What Does Shipping Mean?

You have placed an order in an online store, and you are waiting for when your package will arrive in your hands. So you get an update from that online store which says, “Your order has been shipped”. You may need clarification. Why so? The delivery date for your item is after the next 3/4 business days.

“Shipping”, “Out for Delivery” – this tracking status or message represents a step in the chain process of providing the package. And these two are different things. The “package is shipped”, which means that the package has been packed and dispatched or shipped. It can be located anywhere between the starting point and the final destination.

This article will provide a complete guide on what does shipping mean?  Furthermore, we will also clarify the difference between the concepts “Shipping” and “Out for delivery” for an order in this article. Let’s begin!

What Does Shipping Mean?

Shipping indicates that the seller has given possession of the package to the courier. This is the second stage of the common logistic route. In the logistics pipeline, the first step is to process a customer’s order, in which the seller packages the ordered item with a shipping label.

Once they have prepared everything, they deliver it to a courier such as USPS or UPS. The courier travels a great distance to deliver the goods to your address throughout the shipping process.

In the third step of the process, they either entrust the task to a courier or personally hand it over to someone. The third step is last-mile delivery. It indicates that the package has arrived at the post office or local convenience store that is closest to you.

If the carrier themselves handles last-mile delivery, they will sort the packages into smaller trucks for distribution.

If the carrier has designated a third party to handle last-mile delivery, they will transport the package to the proper location. A fresh courier will pick up the box and deliver it to your location when they arrive. You can now consider the shipping process to be complete. More precisely, it is the “Out for delivery” phase.

Factors on which Depend How Long the Shipping Process Will Take

It is impossible to determine the exact duration of the shipping process in a single word, as it depends on various factors. These factors include:

• The delivery method you choose
• Your location
• Distance from the seller 
• Weather conditions 
• Package item 
• The package’s dimensions

If you choose Priority or Express shipping for your package, it will be delivered within 1 to 3 days. Please note that Express shipping incurs additional charges. Therefore, opting for express shipping will require you to pay a higher fee.

In contrast, if you select standard shipping, the package will arrive within 2 to 8 days.

Shipping larger items necessitates special packaging, which may result in longer delivery times. Similarly, if an item requires transportation through a cold chain, it may take more time to reach its destination.

Does Shipping Mean Delivered?

Shipping does not mean delivery. Delivered has another meaning. Tracking Status “Shipped” means this package has left for its destination. The shipment is somewhere in between the seller’s location and the destination where the package is to be delivered. 

When the tracking information confirms the delivery of your shipment, it signifies the completion of the shipment process. At this stage, your package is en route to its final destination and will soon reach you.

Also Read – Does UPS Deliver To PO Boxes?

What Is The Difference Between “Shipping” And “Out For Delivery”?

When you place an order, you will receive two different tracking statuses – “Shipping” and “Out for delivery“. The procedure of a courier picking up an item from the seller and transporting it over a significant distance to your location is referred to as shipping.

Depending on the resources available with the courier and the distance they have to cover, this process can be on land or by air. It is “Out for delivery” in the second important phase.

A shipment is ready for delivery only if it has already arrived at a nearby facility. The local convenience store completes the sorting of the package and dispatches it for delivery to the recipient.

However, when your package reaches your home, you can expect it only when you get the “Out for delivery” tracking status. The delivery to your home can happen today or tomorrow. 

The shipping process includes “Shipping” and “Out for delivery”. “Shipping” refers to the long journey from the seller’s in-house to its final destination, while “Out for delivery” refers to the short distance from the final destination to your home.

Also Read – How Many Stamps Do I Need for International Shipping? 2023 Updates

What does it indicate when the seller or online store ships your order?

If you believe an item is immediately shipped as soon as you place an order or purchase online, you might be mistaken. Before shipping, orders undergo a processing stage.

The seller usually handles the majority of orders if they manage the process themselves. In the case of a custom item, the maker must first create it.

During order processing, certain activities such as “Producing the item” if it hasn’t been produced yet and “Verifying payment” to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the purchase are typically carried out.

Once the payment check-out is complete and your ordered item is ready, the seller will package and label your item. In the next step, they provide it to a courier who begins shipping it to its destination. 

You will be notified of item shipping as soon as your item is shipped. But, it does not imply that the item is reaching your home. Instead, it indicates that the seller has given a courier control of the delivery.

How Long Does Shipping Take?

Everyone is eager to receive their packages soon. However, it’s only sometimes possible. Standard shipping dates typically range from one day to one week for delivery. For large items, sometimes it may take longer. 

The amount you spend for shipping typically affects how quickly your order is shipped and delivered to your doorstep. Paying more is a way to get orders faster. In fact, you can give your package priority by paying more.

You don’t have to wait in line for your item to be loaded onto a truck. Moreover, we will expedite the shipment by opting for air transport instead of the land route.

Air shipping is expensive. Hence, you have to pay more shipping costs. You are prioritizing your purchase by air shipping. You can expect the delivery the next day or in two to three days.  

Conversely, if you decide to pay standard shipping rates, you can anticipate your goods to arrive in five days or more. The majority of online stores deliver goods in a week or a week and a half. Amazon is renowned for its quick shipping. Amazon delivers faster, depending on location.

Also Read – Does USPS deliver on Sundays? 2023 Updates

What are the Tracking Terms for Typical Delivery?

In addition to “Shipped” and “Out for Delivery,” you can observe other delivery stages related to your item. When your package is scanned, the tracking status is updated.

Following is a list of typical tracking statuses you could encounter when following up on shipments:

• Accepted by Carrier: When your tracking status says “Accepted by carrier,” the shipper has started the delivery procedure by giving the delivery service your item. The shipping company has accepted the delivery and will now complete the delivery.

• In Transit: In transit” indicates that the package is now travelling from its point of origin to its final destination.

• Out for Delivery: “Out for delivery” indicates that the package has arrived at the local delivery facility and is out for delivery to the recipient’s address.

• Delivered: Tracking status “Delivered” means the package has been delivered to the recipient at his address.

• Failed Delivery Attempt: There was an issue or an unsuccessful delivery attempt. This status may indicate reasons, such as an incorrect address, recipient unavailable, etc. 

• Held at Location: This status indicates that the package is being held at a specific location, such as a post office or a courier facility, and is awaiting further instructions or pickup by the recipient.

• Return to Sender: It means that the package is being returned to the sender due to various reasons, like an incorrect address, undeliverable recipient, or recipient refusal.

• Customs Clearance: The package has arrived at customs and is undergoing necessary customs procedures and inspections before it is released for delivery.

• Delayed: “Delayed” status indicates the package is not progressing as planned. Shipping procedures may be delayed because of unexpected circumstances.

• In Warehouse/Processing: The package has arrived at a warehouse or processing facility. It is being sorted, organized, or undergoing other internal procedures before being sent for delivery.

• On Hold: “On hold’ indicates that the package is temporarily on hold due to various reasons, such as customs clearance, payment verification, or investigation of a shipment issue.

Also Read – 12 Reasons Why Your DHL Shipment On Hold

• Return in Progress: The package is in the process of being returned to the sender or the original location.

Please note that these tracking statuses can vary depending on the carrier or shipping company you are using. Besides, there may be additional statuses specific to certain carriers.

What Causes Delays In Shipping?

There are a number of things that can delay shipping. Here are some common reasons:

1. Distance from the Seller 

The distance between you and the seller will have an impact on how long it takes for you to get your item. If there is more distance between your location and the seller’s, shipping will take longer. Conversely, the shipment will be quicker if you live close enough to the seller’s location.

2. Weather-Related Air Travel Delays

Weather delays may affect air travel shipment times. There is no doubt that air travel is the most effective and fastest way to send packages quickly over long distances, but it is also true that even air travel can sometimes cause delays. Factors such as high wind and fog can cause problems for planes to take off or land. Bad weather causes delays even for the fastest delivery aircraft.

3. Weather-Related Ground Travel Delays

Adverse weather can affect land travel. Trucks and vans are more prone to bad weather because they travel farther and at higher speeds than aeroplanes. So due to bad weather, there may be delays in delivery.

4. Late-Night Shipping 

The courier’s late arrival at the facility centre can also be a reason for late shipping. Several factors may be responsible for the delayed arrival. The problem with arriving at a facility late at night is that there is usually either no crew present or only a few number of crews working.

Hence, the courier has to wait till the next day to drop off his truck. Even when the other person is responsible for last-mile delivery, the problem of late shipping can arise.

5. Repairing Trucks

Trucks and vans travel many miles every day. So, vehicles can suddenly break down. Despite being on your way, your item may suddenly stop moving.  The truck may have broken down somewhere along the way. Maintenance requirements can cause delays in shipping.

6. Transportation Issues

Problems with transportation infrastructure, such as road closures, traffic congestion, or accidents, can slow down the movement of goods.

7. Customs and Border Control

When shipping internationally, delays may occur with customs clearance procedures and border control inspections. This may be especially true if there are documentation issues or the shipment requires additional checks.

Also Read – How To Mail a Letter or Postcard Internationally?

8. Capacity Constraints

Carriers and logistics providers may need more support if there is a high volume of shipments or a sudden increase in demand. This may result in delays in handling and delivering the goods.

9. Holidays and Peak Seasons

During holidays or peak seasons, such as Christmas, or Thanksgiving Day, the high volume of shipments can overwhelm the logistics network, causing shipping delays.

Also Read – Is there Mail Today? USPS Holidays in 2023

10. Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation

If shipping documents are complete or accurate, it can result in delays. This is because customs authorities or carriers may require correct documentation before processing the shipment.

11. Security Checks

Increased security measures and screenings for shipment, especially for high-risk or sensitive goods, can lead to delays in shipping.

Also Read – How Many Stamps Do I Need for a Letter in 2023?

What to Do If You Think Your Package is Lost?

If you suspect that your package is lost, here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:

1. Check the Tracking Information

Check the tracking number provided to you by the shipping carrier. To find out the most current status of your package, go to their website. Check that the delivery address you entered is correct.

2. Contact the Shipping Carrier 

If the tracking information shows that the package has yet to be delivered or is stuck in transit for an extended period, reach out to the shipping carrier’s customer service. Please give them your tracking number and a brief explanation of the problem. They will be able to provide more details regarding your missing package.

3. Verify if anyone else accepted your package

It is also likely to be. Perhaps you were busy, and your partner or another family member picked it up but failed to give it to you. Or perhaps your child brought the package inside after it was delivered to your home but failed to inform you. Ask if someone else accepted the package on your behalf if the tracking status indicates that it was delivered.

4. Check with Neighbors and Local Post Office

Sometimes, packages are mistakenly delivered to a neighbour’s address or held at the local post office for pickup. So, ask your neighbours if they received your package by mistake. Additionally, contact or visit your local post office to inquire if they have any information regarding your package.

5. Contact the Seller 

If a company or retailer sends the package, get in touch with their customer service. Let them know about your case. They may have additional resources to help resolve the issue.

6. File a Claim 

Depending on the shipping carrier’s policies and the value of the package, you may be eligible to file a claim for a lost package. You can contact the shipping company or seller to know the details about the claim file. If you made a purchase from a retailer, inquire about their refund or replacement policy.

Try to remain patient during the whole process. Lost packages can be frustrating, but following these steps and staying in communication with the relevant parties will help increase the chances of resolving the issue.

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Bottom Line 

Shipping enables the transportation of products across long distances, playing a crucial role in the global supply chain. It has revolutionized the way we conduct business and has become a vital component of modern trade. Now, we can order anything we desire from anywhere in the world.

While shipping has made significant strides in speed, reliability, and convenience, challenges remain.  

Factors such as adverse weather, logistical complications, customs regulations, and occasional delays can affect the shipping process. 

However, shipping companies continuously work to overcome these hurdles through better infrastructure, better coordination, and advanced technologies.