Expedited shipping is used when your freight needs to be prioritized and delivered immediately. These specialty services are typically reserved for when you absolutely need to get something from point A to point B as soon as possible. Brokers are at an advantage with expedited shipping due to the fact that they have access to trucks located where your freight is right now.
The urgency that the shipment is needed is what makes expedited shipping a specialty service. The time that the freight needs to be delivered is the biggest piece of information needed to generate an accurate expedited freight quote so, make sure you have that locked down before moving forward. Additionally, there are the usual factors that impact all shipping such as distance, weight, and cargo classification.
As a shipper, you want to cut down on your lead time as much as possible when shipping expedited so that you are not paying too much of a premium, there is a big difference in needing something delivered in one day versus two days. Start planning immediately or have a contracted logistics company that can handle any emergency you have.