Discover the contrasts between Shipped & Out for Delivery, grasp tracking statuses, handle lost packages, & access detailed tracking info with eLogii.
When you're waiting for your online order, you might get a message saying "Your order has been shipped," but then you see that it won't arrive for a couple more days. That can be confusing! But actually, "shipped" and "out for delivery" aren't the same thing. They mean different steps in the process of getting your package to you. Let's break it down! "Shipped" means your order has been prepared, packed, and sent out from the seller's location or warehouse. It's on its way to you, but it could still be anywhere between where it was sent from and where it's headed. Now, when your order is "out for delivery," it means it has already left the local distribution center or the nearest hub and is on its way to your doorstep. So it's much closer to reaching you than when it was shipped. In simpler terms, "shipped" means it's on the move, while "out for delivery" means it's almost at your door. Let's go into more details below. TABLE OF CONTENTS: You might assume your order gets shipped right after you place it, but that's not usually how it works. Shipping is usually the last step in the supply chain process for online orders.
Understanding "Shipped" Status
E-commerce orders go through a lot of steps before they're shipped. Once you confirm your order, the company starts working on it. This means they pack and label the stuff you bought.
If your order isn't yet made, they will also handle making it during this process.
Once your order is all set to come to you, the seller gives it to a delivery company like USPS, DHL, or FedEx.
But sometimes, if the seller has its delivery service, as Amazon does with Amazon Logistics, they might handle it themselves.
Once the package leaves the seller's warehouse, the shipping starts.
Shipping means getting the package from where it was sent (the seller's place) to where it's going (your place).
The time it takes for shipping depends on a few things:
- The type of shipping you picked
- How far you are from the seller
- Where you live
- The weather
- What's in the package
- How big the package is
Express or priority shipping usually takes one to three days for delivery, while standard shipping can take anywhere from two to eight days. Keep in mind, though, that express shipping costs more.
How your package is transported can affect how long it takes to get to you. For example, if it's shipped by air, it'll probably arrive faster than if it's sent by ground.
If your package is coming from another country, it'll take longer because it has to go through customs and other processes.
Bigger or heavier items might take extra time to arrive because they need special packing and transportation.
Also, if a package requires a cold chain or temperature-controlled packaging, it could take longer to reach you.
Is "Shipped" the Same as "Delivered"?
Correct, "shipped" and "delivered" have different meanings.
When you receive a notification that your package has been shipped, it means it's on its way to you.
It's in transit between the seller's location and your final delivery address.
However, if the tracking status indicates that your package has been delivered, it means the delivery driver has successfully dropped off the package at your location, completing the delivery process.
What Does "Out for Delivery" Mean?
Once your order status changes to "out for delivery," it means the delivery driver is on their way to bring your package to you.
When a package is marked as "out for delivery," it indicates that it has left the last pickup point and is en route to your doorstep.
As a result, you can expect your package to arrive either later on the same day or possibly the following day.
Before the tracking status shifts to "out for delivery," it will display as "in transit." These statuses aren't identical.
"In transit" signifies that your package is journeying from one shipping point to another, often from a national shipping center to a regional one, or a regional center to a local delivery center.
When your package is out for delivery, it denotes that it has departed from the local fulfillment center and is heading to your delivery address.
Common Tracking Terms for Package Delivery
Apart from "shipped" and "out for delivery," you might encounter various other stages in the delivery process linked to your order.
The tracking status gets refreshed every time someone scans your package.
Here's a breakdown of common tracking statuses:
- Accepted by carrier. This status means the shipper has given your package to the delivery company to start the delivery process.
- Arrived at regional carrier facility. When you see this, it means your package has reached the main regional facility before moving on to your local one.
- Arrived at local carrier facility or post office. Your package is now at a local distribution center or post office close to you, getting ready for delivery.
- In-transit. This status means your package is on the move, either between different shipping centers or from the local warehouse to your place.
- Out for delivery. This is the final step! It means a delivery person has your package and is bringing it to your door.
- Delivered. When your package is dropped off and confirmed, the status changes to "Delivered," meaning the delivery is complete.
Dealing with a Lost Package
You're excitedly anticipating your package, but the tracking status indicates "delivery not successful."
Wondering what to do if you suspect your package is lost? Here are five steps to address lost package concerns.
- Check for Attempted Delivery. Most delivery services will leave a notice or notify you via text or email if a delivery is unsuccessful. If you suspect your package is lost, check the tracking status to see if a delivery attempt was made.
- Verify Acceptance. Sometimes, someone else may have accepted the package on your behalf without informing you. If the tracking status indicates delivery, inquire if someone else received it for you.
- Check with Neighbors. Delivery mistakes can happen, so ask your neighbors if the package was mistakenly delivered to them.
- Contact the Delivery Company. If the above steps don't resolve the issue and your package is still missing, reach out to the delivery company. Provide them with a detailed explanation via email or phone. There might be an error in the tracking status or the package could be held up at their facility.
- Reach Out to the Seller. If the delivery company can't assist you, contact the seller next. They initiated the shipping process and may have more insight. They could have made an error with your address or chosen a different shipping method than you selected. The seller can offer a refund or arrange for another shipment.
Ways to Get Detailed Tracking Information
When a package is out for delivery, you'll likely receive updates directly from the shipping service.
Yet, with certain shipping services, you might need to visit their website or use their app and input the tracking number each time to check your delivery status.
If you're anticipating multiple deliveries from various carriers, this method might not be the most convenient for tracking all your packages.
eLogii has real-time driver tracking as well as automatic task status updates. These features allow for smoother deliveries and better customer experience.
With eLogii, you can keep your customers or recipients informed about their ongoing deliveries by including the tracking link of the task in your communications or by configuring their notifications.
This ensures they stay in the loop and can follow the progress of their packages effortlessly.
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