Shipping FAQ: What “Tomorrow” Really Means

Your business moves fast, and reliable delivery matters—especially when you need fast checks  without surprises.

Unfortunately, shipping terms like “tomorrow,” “next day,” and “overnight” can be interpreted differently.

This guide breaks it down clearly—no confusion, no guesswork.

Just the rules that determine when your checks are expected to arrive.

The one rule that decides everything: your order time

The cutoff that keeps “tomorrow” real

If you’re ordering checks from Checks Next Day, the core rule is straightforward: orders placed before 2:00pm ET ship same day for next‑business‑day arrival, and a paid late-window option may apply after the cutoff on certain days (Checks Next Day late‑window rush details).

What that means for you:

• Earlier is safer.
• After the cutoff, the clock doesn’t stop—you’re just playing a tighter game.

After-hours orders: the “still possible” lane

Late orders can sometimes stay on track, but they usually require an after-hours/rush path.

Keep it clean:

• If you can place the order earlier, do it.
• If you can’t, use the fastest available option at checkout.

What “next business day” means (and what it doesn’t)

Business day vs. calendar day

“Business day” has a real definition in U.S. regulations: Monday through Friday, excluding legal public holidays (eCFR definition of “business day”).

Translation:

• Weekends don’t count.
• Holidays can move your timeline.

The most common “tomorrow” surprise

If you order late on a Friday, “tomorrow” often becomes the next business day.
That’s not a trick.
That’s the calendar doing what it does.

Weekends: can FedEx deliver on Saturday?

FedEx does offer weekend delivery options in many areas, but the specifics depend on the service level and destination ZIP code (FedEx Saturday and Sunday delivery overview).

Practical takeaway:

• Don’t assume weekend delivery unless you selected it.
• If you’re trying to land a Saturday arrival, treat it like a special request—not the default.

Holidays: the hidden “extra day”

Federal holidays are set by law and often shift when they land on a weekend—for example, a Saturday holiday is typically observed on Friday, and a Sunday holiday is typically observed on Monday (OPM federal holiday rules and observance notes).

Practical takeaway:

• A holiday can turn “tomorrow” into “the next business day after the holiday.”
• Plan ahead during holiday weeks if timing is tight.

Tracking: what the updates actually mean

“Label created” isn’t movement yet

A common tracking status—“Label created”—generally means the label exists, but the carrier hasn’t scanned the package into their system yet (Ship24 explanation of “label created”).

What to do:

• Give it a little time for the first scan.
• If it stays stuck too long, double-check your order confirmation and delivery address.

Quick tracking checklist

• Look for the first carrier scan (that’s the handoff signal).
• Watch for “out for delivery” on the delivery day.
• If the address is wrong, fix it fast—small typos create big delays.

Fast answers by situation

If you’re skimming, start here.

• Ordered before the cutoff (weekday): You’re in the best lane for next‑business‑day delivery.
• Ordered after the cutoff: Expect the next business day unless you used an after-hours/rush option.
• Ordered on a weekend: Expect processing to align with the next business day.
• Ordered near a holiday: Expect “tomorrow” to shift around the holiday.

Simple.
Predictable.
No guesswork.

Product notes that can affect timing

Checks come in a few common formats—computer/laser, QuickBooks‑compatible, manual business checks, blank check stock, and personal checks.

When timing is the priority, the smoothest orders are the ones with fewer back-and-forth steps.
If you’re adding custom elements (like a logo) or requesting a proof, keep your eye on approvals so you don’t lose the day.

FAQ (5 quick questions)

1) What time do I need to order for next‑business‑day delivery?

Place your order before 2:00 PM ET for same-day shipping and the best chance of next-business-day delivery. If you miss the cutoff, look for an After Hours/late-window option at checkout (when available, usually with an added fee). Keep rush orders simple—logos/proofs or certain customizations can affect overnight eligibility.

2) If I order Friday afternoon, will it arrive Saturday?

Not always. For ChecksNextDay.com, Friday orders placed before 2:00 PM ET can ship same day, but Saturday delivery isn’t automatic—it depends on your destination and whether Saturday delivery is offered as a selected service level/upgrade at checkout. If you order after the cutoff, shipping may move to the next business day, which can push delivery past Saturday. Also, rush orders with logos/proofs or certain customizations may have limits that affect weekend delivery.

3) Do weekends count as “tomorrow” for next‑day shipping?

Usually, no. “Tomorrow” is best understood as the next business day, which typically runs Monday through Friday.

4) What happens to next‑day delivery on holidays?

A holiday can push delivery to the next business day after the holiday. During holiday weeks, ordering earlier gives you more breathing room.

5) When will I get tracking, and what does “Label created” mean?

Tracking usually appears once a label is generated, but scans may take a bit to show movement. “Label created” typically means the shipment hasn’t been scanned into the carrier’s network yet.