The Best Courier and Delivery Options for Small Bakery Businesses

When you run a small bakery, shipping can get tricky. Your products are perishable, delicate, and sometimes temperature-sensitive. Choosing the right shipping method makes sure that your treats arrive fresh, intact, and on time—without costing you (or your customer) a fortune.

TL;DR: What to Use and When

Ultimately, the right option will always depend on what you’re selling, how far it needs to travel, and how fast it needs to get there. Here’s a breakdown of options based on different delivery needs:

🏠 For Local Deliveries (Same-Day or Next-Day)

If you’re delivering within your city or nearby areas, same-day courier apps or local delivery services are your best bet. Great for cupcakes, cakes, and pastries that don’t travel well.

Here are some good platforms for you:

• Uber Eats / DoorDash / Grubhub

  • Best for: Cookies, brownies, pastries, dessert boxes, or anything already chilled and ready to go

  • Great if you're listed on the platform or offering “pickup + delivery” directly from your website

• Roadie (by UPS)

  • Best for: Large or fragile deliveries like full-sized cakes, multi-tiered cupcakes, or bread trays

  • You can schedule same-day local delivery or even regional drop-offs

• Local courier services or third-party delivery platforms

  • Look for services that partner with small businesses in your city (e.g., Relay, Dropoff, or independent couriers)

📬 2. USPS Priority Mail (1–3 Days Nationwide)

USPS Priority Mail is one of the most accessible, cost-effective options for small businesses in the U.S. It’s available at all post offices and includes tracking and $100 of insurance.

• Best for: Cookies, bars, granola, loaf cakes (like banana bread), and biscotti

• Avoid using this for frosted cupcakes or anything too delicate or temperature-sensitive

• Offers flat-rate boxes for predictable shipping costs

Pair your baked goods with Impack’s glassine bags (greaseproof and food-safe), then tuck them inside a mailer box to keep things secure. Here's a handy guide for bakery packaging!

🚚 3. UPS Ground (1–5 Days, Based on Distance)

UPS Ground is a solid option for bulkier shipments or baked goods that need a little more care in handling. It's more structured than USPS and typically faster for nearby states.

• Best for: Cookie gift boxes, sampler packs, packaged bars, holiday orders

• More reliable tracking and estimated delivery windows than USPS

• Offers discounted business accounts and pick-up services

Tip: Use UPS if you ship frequently and want dependable delivery + better customer service access.

🛩️ 4. FedEx Express Saver & FedEx 2Day (2–3 Days)

These FedEx services are great for products that need to get there quickly but don’t require overnight shipping.

• Best for: Fresh-baked items with shorter shelf lives, corporate gift boxes, or products that look best when fresh (like soft cookies or brownies)

• More consistent than USPS and ideal for customers outside your region

• You can drop off at a FedEx location or schedule a pickup

💡 Don’t forget to brand your packages! Add custom thank-you stickers from Impack and use a printed insert or care card with reheating or storage tips.

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✈️ 5. FedEx Overnight / UPS Next Day Air

These premium options are expensive—but they’re perfect when freshness and speed are top priorities.

• Best for: Launch boxes, influencer seeding kits, corporate gifting, or baked goods for special occasions

• Ideal for high-value orders or time-sensitive items (especially during holidays)

✅ Be sure to test ship your items before you offer next-day shipping to customers. Some products may still shift or melt without cold packs or internal support.

🌎 6. DHL Express (For International Orders)

If you’re offering shelf-stable treats like shortbread, dry cookies, or baked goods in jars or tins, DHL Express is one of the most reliable international carriers.

• Best for: International gift boxes, wholesale orders of non-perishable baked goods

• Comes with premium rates and fast delivery times (2–5 days international)

• Be mindful of food import/export regulations in each country

Shipping methods to avoid for baked goods:

Some methods may seem cheap, but they’re risky when shipping baked goods.

• USPS Media Mail or First-Class Mail – Not meant for food; unreliable for perishables

• Standard USPS without tracking – Can result in lost packages or delays

• No-label DIY deliveries – Without proper packaging, presentation, and documentation, this reflects poorly on your brand and risks damage

How to Ship Baked Goods Safely (No Matter the Courier)

No matter which shipping method you use, a few packaging rules always apply:

• Layer properly: Use glassine bags or parchment, then box, then mailer

• Label it well: Mark packages as Perishable, Fragile, or This Side Up

• Avoid empty space: Fill in gaps with crinkle paper, kraft filler, or food-safe padding

• Brand it with care: Use Impack’s custom stickers, thank-you notes, and kraft boxes to elevate your packaging

Shipping doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right courier and the right packaging, even the flakiest croissant or gooiest brownie can arrive looking and tasting exactly the way you intended.

Need packaging made for baked goods?

From greaseproof glassine bags to custom stickers, and eco-friendly shipping supplies, Impack has what your bakery needs to look polished and feel protected.

👉 Shop packaging designed with small businesses in mind.