UPS Next Day Air Saver vs Next Day Air

UPS Next Day Air Saver is one of the many available shipping options offered by UPS. This shipping service offers next-day delivery via air that is guaranteed, with specific time restrictions based on residential or commercial destinations. The company lists it as their most affordable guaranteed, next-day delivery service.

UPS Next Day Air Saver ships to all 48 contiguous states and select locations in Hawaii and Alaska. It is not available in areas where standard Next Day Air has an EOD (end of day) delivery time guarantee instead of guaranteed morning delivery.

This guide will cover all aspects of this shipping method, including its costs, shipping times, and other details. That way, you can make the most informed decisions about your shipping needs and learn how working with a partner like Print Bind Ship can help you save even more.

How Does It Work?

This shipping method is relatively straightforward, but it has some guidelines. Here’s what you need to know to understand UPS Next Day Air Saver better.

UPS Next Day Air Saver Cost

The UPS Next Day Air Saver option is cheaper than the standard Next Day Air service. The actual savings will vary depending on the size and volume of packages being sent, but typically a letter will cost about $1.00-$1.50 less to send via Next Day Air Saver. This might not sound like much for a small shipment, but it can add up quickly for companies with a lot of shipping needs.

Companies that ship a large volume of packages or ship a lot of heavy items like books or other printed materials can benefit significantly from the savings of this service. Since rates are based on package size and shipping zone, the more you send and the farther it goes, the more money your business can save.

UPS Next Day Air Saver Times

Traditional UPS Next Day Air shipments have a guaranteed delivery time of 10-10:30 AM the morning after shipping. By choosing the saver option, shippers can save shipping costs and still get next-day delivery. The guaranteed times for Next Day Air Saver are as follows:

• Between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM to commercial addresses
• End of day to residential addresses

If your business needs to cut down on its shipping costs, but you can’t figure out where to find savings, getting the same next-day service with slightly later delivery times might be the best compromise. Be sure to check with your agent when sending a package to confirm when you can expect the delivery so that you know packages will receive things in a timely fashion.

Alternatively, UPS Next Day Air Early service is available if you need an even faster option and are willing to spend a little more. This service ensures next-day delivery as early as 8:00 AM the following business day, which is ideal for shipments that are pressed for time.

Note that UPS Next Day Air Saver does not qualify for Saturday delivery. All Next Day Air deliveries are performed on business days (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays).

Does UPS Air Saver Require a Signature?

UPS Next Day Air Saver does not require a signature unless you are shipping to a commercial address. Commercial recipients must sign or provide an alternative means of delivery confirmation. If you want to require a signature for delivery on other packages, you will have to purchase additional delivery or signature confirmation services.

If you choose to work with a third-party 3PL shipping and logistics partner, you will be able to set up your shipping solutions exactly how you’d like, including requiring signatures on every delivery if you want, without having to choose it as an additional service every single time.

UPS Next Day Air Saver vs FedEx Standard Overnight

FedEx Standard Overnight service is similar to the UPS option, offering next-day delivery (business days only) with guaranteed delivery by 4:30 PM to commercial addresses and 8:00 PM to residential addresses. Saturday pickup may be available from FedEx at an additional cost for select addresses, and the service is available throughout all 50 states where the Priority Overnight guaranteed time is 10:30 AM or noon.

This service is also only available as an outbound service in Hawaii. It is available for packages up to 150 pounds, with anything larger requiring shipment via FedEx Freight. There may be exceptions to service in Alaska and Hawaii, which can be seen on the FedEx sites for these specific states.

In addition to standard service, FedEx offers Priority Overnight and First Overnight service. Priority guarantees the standard delivery by 10:30 AM to businesses and noon to residences, with guarantees extended to 4:30-5:00 PM for some remote or rural addresses. It’s also available in all 50 states, although there may be exceptions for Alaska and Hawaii.

With FedEx First delivery, guaranteed delivery starts as early as 8:00 AM, depending on location. The cost of these services vary based on the package being sent, but for the same letter discussed above, it could be about $10 more to use FedEx Overnight standard service versus UPS. FedEx First service costs almost three times as much as UPS Next Day Air, making it a much less desirable choice for those who ship regularly.

Offering UPS Next Day Saver To Your Customers

Technically, anyone can use UPS Next Day Saver shipping, but it must fall within the shipping requirements for sizes and weights. Otherwise, you may have to choose another option. Ultimately, the best thing you can do to take care of your customers when it comes to shipping is to partner with a 3PL solution like Print Bind Ship. We can ensure that your products and materials are shipped in a timely fashion, using the most affordable methods and that your deliveries arrive on time, no matter where they’re going.

When you are trying to juggle all aspects of running a business and handling shipping and fulfillment, it can be a lot to take on. By letting someone else handle your shipping needs, you’ll spend less time worrying about the logistics or trying to figure out which is the best way to ship. Our team of experts is experienced, and we have industry relationships that offer discounts on shipping and other services, which we can pass along to you.

What if your customers need faster shipping? What if they want Saturday delivery? There’s so much to consider, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact the team at Print Bind Ship to find out how we can help you with all of your businesses’ shipping needs. If you are shipping daily, you deserve the best rates and a shipping partner is the best way to get them. 

Call us now to get started or to discuss your shipping needs and learn more.