How Fast Is UPS 2nd Day Air? (2023 Guide)

Need to get something shipped fairly quickly?

Then you’ll want to know how fast is UPS 2nd Day Air. What is the actual timeframe? Plus, what happens if your parcel doesn’t make it there on time?

If you need something delivered fast but don’t need overnight delivery, or want to pay the high surcharges, then UPS 2nd Day Air might be what you are looking for! It’s always a good idea to know as much as you can about the shipping service you choose, so let’s take a good in-depth look at UPS and its 2nd-day air shipping option.

What Is UPS?

UPS is the abbreviation for United Postal Service, an American-based shipping company that was founded in 1907 and is best known for its ground and air shipping services. It’s grown from being a reliable telegraph supplier to a Fortune 500 company with its multinational supply chain and shipping services.

UPS is also a retail store that supplies its customers with everything they need when it comes to logistical services. With tonnes of items, including packing tape, bubble wrap, an array of different sized boxes, and bags. As well as pens and markers, and it also prints, shreds, and notarizes documents. Plus, there’s also a mailbox service and an in-store parcel drop-off service.

Read more: Does UPS Ship to PO Boxes?

What Is UPS 2nd Day Air?

UPS 2nd day air is just one of the many shipping options that UPS offers its customers. UPS 2nd day air is the service that guarantees the arrival of shipments within 48 hours or two business days. The service usually guarantees delivery by either 10.30 am or 12:00 pm to most commercial destinations.

However, it’s important to note that this service is not available for residential destinations. Moreover, the service is only available to the 48 continental states. So that means if you are shipping to either Hawaii or Alaska, then, unfortunately, this shipping option is not available.

Does UPS 2nd Day Air Mean My Parcel Will Arrive On The Second Day?

Yes, it does. In most circumstances, when shipping with UPS 2nd Day Air, you can expect your delivery to arrive at its destination by the end of the second business day after it’s been sent. 

Now be aware that this service applies to the second ‘business’ day. Not necessarily the second day. For example, if you were to send your parcel on a Monday. Then you can trust that it will be delivered by the end of the day on Wednesday. If it’s collected on a Wednesday, then it will arrive two days later on Friday.

Avoid the confusion…

However, if you send your parcel on a Thursday or Friday, you shouldn’t expect delivery until the following Monday, as Saturday and Sunday are not classified as business days. However, as always, there are exceptions!

Will My Parcel Be Delivered on Saturdays?

Now that is a very good question! The answer here is that it depends on where the package is being sent. If you are sending something to a big city, say L.A. or New York, then yes. You can expect that your package that was sent on Thursday will be delivered within the two business day period and be delivered to its recipient on Saturday.

However, if the destination is a small town, it’s unlikely that it will be delivered on a Saturday, and will need to wait until Monday for delivery. It’s also worth noting that UPS does not normally deliver on Sundays. For more info, check out Does UPS Deliver On A Sunday?

How Fast Is UPS 2nd Day Air – How Does It Work?

UPS 2nd Day Air is a specialty shipping service that UPS provides for commercial shipments. So this means only business or office addresses, and not residential. It allows parcels to be delivered promptly, without the high expense of overnight delivery. 

Once you have completed the shipment order, UPS will either schedule a pickup, or you can drop off your package at a UPS site. 

An efficient system for sure!

The package is taken to a UPS sorting facility and grouped with other 2nd Day Air items going to the same destination. Your package heads off to the airport to be loaded onto a plane for transport to the next location. When it arrives at the right destination, it’s then taken to that UPS facility for sorting. 

Finally, it’s put on a truck and out for delivery, with the first consignments being delivered from 10.30 am on the second day.

Is UPS 2nd Day Air Faster Than UPS Ground?

UPS 2nd Day Air is not the fastest shipping service that UPS offers; therefore, it’s not the top priority. However, it is prioritized above UPS 3 Day Select and UPS Ground.

UPS Ground delivers packages within a one to five business day timeframe, whereas UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery within 48 hours. UPS Ground is a domestic shipping service that only uses trucks and road trains to ship items. It is a less expensive option, with prices varying depending on the distance the parcel needs to travel as well as its weight. 

It’s all about location…

Distance plays a major role in deciding if UPS Ground will get your package to its destination quicker than by UPS 2nd day air. If you are shipping something to a nearby city, then UPS Ground could be the way to go. 

However, if it’s to a business address and it’s time-sensitive, hands down, the better option is for 2nd Day Air. UPS 2nd Day Air won’t do overnight delivery, but it does ship within two days.

Economical and reliable…

It’s super economical as you don’t need to pay the hefty price tag of overnight shipping, plus it gives you plenty of time to ship the parcel. Therefore, for a lot of postage needs, UPS 2nd Day Air is the best way to go! It’s 48 hours guaranteed and is a very reliable service that extends to most states across America.

What Happens If UPS 2nd Day Air Doesn’t Arrive On Time?

It’s not often that this happens, but sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, like bad weather or grounded flights, your 2nd Day Air shipment may fail to arrive at its destination on time. If this rare occurrence does happen, you will be able to claim a full refund for the mailing costs you paid. However, please be aware that this does not include any non-refundable surcharges you might have paid.

UPS Air Shipping Cost By Service And Weight

Next, let’s take a look at the rates for a range of UPS services, including 2nd Day Air, Flat Rate Shipping, and 3 Day Select shipping from UPS.

2nd Day Air – Monday – Friday Business Shipping

2nd Day Air	Service	Weight	Cost
UPS	2nd Day Air – M-F	5 Lbs	$58.87
UPS	2nd Day Air – M-F	10 Lbs	$90.09

3-Day Select – Monday – Friday Business and Residential Shipping 

3 Day Select	Service	Weight	Cost
UPS	3-Day Select	5 Lbs	$45.67
UPS	3-Day Select	10 Lbs	$66.20

2nd Day Air – Simple Rate – Flat Rate Shipping

Flat Rate Shipping	2nd Day Air	Size	Cost
UPS Simple Rate	2nd Day Air – Flat Rate Shipping	X Small	$16.75
UPS Simple Rate	2nd Day Air – Flat Rate Shipping	Small	$19.95
UPS Simple Rate	2nd Day Air – Flat Rate Shipping	Medium	$25.20
UPS Simple Rate	2nd Day Air – Flat Rate Shipping	Large	$45.50
UPS Simple Rate	2nd Day Air – Flat Rate Shipping	X Large	$59.00

3-Day Select Simple Rate – Flat Rate Shipping 

Flat Rate Shipping	3-Day Select	Size	Cost
UPS Simple Rate	3-Day Select – Flat Rate Shipping	X Small	$13.75
UPS Simple Rate	3-Day Select – Flat Rate Shipping	Small	$16.50
UPS Simple Rate	3-Day Select – Flat Rate Shipping	Medium	$23.50
UPS Simple Rate	3-Day Select – Flat Rate Shipping	Large	$31.50
UPS Simple Rate	3-Day Select – Flat Rate Shipping	X Large	$41.00

As you can see, there is a substantial difference between the cost of flat rate shipping and shipping by weight. 

So if your item fits into one of UPS’s specially designed boxes, then it’s certainly a more cost-effective option to go for the simple rate. Plus, you’ll still get the fantastic 2-day guaranteed delivery service. However, if you are shipping to a residential address, then the 3-day select is the best option for you if your delivery isn’t urgent.

So, Why Not Work For UPS?

If you love driving and are on the lookout for work, then take a look at our guide to the UPS Application. Plus, make sure you learn about the company before you interview by checking out our UPS Mission And Vision Statement Analysis for 2023.

Next, if you have a criminal record, please check up on Does UPS Drug Test Package Handlers, as well as Does UPS Do Background Checks, before moving forward.

Or, if you’re sending a package with UPS, find out Can You Drop Off USPS At UPS if you don’t have a UPS near you, along with Does UPS Deliver On A Sunday for weekend deliveries?

How Fast Is UPS 2nd Day Air – Final Thoughts 

UPS 2nd day air is an expedited package delivery service that guarantees delivery of your parcel in two business days. 

It’s available for commercial use only and will not ship to a residential address. Plus, if you are living in a large metropolitan area, you can expect deliveries will happen on Saturdays as well as Monday to Friday.

Good luck, and I hope your parcel arrives safely and on time!