What is Rush Order?

A rush order is any order that requires faster-than-normal processing and delivery, usually because the customer has paid for expedited shipping or the business has committed to an accelerated delivery timeline. Rush orders bypass the standard fulfillment queue and receive priority handling at every stage—from processing and picking to carrier selection and shipment.

Why It Matters

Rush orders represent high-value customer interactions. Customers who pay for expedited shipping have higher expectations and lower tolerance for delays. Meeting rush delivery promises builds loyalty and justifies premium pricing. Failing to meet them causes outsized negative impact—a customer who paid extra for speed and did not receive it is far more likely to leave a negative review or request a refund than one on standard shipping.

How It Works

• Identification: Rush orders are automatically flagged based on shipping method selection (overnight, 2-day), SLA requirements, or manual priority assignment.
• Priority Queue: Rush orders jump to the front of the fulfillment queue, bypassing standard orders. They are picked, packed, and labeled ahead of other work.
• Carrier Selection: The system selects the fastest available carrier service that meets the delivery deadline, factoring in cutoff times and transit zones.
• Cutoff Management: Rush order handling respects carrier pickup cutoff times. An order placed at 3 PM might still make same-day shipment if the carrier pickup is at 5 PM.

How Nventory Helps

Nventory automatically identifies and prioritizes rush orders across all channels, ensuring they are processed ahead of standard orders and matched with the appropriate carrier service to meet delivery commitments. The system tracks carrier cutoff times and alerts your team when rush orders are at risk of missing their shipping window.