Standard shipping is the most common delivery method used by online retailers, couriers, and postal services. It strikes a balance between speed and cost, making it ideal for everyday orders that aren’t urgent. But how long should you expect to wait?
In most cases, standard shipping takes between 2 and 5 working days for domestic UK deliveries. For international parcels, standard shipping can take anywhere from 5 to 21 working days, depending on the destination, the courier, and customs processing. It’s not the fastest option, but it’s reliable and generally affordable.
What Is Standard Shipping?
Standard shipping refers to a basic, non-expedited delivery option offered by most carriers. It’s usually slower than express or next-day services, but it's cheaper and widely available. In the UK, Royal Mail Second Class, Evri standard delivery, or Yodel's economy services are examples of standard shipping.
This type of shipping doesn’t usually include guaranteed delivery dates. It often comes with limited or no tracking, though some retailers now include basic tracking even for standard parcels.
How Long Does It Take in the UK?
For domestic orders within the UK, standard shipping typically takes 2 to 3 working days, although some services may quote up to 5 working days to account for processing delays, weekends, or busy periods.
Royal Mail Second Class usually delivers in 2 to 3 working days, while couriers like Evri or Yodel might take slightly longer, especially if the parcel is picked up from a collection point rather than a depot.
How Long Does It Take Internationally?
For international deliveries, standard shipping times vary widely. A parcel sent with Royal Mail International Standard to Europe can take 3 to 7 working days, while shipments to the US, Canada, or Australia can take 7 to 14 working days — sometimes longer if there are delays at customs.
When ordering from countries like China or the US to the UK, standard international shipping can take two to three weeks, or even longer during peak seasons or public holidays. The courier, shipping method, and whether customs duties apply all play a role in how fast your parcel arrives.
What Can Affect Standard Shipping Time?
Several factors influence how long standard shipping takes. These include the distance between the sender and recipient, how quickly the retailer processes the order, and the efficiency of the courier handling the parcel. Seasonal traffic, such as during Black Friday or Christmas, often causes delays.
Weather events, customs inspections, and incorrect address information can also slow down deliveries. In rural areas, shipping may take slightly longer due to reduced courier routes or depot coverage.
Can Standard Shipping Be Tracked?
Some standard shipping services now include basic tracking, particularly for larger retailers or when shipping through services like Royal Mail Tracked 48. However, not all standard delivery options include tracking, especially if the item is low-value or being sent through budget methods.
If tracking is important to you, it’s worth checking whether the retailer or courier provides a tracking number with their standard option, or if it's worth upgrading to a tracked service.
Is It Reliable?
Yes — standard shipping is generally very reliable, especially for domestic parcels. Most items arrive within the expected timeframe, and lost or damaged parcels are rare. If something goes missing, most couriers have a claims process in place, although compensation levels may be lower than with premium services.
For international standard deliveries, the reliability depends more on customs processing and the destination country’s postal system. Delays are more common, but the majority of parcels do arrive safely.
Does Standard Shipping Include Weekends?
Most standard shipping services in the UK operate Monday to Friday, with limited or no deliveries on weekends. Royal Mail Second Class does sometimes deliver on Saturdays, but this isn’t guaranteed and often depends on your local depot or area. Couriers like Evri or Yodel may offer weekend delivery on select routes, but standard shipping is generally not designed for weekend coverage. If your order is placed on a Friday, it may not move until the following Monday, especially outside of peak retail periods.
What If My Standard Delivery Is Late?
If your standard delivery hasn’t arrived within the estimated timeframe, the first step is to check any available tracking. If tracking isn’t included, give it a couple of extra working days, especially if the order was placed near a weekend or during a sale. Retailers usually allow 7 working days before considering a domestic UK order late.
For international standard shipping, delays are more common. Customs clearance, longer transit distances, or backlogs can cause parcels to arrive later than expected. Most retailers ask customers to wait up to 21 working days before requesting a refund or investigation.
When Should You Avoid Standard Shipping?
Standard shipping is ideal for low-priority items, but there are times when it’s worth choosing a faster or tracked option. If you’re ordering something for a birthday, event, or holiday — or if the item is high in value — it’s better to choose a tracked or express service. You’ll get more accurate updates and faster delivery, with better compensation in the rare event of a problem.
Standard shipping also isn’t recommended for perishable items, fragile products, or items needed within 48 hours. While it’s affordable, it trades speed and detail for cost savings — so it’s best suited to orders where timing isn’t critical.
Summary
Standard shipping is a cost-effective and commonly used delivery method that typically takes 2 to 5 working days in the UK, and 5 to 21 working days internationally, depending on the destination. While it’s slower than express options, it’s suitable for non-urgent deliveries and widely available. As long as you’re not in a rush and the retailer is reputable, standard shipping offers good value and dependable service — just be sure to double-check delivery windows before placing your order.