e-Express shipping is a popular, affordable international delivery method used for small parcels shipped from China. Many eCommerce sellers—especially those on platforms like eBay, AliExpress, and Wish—choose e-Express for its balance of speed and cost.
e-Express shipments from China are transported by air. However, the type of service and delivery speed vary depending on the destination country and the postal operator handling the delivery.
1.What Is e-Express Shipping?
e-Express is a postal air service created by China Post in cooperation with international postal systems. It’s designed for shipping lightweight parcels (usually under 2kg) to overseas markets—especially for cross-border eCommerce.
It combines China Post logistics with destination country postal services such as USPS (USA), Royal Mail (UK), Canada Post, La Poste (France), and others.
2.Is e-Express Air Shipping?
e-Express shipping is carried by air during the international segment of its journey.
Here’s how it typically works:
| Shipping Stage | Mode of Transport |
|---|---|
| 1. From Seller to China Post | Ground (truck, courier) |
| 2. China to Destination Country | Airplane |
| 3. Delivery in Destination | Local post (ground) |
So while it may not be a commercial express courier like DHL or FedEx, e-Express still uses air freight to reach the destination country.
3.e-Express vs. Other Shipping Methods
| Method | Transport Mode | Speed | Tracking | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Express | Airplane (Postal Air) | 7–20 days | Basic | Low |
| EMS | Airplane (Faster) | 5–10 days | Yes | Medium |
| DHL/FedEx/UPS | Airplane (Priority) | 2–5 days | Full | High |
| Surface Mail | Sea | 30–60 days | Limited | Very Low |
e-Express is slower than express couriers, but faster and more reliable than surface mail, making it ideal for small online orders where budget matters.
4.How Long Does e-Express Take?
Typical delivery times (subject to customs and season):
| Destination | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| USA | 7–15 business days |
| UK | 7–14 business days |
| Germany/France | 10–20 business days |
| Australia | 7–15 business days |
| Canada | 10–18 business days |
5.Pros and Cons of e-Express
Pros:
- Low shipping cost
- Uses air transport for faster transit
- Suitable for parcels under 2kg
- Basic tracking available
- Ideal for online retail and small goods
Cons:
- Slower than express couriers
- Limited tracking in some countries
- Delays possible during customs clearance
- Not suitable for high-value or urgent items
Final Thoughts
e-Express shipping from China does use airplanes, making it a relatively fast and economical choice for cross-border eCommerce. If you’re shipping lightweight, non-urgent goods, e-Express provides a balance of cost and speed. Just be aware that it’s not a premium service—delivery times can vary, and tracking may be limited.
Need a Shipping Quote?
Click below to get a free, no-obligation quote from TJ China Freight.
We’ll respond within 24 hours with the best shipping options for your cargo.
FAQ:
Q1: Is e-Express reliable for international delivery?
Yes, while not the fastest, e-Express is relatively reliable and often used by international sellers for light parcels.
Q2: Is tracking available with e-Express?
Basic tracking is included, but it may not update in real time after the parcel leaves China.
Q3:Can e-Express be used for Amazon FBA or B2B shipping?
Not recommended. It’s mainly for small eCommerce orders, not for large-scale or urgent shipments.
Q4: Are e-Express packages delivered by plane or ship?
They are delivered by airplane during the international leg of transport.