What Are Business Days for Shipping? A Complete Guide
When you’re eagerly waiting for a package to arrive, one of the most confusing terms you may come across is “what are business days for shipping“. Whether you’re ordering online or sending something across the country, understanding business days can help you estimate your delivery timeline more accurately.
What Are Business Days for Shipping?
Business days for shipping typically refer to Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays. So, if a seller says your item will ship in 3 business days and you place your order on a Friday, the shipment may not leave their facility until the following Wednesday.
When trying to determine what are business days for shipping, remember:
- Saturday and Sunday are not counted.
- National holidays (like Christmas, New Year’s Day, or Independence Day) are excluded.
- Some businesses observe regional holidays as well.
Why Is Understanding Business Days Important?
Knowing what are business days for shipping helps manage your expectations. A common misconception is assuming a “3-day shipping” timeline includes weekends. But unless specified as “calendar days” or “express weekend delivery,” shipping timelines follow the business day format.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you order a product on Wednesday with “2 business day shipping.” If no holidays fall within that week:
- Thursday = Day 1
- Friday = Day 2
You can reasonably expect delivery by Friday. But if you ordered on Friday, the business days would start on Monday, and you’d get the item by Tuesday.
This is why knowing what are business days for shipping can prevent frustration caused by misunderstood delivery windows.
How Shipping Carriers Define Business Days
Different shipping companies may have slightly different definitions:
- UPS and FedEx typically treat Monday–Friday as business days, though they offer Saturday delivery at an extra cost.
- USPS operates on Saturdays for delivery but doesn’t always count Saturday as a business day for certain services.
- Amazon sometimes includes Saturdays and Sundays in their “two-day delivery” if you have Prime, but that’s due to their specific fulfillment network.
Despite differences, the rule of thumb for what are business days for shipping remains: Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
Are Business Days the Same for Every Company?
Not always. Some companies define what are business days for shipping based on their internal processing timelines. For instance:
- A company might say “ships in 1–2 business days,” meaning it will leave their warehouse in that timeframe, not arrive at your doorstep.
- Others may count only days when both their facility and carrier are operational.
That’s why it’s essential to check both shipping policies and processing times when you’re figuring out what are business days for shipping.
Tips to Calculate Business Days Accurately
- Use a business day calculator online.
- Count only weekdays (Mon–Fri) and skip holidays.
- Check the company’s shipping policy to understand processing delays.
Understanding what are business days for shipping becomes especially critical during holiday seasons when delays are more common.
Common Misunderstandings
Many shoppers mistakenly assume:
- “3-day shipping” = 3 calendar days (It’s usually 3 business days).
- “Shipping time” includes order processing (It often starts after processing).
- All carriers work the same schedule (They don’t).
By learning what are business days for shipping, you can better plan purchases—especially when timing is crucial, like for birthdays or holidays.
FAQs on What Are Business Days for Shipping
Q1. What are business days for shipping in the U.S.?
Business days in the U.S. are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
Q2. Do weekends count in business days for shipping?
No, weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are typically not counted.
Q3. If I order on Friday, when will shipping start?
Shipping may start on the next business day, usually Monday, unless the company processes orders on weekends.
Q4. Are holidays considered business days for shipping?
No, holidays are excluded from business days.
Q5. Is Saturday ever considered a business day?
Some services like USPS may deliver on Saturday, but it is not generally counted as a business day for processing.
Q6. How do I calculate business days for shipping?
Start from the next business day after the order date and count only weekdays, excluding holidays.
Q7. Do Amazon Prime deliveries follow business day rules?
Not strictly. Amazon may deliver on weekends, but their estimated delivery still factors in business days.
Q8. What are business days for shipping internationally?
International shipping also follows the business day format—Monday through Friday in the origin and destination countries.
Q9. Why is my “2-day shipping” taking 4 days?
Processing time and weekend delays may stretch the timeline beyond 2 business days.
Q10. Can weather or external events affect business days for shipping?
Yes, extreme weather or logistical issues can delay shipments even during normal business days.
By understanding what are business days for shipping, you’ll never be caught off guard waiting for that package again. Whether you’re shopping online or sending a gift, knowing the meaning of business days is essential for a smooth shipping experience.
