Shipping ETA guide
Shipping ETA in business days
Shipping ETA in business days is how many working days a carrier expects from dispatch to delivery. This guide explains what “3–5” or “5–10” business days really mean, why destination holidays matter, and how a business day calculator helps you exclude weekends and holidays when setting expectations.
Published: December 28, 2025 · Updated: December 28, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only; not legal or financial advice.
- Examples are illustrative and simplified.
- Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
- Carrier and customs delays can change timelines.
- See the Privacy Policy; do not share personal data.
Quick answer: shipping ETA in business days
- Business days typically exclude weekends and some public holidays.
- A “3–5 business days” window can span more than a week on the calendar.
- Destination weekends and holidays can matter as much as the origin.
How carriers use business days
Carriers often separate dispatch time from transit time. A label such as “ships in 1–2 business days” describes dispatch, while “arrives in 3–5 business days” describes transit. Business days exclude weekends and usually public holidays. Cutoff times (for example, orders after 3pm shipping next business day) also change the start.
What “3–5” vs “5–10” business days can look like
Shorter windows feel faster but can still span a full week on the calendar. Longer windows often cross weekends and holidays, so clearly state that business days are used and that carrier policies vary.
| Quoted window | What it means | What can stretch it |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 business days | Often a week or a little more on the calendar. | Weekend at origin/destination, a public holiday, late-day cutoff. |
| 5–10 business days | Roughly one to two calendar weeks or more. | Multiple weekends, holiday weeks, customs inspection. |
Destination weekends and holidays
Delivery depends on where the package is going. Destination depots may follow different weekends, such as Sun–Thu workweeks, and local public holidays can pause delivery. Add destination holidays or use a custom weekend pattern so the ETA reflects the receiver’s calendar.
Worked examples
Example A: Dispatch Friday, quote 3–5 business days
Inputs: dispatch Friday, weekend Sat–Sun, no holidays. Estimated window: Thursday to the following Monday (illustrative).
Example B: Quote 5–10 business days across a holiday week
Inputs: dispatch Monday, one holiday mid-range, weekend Sat–Sun. Estimated window shifts by at least one business day (illustrative).
Example C: International with different destination weekend
Inputs: dispatch Tuesday, origin weekend Sat–Sun, destination weekend Fri–Sat. Destination weekend changes which days are skipped (illustrative).
Customer facing ETA tips
- Show a date range, not a single date.
- Mention that the window is in business days.
- Note peak-season holiday periods plainly.
- State your dispatch cutoff time.
- Encourage customers to use tracking updates.
- Keep the message consistent across channels.
- Highlight destination-specific holidays when relevant.
- Avoid promises; say estimates can change with carrier delays.
How to estimate dates with the calculator
- Set dispatch date as the start date.
- Add business days for the minimum and maximum range (run two scenarios).
- Choose the weekend pattern for the destination.
- Select the destination holiday preset if relevant.
- Add custom closure days when needed.
FAQ
What does “business days” mean for shipping?
Working days that usually exclude weekends and some holidays. Carriers define this in their policy.
Do weekends count in delivery estimates?
Usually no. Weekend days are skipped unless the carrier offers weekend delivery.
Do public holidays affect delivery?
Yes. Origin or destination holidays can pause movement and shift the ETA.
What is the difference between dispatch time and transit time?
Dispatch is handoff speed; transit is the carrier’s time after pickup.
How do I convert 3–5 business days into dates?
Use a business day calculator with your dispatch date, weekend pattern, and holiday list to get the range.
Why does the destination holiday calendar matter?
Local holidays and weekend patterns determine which days the last-mile depot operates.
Should I show a range or a single date?
A range is clearer because carrier policies and delays can shift delivery.
Is this a delivery guarantee?
No. It is educational guidance. Actual delivery depends on the carrier and customs.