Overnight vs economy courier

The short answer: choose overnight when the parcel needs to arrive the next business day, and economy road when it can wait a few days and you want to save. The right choice usually depends on two things: how urgent it is, and how heavy or bulky it is.

At a glance

Timings are typical, not guaranteed, and depend on the route and when you book.

When overnight makes sense

• A customer is waiting for an order and expects it tomorrow.
• Contracts, tenders or documents have a deadline.
• A machine is down and needs a spare part.
• The parcel is light, so the extra speed costs relatively little.

Overnight services run between main centres such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Gqeberha. Book by early afternoon for collection. The exact cut-off depends on the route and is confirmed when you book.

When economy road makes sense

• The parcel is heavy or bulky, where the price difference adds up quickly.
• You are moving stock between branches or restocking a shop on a regular schedule.
• The receiver has no fixed deadline.
• You are sending to a regional town where overnight is not available anyway.

Because economy is priced on chargeable weight, it pays to understand volumetric weight and pack in a well-fitted box.

What about same day?

If it has to arrive today, neither overnight nor economy will do. Same-day courier collects and delivers on the same day within a metro or between nearby towns, subject to availability. See all the options on our courier options page.

Still not sure?

Tell us what you are sending, where it is going and when it needs to arrive. We will recommend the right service and send you a clear price.