Standard Freight Services

Expedited Ground Shipping

Fast and reliable delivery when the window will not wait: priority handling, optimized routes, and the right vehicle for time-critical freight.

Fast expedited freight when you need it

Production lines stop and customer promises fall apart when freight misses the window. When time is critical and a shipment has to arrive as quickly as possible, our expedited ground service gives you the speed and reliability you need.

Our expedited team draws on the national, regional, and local carriers in our network of more than 6,200 carrier partners, giving you access to dedicated sprinter vans, box trucks, flatbeds, and team-driven tractors, plus next-flight-out air options when the road is not fast enough.

By simplifying the delivery process and optimizing the route, expedited shipping removes the inefficiencies that cause avoidable delays. One request starts a lane analysis that finds the fastest route and presents several rate choices, and real-time tracking keeps you informed until the freight is delivered.

Ready to move? Get an expedited freight quote and a dispatcher will come back with your options.

Driver with a tablet loading cardboard boxes into a cargo van

Expedited ground shipping services

Every expedited shipment is matched to a vehicle sized for the load and handled as a priority from pickup to delivery.

Priority handling

Your shipment is treated as high priority, so it is processed and loaded quickly for the fastest possible transit.

Faster delivery times

Optimized routing, dedicated drivers, and strategic carrier partnerships deliver your freight faster than standard ground service.

Flexible options

Next-day delivery, two-day delivery, and other time-critical solutions, tailored to the deadline you are working against.

Expedited at a glance

Carrier partners
6,200+
National, regional, and local
Delivery options
Next-day
Plus two-day and time-critical service
Tracking
Real-time
Status updates until delivery

The right vehicle for the load

Speed starts with equipment that fits the freight, not the biggest truck available.

Sprinter vans

Nimble cargo vans for boxed freight and small palletized loads that need to move right away, without waiting to fill a larger truck.

Box trucks

Enclosed straight trucks with room for several pallets, protecting the freight from weather while still moving faster than a consolidated shipment.

Flatbeds

Sturdy open-deck trailers for equipment, machinery, and materials that need to be loaded from the side or the top.

Team-driven tractors

Two drivers share a full-size truck so it can keep rolling while one rests, covering long distances in far less time than a single driver can.

How an expedited shipment works

From the first call to proof of delivery, one point of contact owns the shipment.

  1. Tell us the deadline

    Send the origin, destination, delivery deadline, and the weight and dimensions of the freight. The deadline drives every decision that follows.

  2. Lane analysis and rate choices

    We analyze the lane, identify the fastest route, and present several rate options, from the quickest possible delivery to the most economical way to make your date.

  3. Priority pickup and dispatch

    Your freight is picked up and loaded as a priority shipment on the vehicle sized for it, by a carrier we have vetted.

  4. Tracked to delivery

    Real-time tracking follows the shipment to its destination, and your coordinator stays on it until proof of delivery.

Benefits of expedited ground shipping

For time-sensitive freight, expedited ground brings five clear advantages.

Faster delivery

Your freight arrives sooner than with standard shipping, which matters when a shipment is tied to a time-sensitive event or you are running low on a critical inventory item.

Reliable delivery

Expedited service is built around a committed delivery date, so you can plan around the arrival instead of hoping for it.

Better tracking

Expedited shipments carry more detailed tracking than standard freight, so you always know where the shipment is and when it will arrive.

Happier customers

Fast, reliable service improves customer satisfaction, which leads to repeat business and positive reviews.

Cost-effective

Expedited ground costs more than standard ground, but it is often far less expensive than air freight or overnight delivery for the same deadline.

Working hand and hand with Brent and his team is what allows our company to stay on the cutting edge and keep up with the demand for our product. Whether it is an odd request or a rushed shipment, RS Group always solves for "Yes" with a timely and cost-effective transit option.
Michael D.RS Group customer

When to choose expedited ground

Expedited ground is worth it when the cost of a late delivery is higher than the cost of a faster truck. Shippers use it when:

  • A production line is waiting on parts or materials.
  • A delivery date has slipped and the original deadline still stands.
  • Trade show or event freight has to arrive before the doors open.
  • Healthcare or retail inventory is running low and needs replenishing now.
  • The shipment is too large or heavy for parcel service but cannot wait for standard LTL transit.

Expedited shipping FAQ

What is expedited ground shipping?

Expedited ground shipping moves freight by road faster than standard service, with priority handling, optimized routes, and a vehicle dedicated to or sized for the shipment instead of a consolidated trailer.

How fast is expedited freight?

It depends on the distance and the vehicle. We offer next-day and two-day delivery options and other time-critical solutions, and team-driven trucks keep long-haul freight moving nearly around the clock. Tell us your deadline and we will show you what makes it.

How much does expedited shipping cost?

Expedited ground costs more than standard ground because the vehicle and the schedule are built around your shipment. The rate depends on the distance, the vehicle, the weight and dimensions, and how tight the deadline is. It is often far less than air freight for the same delivery date.

When is air freight the better choice?

When the distance is too long for any truck to make the deadline. We offer next-flight-out options as an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC), and we will tell you honestly whether ground or air is the better fit.

What do I need to book an expedited shipment?

The pickup and delivery addresses, the deadline, the number of pieces or pallets, and the total weight and dimensions. Mention anything that needs special handling, such as a liftgate or hazardous materials.

Get Moving

Ready to move your freight?

Tell us the origin, destination, and what you are shipping. We will quote it and get it on a truck.