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Expedited freight?

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 7:40 am
by Macavity
Hi all,
could anyone give me a little help with the term "expedited freight". Why is it so called? What , if any, is the difference between this and "express freight"? Is the term taken from expedite = to hasten, speed up; or is it more to do with expedient = by all means necessary, etc.; or a mixture of both. It seems to be more American English than British, as far as I can tell. Thanks.

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:18 am
by strider
I'm not really sure, but it's a term I hear from time to time.

I think the word is, as you say, 'expedite', as in freight that has to be sent quickly (or, as quickly as possible). But I think the word has come to mean simply freight that has been sent (eg, We have expediated the freight, as requested)

Anyone else?

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:17 pm
by Lorikeet
I always thought it meant "cut the red tape to make it go faster" but I don't work for a company. ;)

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 7:38 am
by Macavity
Thanks!