In logistics, there are situations where standard lead times simply aren’t an option. A production line has come to a standstill. A trade show opens tomorrow morning. A spare part needs to arrive today. This is exactly when express delivery comes into play.
What Is an Express Delivery?
An express delivery is a transport where speed is the primary requirement. In practice, this means:
- Direct delivery without detours or intermediate stops
- Immediate pickup — often within a few hours of placing the order
- Dedicated vehicle — used exclusively for your shipment
- Real-time communication with the driver throughout transit
Unlike groupage or general cargo, no other goods are loaded onto the vehicle. It drives directly from A to B.
When Do I Need an Express Delivery?
Express deliveries aren’t a luxury — in certain situations, they’re an economic necessity:
Production supply: A supplier has missed a delivery and the production line is at risk of stopping. Every hour of downtime costs more than the transport itself.
Trade show and event goods: Setup begins tomorrow, but the materials aren’t there yet. An express delivery can run late into the night or across weekends.
Spare parts and repairs: Machinery, vehicles, or equipment have broken down. The part is needed now — not in two days.
Time-critical contracts: Penalty clauses for late delivery can vastly exceed the cost of an express shipment.
Which Vehicles Are Used?
Depending on the size and weight of the shipment, different vehicle types are deployed:
- Courier vans (up to ~1 tonne) — for small, time-critical consignments
- Sprinter vans (up to ~3.5 tonnes) — for medium-sized goods
- Trucks and articulated lorries — when volume demands it, even under urgent timescales
What Does an Express Delivery Cost?
There’s no fixed answer — the price depends on:
- Distance and route
- Vehicle type required
- Availability at the requested time
- Additional requirements (night driving, weekends, special cargo)
As a rough guide: express deliveries cost more than standard transport, but considerably less than the economic damage caused by a delayed shipment.
How to Book an Express Delivery
At ALPI-TRANS, the process is direct and straightforward. You tell us the situation — pickup location, destination, goods, desired timing. We confirm vehicle availability and price. For urgent cases, we’re reachable by phone or WhatsApp.
No call centres. No ticketing systems. One point of contact.