What Does It Really Mean When Your Order Is Shipped? (2024)

What Does It Really Mean When Your Order Is Shipped? (1)

How do I track my package? Why is my package taking so long to deliver? What does order confirmed mean? Is dispatched the same as shipped? As a retailer, you probably run into a lot of customers with questions like these.

Fortunately, this guide to shipping statuses and last-mile delivery has everything you need to answer questions like these and exceed your customer’s expectations.

Understanding Last-Mile Delivery: What Does it Mean When an Order is Shipped

Customers ask a lot of questions about the shipping process but what they really want to know is when they can expect their package to be delivered. To answer that question in all its forms, you need a thorough understanding of last-mile delivery and what it really means when an order is “shipped”.

What is Last-Mile Logistics

On the product journey from store shelf to customer, the “last mile” refers to the final step in the shipping process, wherein the package is physically delivered to the final customer, typically a small business, storefront or a personal residence.

Ideally, a customer purchases an item online and the order is filled at the distribution center nearest to their home. Once filled, the order is loaded on a box truck or van, which transports the package from the distribution center to the customer’s doorstep. Would you like to know more about last-mile logistics? Read our in-depth guide to last-mile logistics.

Set Expectations with a Shipping Policy Page

Last-mile delivery is a simple process in theory. However, as the last leg of the shipping journey, the last mile is very likely to include traffic, dozens of residential deliveries and any random thing that might impede a delivery driver in an urban environment.

Packages get lost. Items get damaged. Even the weather can affect transit times and slow down the delivery process. When faced with a roadblock or question about their delivery, the first place most customers will check is your store’s shipping policy and/or FAQ page.

What Does It Really Mean When Your Order Is Shipped? (2)

Answer Questions Before They’re Asked

Writing a shipping policy page and populating it with accurate, reliable information helps customers find answers to their questions quickly, often negating the need to reach out to a customer service rep.

Though the specific details of any individual policy will depend on the nature of your business, there is information that every shipping policy page should include to keep your customers informed:

  • Shipping options and associated delivery times
  • How to track shipments
  • Return process and refund policy
  • Customs and international shipping availability
  • How to report a lost or damaged packages

Common Shipping Questions and How to Answer Them

Once your shipping policy page is in place, you can move on to your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, wherein you answer common questions and address specific issues that your customers may encounter.

How Do I Track an Order

“How do I track an order” is a very common question but also one that’s easy to solve. Honestly, most customers do not care where their order is in the delivery process unless they know it’s going to be late.

What customers really want to know is when their package is going to arrive. Therefore, the better you communicate tracking options, the less likely they will be to call you to track the package for them.

Is Shipped the Same as Delivered

No. Shipped is not the same as delivered. When a package is designated as “shipped” the package has been loaded on a truck and departed for the final distribution center. That means the package could be anywhere between the origin location and the destination terminal.

“Delivered”, on the other hand, means the delivery driver has dropped off the package at the final destination customer and updated all associated tracking systems to complete the transaction.

What Does “In Transit” Mean

UPS, USPS, FedEx, and other package delivery companies use a wide variety of terms to describe similar steps in the shipping process. “In transit”, for example, is very similar to “shipped” where the package has been loaded onto a truck at the origin location for delivery to the final destination terminal. If the origin location is “A” and the final destination customer is “C”, “in-transit” and shipped” are on their way to step “B” in the shipping process.

How Long After an Item is Shipped Does it Arrive

The answer to this question greatly depends on the nature of your business, the item being shipped, the shipping service used and the geographic location of the final destination customer’s address.

As such, it is best answered by directing your customer to the “shipment tracking” page of your website, enabling them to see the transit times for themselves. You can also create a transit times table similar to the one below.

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What Does Out for Delivery Mean

Unlike “in-transit” and “shipped”, “out-for-delivery” means the package has been loaded on a truck at the final destination terminal and is now en-route to deliver it to the final customer. If the origin location is “A” and the final destination customer is “C”, “out-for-delivery” means the package is on its way from “B” to “C” in the shipping process.

Master Last Mile Logistics With Flowspace

Unless you’re Walmart or Amazon, your business likely does not have the millions of dollars it costs to invest in last-mile innovations like delivery lockers, drones and driverless trucks. But you don’t need any of that stuff if you partner with Flowspace.

With warehouses in every consumer market in the country, Flowspace is the only third-party logistics provider (3PL) with the network, the capacity, and the expertise to help you conquer the last mile. From granular shipment tracking to real-time visibility, we have everything your need to deliver above and beyond customer expectations.

What Does It Really Mean When Your Order Is Shipped? (4)

Written By:

What Does It Really Mean When Your Order Is Shipped? (5)

Allison Champion

Allison Champion leads marketing communication at Flowspace, where she works to develop content that addresses the unique challenges facing modern brands in omnichannel eCommerce. She has more than a decade of experience in content development and marketing.

What Does It Really Mean When Your Order Is Shipped? (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean when your order just shipped? ›

Shipped is not the same as delivered. When a package is designated as “shipped” the package has been loaded on a truck and departed for the final distribution center. That means the package could be anywhere between the origin location and the destination terminal.

Does shipped mean my order is here? ›

Does shipped mean delivered? No, “shipped” doesn't mean “delivered.” When you get a notification indicating that your package has been shipped, it means your package is making its way to your destination. The package is between the seller's location and the final delivery location (you).

What does amount shipped mean? ›

It means total price including shipping.

What does it mean on Shein when it says shipped? ›

IN PREPARATION: The order is being prepared for shipment, it is prepared for shipping in approximately 1 to 3 days. INTERNATIONAL WAREHOUSE, STERILIZATION AND INSPECTION OF FINAL PACKAGE COMPLETED, PACKAGE SHIPPED: The package is shipped.

How long does it take for a package to come after it's shipped? ›

Priority Mail: 1-3 business days. Priority Mail Express: 1-2 Days Guaranteed. Marketing Mail Express: 2-10 days. USPS Retail Ground: 2-8 business days.

How long after a package is shipped is it out for delivery? ›

Usually, yes, out for delivery means the last mile carrier or delivery provider will arrive with the package that day. Normally, because the term implies that a package has left the final pickup point headed to the recipient, out for delivery means it will be delivered on the same day.

What comes after shipped? ›

Delivery is what begins after shipping. It is the final leg of the supply chain process when a shipment is moved from a transportation hub to the customer's doorstep. The goal is to ensure that the order reaches its destination timely, accurately, and efficiently.

How do you know what is being shipped? ›

Informed Delivery is a free service from USPS that shows you preview images of incoming mail, as well as status updates about your incoming and outbound packages. You can see those notifications in a morning Daily Digest email, or at any time via the dashboard from your phone, computer, or the USPS Mobile® app.

How do I know if my package is shipped? ›

Enter the USPS tracking number (to find it, simply look at the bottom of a shipping label) in the search bar; do not include any dashes or spaces. Click on “Check Status”. View the scan history and status information of your package.

What does it mean when a seller says shipped? ›

Shipped: The package is with the courier and in transit to the carrier facility, where you can receive it within a few business days.

What does shipped now mean? ›

"Shipping now" means your order has been processed, your payment method has been charged, and the order is most likely loaded up on the truck to start on its way to you. At this point the order usually can't be cancelled.

What is the difference between shipped and received? ›

Received for shipment bills of lading: Goods have been received by the carrier but not on board of a named vessel. Shipped on board bills of lading: Goods have been received by the carrier and laden on board of a named vessel.

What's the fastest Shein can deliver? ›

Generally SHEIN shipping takes about 1 – 3 weeks to arrive at your doorstep. The actual delivery time depends on your location and the shipping method that you choose.
...
How Long Does SHEIN Shipping Take?
  • Economy Shipping: 3 – 4 Weeks.
  • Standard Shipping: 2 – 3 Weeks.
  • Express Shipping: 1 – 2 Weeks.

How slow is Shein shipping? ›

Shein also ships to the USA and offers multiple shipping methods for delivery. The estimated delivery time with standard delivery is 7 to 11 days. It takes 3 to 7 days in case of express shipping. You can track your order using your order tracking information.

How does Shein sell so cheap? ›

Shein saves money and can price their clothes so low because they outsource their labor to countries where the wages are cheaper. Shein also sells their products directly to consumers and doesn't have physical stores, which keeps their operational costs low.

Who does Shein use to deliver? ›

Economy Shipping generally takes up to a month (~30 days) to deliver as it is a method that helps customers save money. SHEIN uses China Post as their main courier for this type of method.

How long is too long to wait for a package? ›

The U.S. Postal Service currently considers a first-class package to be late if it's delivered more than three days after it was sent.

Does out for delivery mean I get it today? ›

It just means that your packages on a vehicle with a whole bunch of other packages that are also “Out for Delivery”. It may be a few moments until your package arrives, but it also might take a couple of hours – or even the entire day – for your package to hit your doorstep.

Can a package say out for delivery and not come? ›

Your package may say out for delivery, but then fail to turn up. This could happen because the driver has misplaced it in the van, it has been mis-scanned, or something has gone wrong. You should check the tracking information again, and see if it gets delivered the following day.

Does USPS deliver at 9pm? ›

All deliveries should be made by 5:00 p.m. local time Monday through Saturday. Unusual circ*mstances (such as traffic, staffing fluctuations, severe weather, natural disaster, changes in carrier route, etc.) can cause deliveries to be made after this time.

What are the stages of shipping order? ›

The three stages of the shipping process consists of receiving, processing, and fulfilling an order. These stages impact how quickly and accurately you can prepare a customer order and have it shipped directly to its end destination.

What are the 4 stages of shipping? ›

The shipping cycle is an economic cycle that helps to identify the effects of changes in supply and demand on freight rates as well as on shipping assets, in other words the ships themselves. The four stages are rock-bottom (also known as trough), recovery, peak and last but not least, collapse.

Why is it called shipped? ›

Sometimes old-school fans will write "ship" with an apostrophe, 'ship/'shipping, to acknowledge that the terms are derived from "relationship." Shipping comes from The X-Files' fandom, which coined the concept in the '90s to describe fan reaction to the interminable UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension) between Mulder and ...

Can I track a package I shipped? ›

Whether you are the sender or recipient, you can track your item: Online: Use USPS Tracking® on the United States Postal Service® website. By text: Send a text to 28777 (2USPS) with your tracking number as the content of the message.

Does shipped mean including shipping? ›

No, although something a package can be both at once. “Shipped” means despatched and is usually the final status in the ordering process of a supplier. It means that the package been given to the courier company and is on its way to the destination.

Does USPS deliver on Sunday? ›

Yes, depending on the mail class used and the metro area you live in, the U.S. Postal Service does deliver packages on Sundays.

Does a tracking number mean it shipped? ›

Tracking numbers are numbers assigned to packages when they are shipped. Tracking numbers are useful for knowing the location of time sensitive deliveries. It is a unique ID number or code assigned to a package or parcel.

What time does USPS deliver? ›

USPS usually delivers mail between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, irrespective of the delivery service you use. However during peak seasons when there are a lot of mails to be delivered as late as 6.30 pm. However, USPS maintained, “We cannot find when a carrier or delivery person is guaranteed.

Does USPS do live tracking? ›

The USPS live tracking system does not guarantee delivery. But there is no extra cost for its tracking services. When you first pay for the posting of the package, tracking service charges are already included. But if you're posting something via USPS Marketing Mail, then you may pay additional fees to track the order.

What is the difference between shipped and processed orders? ›

Processing starts when an order is submitted. Depending on payment policy the order is filled and moved to shipping. Shipping decides how and what to use to safely hold the contents.

What means shipping time? ›

Shipping Time. Delivery Time. The date when the supplier gives the product to the carrier - the precise date that the order is sent off from the warehouse/store. The date when the package should arrive at the customer's doorstep, from the carrier to the buyer.

What does waiting to be shipped mean? ›

“Awaiting shipment” means that the order is ready to ship but the carrier hasn't picked it up or it has not been dropped off at the carrier yet. “Awaiting fulfillment” on the other hand means the order is being processed and is not ready to ship yet.

What's the difference between something being shipped and delivered? ›

To put it as simply as possible: shipping is the date the product will leave the supplier's warehouse while delivery is the date the package will make it to the customer's doorstep.

What is the difference between ship and shipped? ›

Shipping is the process of goods being transported, while shipment is the goods/ consignment which were ordered. Once the company receives the goods, they are called "delivery". So if somebody says "your order has been shipped" it means your order is on the way to the delivery service (not sent to you directly).

Will my Shein order come early? ›

The estimated delivery time that is provided by Shein is usually accurate but may vary a little bit. Shein delivery is quick and reliable and sometimes it even ships before the estimated time.

Where is Shein located? ›

Shein (/ˈʃiːɪn/ SHEE-in; styled as SHEIN; Chinese: 希音; pinyin: Xīyīn) is a Chinese online fast fashion retailer headquartered in Singapore. Founded in Nanjing in October 2008 as ZZKKO by entrepreneur Chris Xu, Shein grew to become the world's largest fashion retailer as of 2022.

What country is Shein based in? ›

While Shein is based in China its target market is international. It ships products to over 200 countries and its main focus is on Europe, America, Australia, and the Middle East.

Why is my Shein order taking so long in shipped? ›

Why is my order taking longer to process than normal? It typically takes 1-3 days to process your order. If your package exceeds the standard processing period, it's normally due to the fact that a particular item(s) requires a longer processing time.

Does Shein run true to size? ›

In my experience, clothes from Shein run small. While this isn't true across the board, 90% of the time I have found this to be the case. This is why checking the sizing is important. When you hover over a certain size on the page of the item you're interested in, measurements come up.

How much does Shein pay their workers? ›

The documentary reported Shein garment workers are paid as little as four cents per clothing item in work shifts that can last up to 18 hours.

How much is a Shein worth? ›

In the past five years, Shein has seen its valuation skyrocket, as it broke into the US and European market. It went from a $5 billion valuation in 2019 to $100 billion in early 2022, although that has since declined to $64 billion in 2023. We have collected data and statistics on Shein. Read on below to find out more.

Is Shein pronounced sheen or shine? ›

While a lot of people admitted they have been pronouncing it 'sheen' over the years, it is actually pronounced 'She-in'. In a bid to prove that they way she was saying it was correct, Katelyn shared a follow-up to her outfit video with a screenshot from the company's Twitter confirming the pronunciation.

What is the difference between order shipped and delivered? ›

When we say an item has been shipped, we typically mean that the item has left the warehouse. On the other hand, when we talk about delivery, we refer to the date when the package will arrive at the doorstep of the end customer.

How do I know when my package is shipped? ›

You can use these steps:
  1. Look for the USPS tracking data for a package. ...
  2. Enter the tracking number into the box.
  3. Select the USPS option when choosing a carrier. ...
  4. Click the Track My Package button.

What is shipped on time? ›

"On time" means that the order was delivered within the time frame agreed to with the customer.

Does shipping mean delivery time? ›

Is the ship date the delivery date? Unless it's same-day delivery, the answer is usually no. The shipping date marks when the order will be shipped out to the customer. The delivery date is when the shipped order will be delivered to the customer.

How late does USPS deliver? ›

All deliveries should be made by 5:00 p.m. local time Monday through Saturday. Unusual circ*mstances (such as traffic, staffing fluctuations, severe weather, natural disaster, changes in carrier route, etc.) can cause deliveries to be made after this time.

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