When I order something online, the first thing I look at is the shipping time. But I’ve learned that the phrase “business days” can be confusing if you’re not used to it. Many people end up searching “What is business days in shipping?” because the answer isn’t always clear.
Does it mean the package will arrive in a few calendar days? Or does it skip weekends and holidays? And what about Saturday, does that count as a business day for shipping or not?
I’ve had times when I expected a package on Saturday, only to realize the carrier didn’t treat it as a working day.
In this blog, I’ll explain what business days really mean, how carriers handle Saturdays, and what you should know so you’re not caught off guard.
What is Business Days in Shipping?
A business day in shipping usually means Monday through Friday, not counting weekends or public holidays.
It’s the time carriers and warehouses are open and moving packages. When you see “3 business days” at checkout, it doesn’t mean three calendar days.
For example, if you order on Thursday and the shipping time is three business days, your package likely won’t arrive until Tuesday, since Saturday and Sunday don’t count.
Knowing this difference matters because it helps set the right expectations. Many people get confused and expect faster delivery, but carriers follow business days for their timelines.
Simply put, business days are the workweek days that shipping companies use to handle and deliver your orders.
Do Shipping Carriers Consider Saturday a Business Day?
I know that it’s not always clear if Saturday counts as a business day. Different carriers have their own rules, and it depends on the service you choose.
- USPS usually treats Saturday as a delivery day.
- UPS and FedEx primarily consider Monday through Friday as business days.
- Saturday delivery with UPS or FedEx often costs extra or requires special services.
Carrier Business Day Comparison
| Carrier | Standard Business Days | Saturday Delivery Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Monday – Saturday | Yes, for many services | Priority Mail and some others deliver on Saturdays |
| UPS | Monday – Friday | Yes, but limited services | Often requires extra fee or premium shipping |
| FedEx | Monday – Friday | Yes, with select services | FedEx Home Delivery and Overnight may include Saturday |
Saturday might count, but only with the right carrier and service. Always check before you ship so you know what to expect.
Why Shipping Carriers Are Adapting to Saturday Operations
Weekend delivery has become more common because customer expectations are changing. Carriers now see Saturday as a way to stay competitive and meet growing demand.
- E-commerce growth: Online shopping continues to rise, creating pressure for faster delivery.
- Customer expectations: Shoppers want flexibility and don’t want to wait through weekends.
- Competitive advantage: Offering Saturday delivery helps carriers stand out from rivals.
- Retail partnerships: Many businesses rely on weekend shipping to keep customers happy.
Saturday operations are less about tradition and more about meeting modern shipping needs. Carriers adapt because speed and convenience matter more than ever.
Does Saturday Count as a Business Day?
Saturday shipping isn’t the same for everyone. A few key factors decide if it counts as a business day or not.
1. Carrier and Service Type
The biggest factor is which carrier you’re using and the service level you choose.
USPS often includes Saturday as a delivery day for many of its services, while UPS and FedEx usually stick to Monday through Friday for standard shipping.
However, both offer Saturday delivery if you pay for premium services. This means that two packages sent on the same day could have different timelines depending on which service was selected.
2. Geography and Delivery Zone
In large cities and metro areas, Saturday delivery is more common and easier for carriers to manage. In smaller towns or rural areas, carriers may not offer Saturday service at all, or it might come with extra fees.
Some regions have limited staffing or fewer delivery routes on weekends, which can make Saturday less reliable. The same carrier can treat Saturday differently depending on the location of the shipment.
3. Holidays and Special Events
Public holidays and certain events can shift how Saturdays are handled. For example, if a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, Saturday delivery might not happen because carriers adjust their schedules.
Seasonal demand, like during the holiday shopping rush, may also lead to exceptions. Carriers sometimes suspend Saturday deliveries in areas with extreme weather or during local events.
These outside factors can make Saturday unpredictable, even if it’s usually treated as a business day.
4. Operational Hours and Facility Schedules
Not all facilities run at full capacity on Saturdays. Some distribution centers and local hubs close early or work with reduced staff.
This means your package might move forward in the system but not get delivered until the next full business day. Cut-off times also matter – if a package misses Friday’s deadline, it may not get processed until Monday.
Understanding the operational schedule in your area helps you know if Saturday really counts toward delivery.
Calculating Delivery Timelines: How to Get It Right
Shipping timelines can feel tricky, but they don’t have to be. Knowing what counts as a business day helps you avoid surprises.
- Check service terms: Some carriers include Saturday, others don’t.
- Know cut-off times: Orders received after the daily cut-off usually start processing the next business day.
- Watch holidays: Public holidays can delay shipments even if they fall on a weekday.
- Use tracking tools: Carrier websites and apps give the most accurate delivery windows.
- Plan ahead: Always add extra time if you need a package by a specific date.
With these steps, I find shipping estimates much easier to understand, and it helps me feel more confident that packages will arrive when expected.
Conclusion
Understanding what is business days in shipping makes a big difference when planning deliveries.
Weekdays are almost always safe to count, but Saturdays can be tricky depending on the carrier and the service chosen. USPS often includes Saturday, while UPS and FedEx usually require special options.
Holidays, cut-off times, and location can also change the timeline. That’s why it’s always best to read the shipping details carefully before placing an order.
I’ve learned that setting clear expectations helps avoid frustration and makes waiting for packages less stressful.
If you want more practical guides on delivery times, shipping costs, and carrier options, read my other blogs for tips that make shipping simpler and more predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international shipments follow the same business day rules?
Not always. International shipping depends on the carrier and the country. Some countries treat Saturdays as working days, while others don’t. Customs clearance can also add extra time beyond business days.
Are return shipments counted in business days the same way?
Yes. When you return an item, the carrier still follows its normal business day schedule. The only difference is that the processing time at the retailer may add extra days.
Do business days apply to customer service, too?
Yes. Many carrier customer service centers follow business-day hours. If you need help on a weekend, support may be limited or unavailable.
