Rush FAQ: Cutoffs, Proofs, Tracking, and “Will It Arrive Tomorrow?”

What’s the rush?

Everything.

When you’re low on rush checks, you don’t want theory.

You want answers you can use in under a minute.

This Rush FAQ is built around three things:

• Definitions (what the terms actually mean)
• Examples (what usually happens next)
• Decision criteria (what to do now)

Rush basics (read this first)

What “rush” means

Rush is a speed promise.

It usually means your order jumps the line—so it can print, pack, and ship as quickly as possible.

But there’s a catch:

Rush still follows the clock.

The decision rule that saves you a day

If you need it tomorrow, you’re deciding two things:

1. Can it ship today? (cutoff time)
2. Can the carrier deliver tomorrow? (service + day-of-week)

If either answer is “no,” tomorrow becomes “next business day.”

Simple.

Cutoff timing (the most missed detail)

What is a cutoff time?

A cutoff time is the daily deadline.

It’s the line between:

• Ships today
• Ships next business day

Cutoffs exist because production and carrier pickup windows are real.

What happens if you order after the cutoff?

Most of the time, the ship date simply moves to the next business day—because there’s only so much processing and pickup time available each day.

Decision criteria

If the cutoff is close, it’s best not to cut it too tight. Build in a buffer and place rush orders early enough that you can still fix mistakes (wrong address, missing details, proof questions) without missing the ship window.

Logos and proofs (speed vs control)

Does adding a logo slow rush orders?

Sometimes. A logo can be straightforward, or it may require a few extra checks. If speed is the priority, keep choices simple; if a brand-perfect layout matters most, plan a bit of extra time.

What “proof” means (in plain English)

A proof is a preview.

It’s your chance to confirm details before production.

That’s why proofs can protect you from reprints—because everyone is looking at the same “this is what we’re printing” version.

Decision criteria: proof or no proof?

If you’re ordering for the first time, changing banking info, or adding a new logo, a proof can be worth it.

If you’re reordering the same setup and time is tight, skip extra steps.

Address changes (can you fix it after ordering?)

Here’s the honest answer:

It depends on timing.

If the label hasn’t been finalized, changes are easier.

If it’s already moving through the network, options narrow fast.

Decision criteria

Use this quick test:

• Not shipped yet: update now.
• Shipped but not out for delivery: you may be able to redirect.
• Out for delivery: expect fewer options.

And either way, have the essentials ready: corrected address, suite/unit, and a phone number the driver can use.

Tracking (what those statuses really mean)

Tracking is helpful.

But it’s also easy to misread.

“Exception” doesn’t always mean “late forever”

An exception is a flag.

It usually means something disrupted the plan—weather, access issues, missing details.

Your job is to find the reason, then act on the fixable part.

Missed scans: why tracking can look stuck

Scans don’t happen every second.

So a quiet tracking window can mean:

• The package is moving between checkpoints, or
• A scan posted late, or
• The carrier needs a detail before delivery

That’s why the best move is to look for the next update pattern—not just one scary line.

Weekend delivery rules (the one that confuses everyone)

Weekend delivery depends on the carrier and the service level.

Some services deliver on Saturday.

Some deliver on Sunday in certain cases.

And some treat weekends and holidays as “not counted” days for delivery estimates.

Decision criteria

If you need it “tomorrow” and tomorrow is Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, don’t assume.

Confirm whether the service you chose actually delivers that day.

60-second rush readiness checklist

Before you hit “place order,” run this once:

• Cutoff time checked (and time zone confirmed)
• Product selected (QuickBooks, laser/computer, manual, blank stock, personal)
• Address complete (suite/unit, correct ZIP, phone number)
• Proof decision made (speed vs control)
• Delivery day verified (especially for weekends/holidays)

That’s it.

Do those five things, and rush gets a lot less stressful.

Rush FAQ (5 questions)

1) What time do I need to order to qualify for next-day shipping?

Order before the posted cutoff time for your product, because that’s what allows same-day production and shipment. For example, ChecksNextDay product pages call out next-day delivery availability when ordering before the cutoff time on eligible days ChecksNextDay QuickBooks checks cutoff note.

2) Will a logo or proof delay my rush order?

It can, because proofing adds a review step before production moves forward. Printing guides explain proofing as a pre-production preview used to confirm details before the final run. UPrinting proofing definition.

3) Can I change the shipping address after I place my order?

Yes—especially before the first delivery attempt—but it depends on where the package is in the FedEx delivery process. If eligible, you can use FedEx Manage Delivery (via tracking) to request an address correction/change or choose alternatives like Hold at Location for pickup. Availability and any fees/restrictions vary by shipment and status.

4) What does “delivery exception” mean in tracking?

It usually means the package is temporarily delayed due to unavoidable circumstances, and it doesn’t automatically mean your shipment will be late. FedEx describes “delivery exception” that way and points to tools like estimated delivery windows for clarity FedEx delivery exception meaning.

5) Do weekends and holidays affect next-day delivery timelines?

Yes—FedEx next-day delivery is typically based on operating days, so Sundays and carrier-observed holidays can shift delivery. FedEx also offers weekend delivery in many areas (including overnight on Saturday), depending on service and location.