Rush Shipping Costs Explained: What You’re Really Paying For

You’re not imagining it—rush shipping does cost more, especially when you’re trying to get rush checks delivered on a tight timeline.

It’s simply the reality of expedited logistics and tighter timelines.

When you choose rush shipping, you’re typically paying for:

• faster delivery windows
• tighter cutoffs
• and carrier pricing rules that get stricter the faster you go

Let’s break it down.

The simple truth about rush costs

Rush isn’t just “ship it faster.”

It’s priority handling inside the carrier network.

That network has limited space.

So the price goes up when you need it sooner.

The biggest drivers behind expedited shipping prices

1) Distance (zone)

In most carrier systems, distance matters.
The farther the destination, the more it costs.

USPS says that (except for Flat Rate packaging) Priority Mail pricing is based on weight and zone on its Priority Mail page.

2) Weight

Heavier packages cost more to move.

That part is straightforward.

3) Package size (dimensional weight)

Here’s the one that surprises people.

A big box can cost more even if it’s light.

USPS policy tools note that parcels over one cubic foot can be charged using actual weight or dimensional weight—whichever is greater on its dimensional weight information page.

Translation:
Keep packaging tight.
Compact wins.

4) Fuel surcharges

Fuel is a moving target.

FedEx states its fuel surcharge is subject to weekly adjustment and ties the calculation to published fuel price indices on its Weekly Fuel Surcharge Changes page.

So even when your package doesn’t change, the surcharge can.

5) Extra handling and “oops” fees

With FedEx, you can be billed by dimensional weight or actual weight—whichever is greater, so incorrect dimensions/weight can trigger adjustments. FedEx also applies additional handling fees for certain packages that need special handling.

Same-day shipping vs overnight delivery (two different clocks)

People mix these up.

• Same-day shipping means your order leaves the facility today.
• Overnight delivery means the carrier gets it to you by the next business day.

Those are not the same thing.

Checks Next Day explains rush processing expectations—like a cutoff-based same-day shipping window and how approval steps can affect speed—on the Checks Next Day FAQ.

Handling requirements that can add cost on rush orders

Rush costs aren’t only about postage.

They’re also about what it takes to move your order through the system quickly:

• prioritizing it in the production queue
• packaging and labeling it correctly the first time
• handing it off before the carrier window closes

If you add changes late, you’re not “customizing.”
You’re restarting.

How to keep rush shipping costs lean (without losing speed)

Simple.

Order earlier

Early orders give you more options.
More options usually means better pricing.

Keep your shipment compact

Avoid oversized packaging.
Dimensional weight can hit fast when a box is bigger than it needs to be.

Reduce rework

If your order needs approvals (like proofs), assign one reviewer.
Approve fast.
Move on.

Choose the right format up front

For checks, format decisions matter.

Computer/laser, QuickBooks-compatible, manual checks, blank stock, personal checks—pick once.
Changing later costs time.

FAQ

1) Why does rush shipping cost more than standard shipping?

Rush services run on tighter delivery windows and limited carrier capacity, which increases the price. Costs also rise with distance (zone), weight, and package size.

2) What’s the biggest factor I can control on rush shipping cost?

Packaging size and accuracy. Compact shipments reduce dimensional weight risk, and clean dimensions/weight entries help avoid billing corrections.

3) What is dimensional weight and why does it matter?

Dimensional weight is a way carriers price large, lightweight packages based on the space they take up. USPS policy notes parcels over one cubic foot may be billed by actual or dimensional weight—whichever is greater.

4) Do fuel surcharges affect expedited shipping?

Yes. FedEx states its fuel surcharge can adjust weekly, which means a portion of your shipping cost can change over time even for similar shipments.

5) Does same-day shipping guarantee next-day delivery?

Not always. With ChecksNextDay, same-day shipping means your order ships the same day (typically if placed before 2:00pm ET, with an after-hours paid option on certain days). Next-day arrival can still vary based on the carrier’s handoff window and network routing.