited freight services and when to use each one!
Does the shipping distance change which expedited freight service I should choose?
Go ground for shorter distances
For local or regional shipments, ground freight shipping can deliver surprisingly fast. In fact, many less-than-truckload (LTL) freight carriers now offer expedited LTL services — often labeled as "priority" or "guaranteed" with expedited freight delivery in as little as 1 to 2 business days.
Truckload (TL) freight is even faster in many cases, especially if you need to skip terminal stops and send a shipment directly to its destination. Since the truck doesn't need to load or unload freight from other customers, it can focus solely on your urgent overnight freight delivery.
Choose air for longer distances
When you're shipping freight internationally or cross-country, air freight is your fastest option. Unlike trucks, cargo planes can deliver to distant locations in hours — not days.
Air shipping is especially useful for time-sensitive freight headed to global destinations or traveling coast to coast within the U.S. If speed is your top priority and the budget allows, air is often the way to go for expedited freight services.
How does my delivery destination affect which expedited freight services I should use?
Air makes sense when close to major travel hubs
If your freight is moving between cities with major airports, air freight shipping can dramatically reduce transit time. Many expedited freight carriers provide freight forwarding services that include ground transport to and from the airport, making this a smooth option from start to finish.
Ground wins for remote or rural areas
Need to deliver to an area far from a major airport? Ground shipping becomes the better option. LTL and TL freight can reach locations that air simply can't serve directly — think rural warehouses, distribution centers or job sites off the beaten path. In such cases, expedited freight companies often rely on ground services to ensure timely delivery.
What's the best expedited freight method for large shipments?
Stick with ground for large or heavy freight
When you're moving bulky items — like machinery, furniture or equipment — ground freight shipping is the more practical and often the only feasible choice. Trucks can handle far larger and heavier cargo than airplanes, which are limited by cargo hold size and weight restrictions.
While it's possible to move large shipments via air freight, space can be limited, and costs are significantly higher. If you're under time pressure but need to ship big, ground is likely your best bet for cost-effective expedited freight delivery.
Does the content of my shipment change which expedited freight service I should choose?
Ground is safer and simpler for hazardous materials
If your freight includes hazardous materials, ground transport is generally the more flexible and compliant solution. Air freight is subject to strict regulations and security screenings that may prohibit certain items or add processing delays.
Before choosing air freight, confirm whether your shipment is allowed and if so, how long it will take to clear inspection. In many cases, expedited freight shipping via ground will be faster and less complicated overall for hazmat freight.
High-value freight? It depends.
For expensive or sensitive shipments, both ground and air offer strong security — but in different ways. Air travel does provide airport-level security and stricter handling protocols. But modern TL and LTL expedited freight carriers also use advanced tracking and protection technologies to monitor your freight while in transit.
Choosing between ground and air for high-value items often comes down to balancing security needs with delivery timelines and cost.
How do I compare expedited freight options based on urgency?
Air and ground freight both have their benefits
Air is often the fastest way to ship urgent freight, especially over long distances. With direct airport-to-airport routes and limited handling, air cuts down transit times considerably.
However, don't discount overnight freight. If your destination is within a few hundred miles, ground trucks can often deliver just as fast — without the time and complexity of booking air space or clearing airport logistics.
Also consider real-world freight shipping variables
- Trucks can leave as soon as they're ready — no need to wait for scheduled flights.
- Air freight may take longer to secure space, especially on short notice.
- Both modes are vulnerable to weather and traffic delays, so always factor that into your urgency planning.
How do I find an expedited freight service that fits my budget?
Ground comes in first for cost-effective expedited freight shipping
If cost control is critical, ground freight shipping is usually more affordable — especially for domestic or regional deliveries. In particular, LTL freight and partial truckload (PTL) options give you flexibility for mid-sized shipments that don't need an entire trailer. If you need the entire space, TL freight is still an option.
If time is more important than budget, air freight becomes a strong contender despite the higher cost. But it's always worth checking to see if a premium ground option meets your timeline at a fraction of the price with the help of reliable expedited freight companies and/or third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
Use a 3PL To Simplify Your Expedited Freight Decisions
Choosing between air freight, LTL, TL and specialty freight options is complex. Every shipment comes with its own set of priorities, from speed to cost to compliance. That's why partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like GlobalTranz is a smart move.
To help our customers succeed at expedited freight shipping, we provide them with access to our network of:
- 75+ LTL freight carriers
- 45,000+ TL carriers
- Robust air freight network for international and domestic shipping
Our experts can help you choose the right mode for each urgent shipment, whether it's small and fast or large and time critical. We'll also make sure you get the best balance of speed, reliability and value from our trusted expedited freight services.
Why should you choose GlobalTranz for expedited freight shipping services?
GlobalTranz has more than 30 years of success in the logistics industry and helps thousands of freight shippers of all sizes move products with great efficiency. We are also part of WWEX Group, alongside Worldwide Express and Unishippers.
Combined, these three companies make up one of the largest and most diverse 3PLs in the industry, providing shippers with top solutions that help them succeed. That includes teaming up shippers with top freight solutions and carriers from our network of 75+ LTL freight and 45,000+ TL shipping carriers!
Ready to learn more about our blind shipping services? Reach out for a free consultation!