what does economy shipping mean Economy shipping refers to a slower, less expensive shipping method that prioritizes cost savings over speed. It’s typically used for non-urgent shipments, where delivery times of 5–10 business days are acceptable. While economy shipping is cheaper than expedited options like 2-day or overnight delivery, it may not offer the same tracking or insurance options. Businesses often choose economy shipping for less time-sensitive deliveries, balancing customer expectations with cost efficiency. Economy shipping can be ideal for bulk orders or international shipments.