FedEx launches same-day delivery service for small businesses to compete with Amazon

WASHINGTON — FedEx is launching a new same-day delivery option to help smaller retailers compete with large shipping chains like Amazon and Wal-Mart. 

The carrier announced the same-day service with two options, a two-hour delivery for same-city deliveries and an end-of-day delivery for longer distances. 

For consumers, the quick options may mean faster shipping times from their favorite local stores, even ones that haven’t traditionally offered delivery in the past. FedEx said it would partner with a courier company called OneRail to handle the quick deliveries. 

It’s FedEx’s way of competing with the increasingly fast speed of Amazon deliveries. The Seattle-based online shopping giant recently announced one-hour delivery for Prime customers in certain locations, for an extra $10. 

Retailers who use the same-day delivery option can either make it a visible option for online shoppers or build it into the cost of merchandise. 

On the FedEx website, the company provided some additional details about what can or can’t be shipped with same-day delivery. 

Envelopes or packages weighing up to 150 pounds total can be sent using the FedEx “SameDay” feature. But the company will need prior approval if any of the packages exceeds 70 pounds or 48 inches in size. 

For the heavier side of things, there’s a “SameDay Freight” option, which allows pallets of goods or multiple packages bound together to be sent. Those packages will only need prior approval if one item weighs more than 2,200 pounds or exceeds 70 inches in height, 119 inches in length, or 80 inches in width.

The exact cost of the program isn’t static and can change based on the weight, distance and other factors. Retailers interested in trying the same-day shipping options can contact FedEx on the company’s website to get a quote. 

CNN contributed to this story.