When it comes to shipping oversized or heavy items, not all delivery services are created equal. Whether you’re a business fulfilling large orders or an individual sending bulky goods like furniture or appliances, choosing the right large package courier is essential. But once you’ve found a courier capable of handling your item’s size and weight, the next decision is just as important—should you choose express or economy delivery?
Each option comes with its own benefits and trade-offs. Express delivery is fast and reliable but can be expensive, while economy services offer better rates with slower delivery times. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between express and economy options, helping you decide which is the better fit for your timeline, budget, and delivery goals.
Why Choose a Large Package Courier?
Sending large or bulky items requires more than just a standard parcel service. Whether you’re shipping furniture, appliances, gym equipment, or large eCommerce orders, you need a courier that understands oversized logistics. This is where a large package courier comes in.
Unlike regular courier services, large package couriers handle:
- Extra-heavy shipments (typically over 30 kg)
- Oversized boxes (above 120 cm)
- Non-standard shapes (furniture, tools, or equipment)
Choosing the right delivery speed—express or economy—is key to balancing cost, urgency, and reliability.
Express vs Economy Delivery: Key Differences
| Feature | Express Delivery | Economy Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1–2 business days | 3–7 business days |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Tracking | Real-time with updates | Basic or delayed |
| Best For | Urgent items, perishable or time-sensitive | Cost savings on non-urgent items |
| Insurance | Often included | Optional or basic |
| Availability | Often limited to urban areas | Available across wider regions |
When to Use Express Delivery for Large Packages
Express delivery offers the fastest turnaround time—ideal for:
- eCommerce businesses promising next-day delivery
- Clients awaiting a product or part urgently
- Fragile or high-value goods requiring safe, quick handling
Common use cases:
- Last-minute furniture delivery
- Appliance swaps and repairs
- Event equipment needed same-day or overnight
Benefits of Express Delivery:
- Guaranteed delivery windows
- Faster customer satisfaction
- Priority handling and better tracking
🔧 Service Example: Zig Couriers offers same-day and next-day large package courier services with tracking, flexible pickup times, and real-time customer support.
When to Choose Economy Delivery for Large Packages
Economy delivery is slower but more budget-friendly. It’s perfect when:
- Time isn’t urgent (e.g., within a week)
- The item isn’t fragile or perishable
- You want to reduce logistics costs for personal or bulk deliveries
Use cases include:
- Sending furniture or appliances between cities
- Shipping products in bulk to a warehouse
- Delivering bulky donations or second-hand goods
Benefits of Economy Delivery:
- Affordable rates
- Greater service area coverage
- Flexible scheduling
Best Large Package Courier Services Offering Both Express & Economy
| Courier | Express Delivery | Economy Delivery | Best For |
| Zig Couriers (UK) | Same-day, next-day | 2–5 day standard | Furniture, home goods, eCommerce |
| UPS | Worldwide Express | Standard shipping | Cross-border commercial parcels |
| DHL Express XXL | Fast international | Lower-tier air/ground | Fragile or valuable shipments |
| FedEx Freight | 1–2 day freight | Ground economy | Pallet shipping, industrial loads |
| AnyVan / Shiply | Flexible pickup windows | Bidding system | Furniture, moving large home items |
Sample Pricing Comparison
Here’s a snapshot of estimated delivery costs based on 2025 rates for a 50kg package shipped within the UK:
| Item | Express Delivery | Economy Delivery |
| Sofa | £90–£130 | £55–£75 |
| Washing machine | £80–£110 | £50–£65 |
| Pallet (bulk stock) | £110–£160 | £65–£95 |
Note: Prices vary depending on distance, packaging, time of day, and courier.
What to Consider Before Choosing Express or Economy
When selecting your delivery type, ask yourself:
1. How urgent is the delivery?
- Choose Express: For events, installations, business needs
- Choose Economy: For flexible timelines or low-priority items
2. What’s the value of the item?
- Express includes better tracking and usually insurance
3. Is the item fragile or awkwardly shaped?
- Express services often offer better handling for sensitive items
4. What’s your budget?
- Economy is usually 30–50% cheaper, but less flexible
Expert Tip: Mix & Match for Efficiency
Many businesses mix delivery types:
- Use express for VIP orders or limited-time offers
- Use economy for regular shipments to warehouses or distributors
This strategy helps maintain fast service where needed while cutting unnecessary costs.
Switching from Express to Economy (or Vice Versa)
Most modern courier services allow switching between services based on:
- Inventory availability
- Delivery calendar
- Budget constraints
For example, Zig Couriers offers custom quotes for both express and economy options based on your parcel’s size, location, and urgency.
Add-On Services to Consider
Whether you go with express or economy, the following add-ons can improve your delivery experience:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Insurance up to £10,000
- Two-person lift and carry service
- Packaging support (crates, wraps, pallets)
- Disassembly or setup (for appliances/furniture)
Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?
The decision between express vs economy large package courier delivery comes down to two things: urgency and budget.
- Choose Express if speed, security, and support are your priority.
- Choose Economy if cost-saving and flexibility outweigh speed.
Ready to book a delivery? Zig Couriers offers reliable, UK-wide express and economy delivery options for large and heavy packages. Request a quote today and get moving.