A Guide To Shipping Statuses
Few things are more frustrating than unclear shipping updates when waiting for a delivery. For businesses relying on timely deliveries, understanding what each status means is essential to maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
This guide will help you decode the various shipping statuses provided by major couriers, show you how shipping statuses have evolved, and explain how businesses using World Options shipping services can stay ahead with real-time updates through our state-of-the-art shipping portal.
What Are Shipping Statuses?
Shipping statuses are updates provided by couriers that indicate a parcel's progress from its point of origin to its final destination.
They provide businesses and individuals with vital information about the whereabouts and estimated delivery times of their shipments. These statuses cover every stage of the shipping process, from "Order Received" to "Out for Delivery" and "Delivered."
The Evolution of Shipping Statuses
The concept of shipping statuses has evolved significantly over the years. In the early days of courier services, tracking a shipment was often a guessing game. Businesses had to rely on basic systems that provided minimal information, usually limited to "Shipped" and "Delivered" statuses.
As technology advanced, so did the sophistication of tracking systems. With the rise of digital logistics and global supply chains, real-time tracking became not just a luxury but a necessity for businesses to ensure smooth operations and manage customer expectations effectively.
Today, comprehensive shipping portals and tracking apps provide detailed updates for every step of the journey. Modern couriers now offer a range of status updates to reflect various stages in the delivery process, from processing at depots to customs clearance in international shipments.
This evolution has allowed businesses to respond proactively to any delays or issues and keep their customers informed every step of the way.
How Are Shipping Statuses Delivered?
Shipping statuses are typically provided through tracking numbers issued by the courier when a shipment is dispatched. Customers or businesses can input this tracking number on the courier’s website or app to receive real-time updates.
Alternatively, many companies offer email or SMS notifications to alert customers whenever their parcel reaches a new milestone.
What Makes Up a Typical Shipping Status?
A typical shipping status consists of a brief description, a timestamp, and sometimes a location. For example, the status might read "In Transit," "Out for Delivery," or "Delivered."
The timestamp shows the exact date and time of the update, and the location indicates where the parcel was last scanned or recorded. This information helps businesses and customers understand the current phase of the shipping process and estimate the expected delivery time more accurately.
How to Interpret Shipping Statuses
Interpreting shipping statuses involves understanding the different stages a shipment undergoes.
For instance:
Order Processed: The courier has received the order information, but the parcel hasn't been picked up yet.
In Transit: The package is moving through the logistics network, either domestically or internationally.
Out for Delivery: The parcel is on a delivery vehicle and is expected to arrive that day.
Delivered: The package has reached its destination and is confirmed as delivered, often with a signature.
While these are standard terms, each courier may have slight variations, which makes understanding these nuances crucial for effective logistics management.
| CARRIER | STATUS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
|
Order Processed | UPS has received the order details and is preparing for pickup. |
| Label Created | A shipping label is ready, and the parcel awaits collection. | |
| In Transit | The package is en route to its destination. | |
| Out for Delivery | The parcel is on a UPS vehicle for same-day delivery. | |
| Delivered | The parcel has been delivered and signed for, if required. | |
|
Shipment Information Received | DHL has received shipment details, but the parcel is not yet collected. |
| Departed Facility | The parcel has left a DHL facility and is moving to the destination. | |
| In Transit | The package is within the DHL network. | |
| With Delivery Courier | The parcel is ready for final delivery. | |
| Delivered | The package has been delivered to the recipient. | |
|
Label Created | A shipping label has been generated, but the parcel hasn't been handed to FedEx yet. |
| Picked Up | The parcel has been collected by a FedEx courier. | |
| In Transit | The package is on its way to the recipient. | |
| On FedEx Vehicle for Delivery | The parcel is out for delivery and expected that day. | |
| Delivered | The parcel has been delivered and signed for, if required. | |
|
We've Got It | Evri has collected the parcel and is preparing for processing. |
| In Transit | The parcel is moving through the Evri network. | |
| At Delivery Depot | The parcel has arrived at the local delivery depot. | |
| Out for Delivery | The courier has the parcel and is en route for delivery. | |
| Delivered | The parcel has been delivered to the recipient. |
Leveraging World Options for Real-Time Shipping Updates
For businesses looking to streamline their logistics and stay updated on every shipment, World Options offers an advanced shipping portal that consolidates all courier statuses in one convenient place. This tool enables businesses to manage multiple shipments from different couriers—UPS, DHL, FedEx, and Evri—through a single platform, saving time and reducing the hassle of navigating multiple websites.
Our state-of-the-art shipping portal provides detailed, real-time updates on the status of your shipments, allowing businesses to respond proactively to any potential delays and keep their customers informed. With World Options, you can stay ahead of your logistics needs, manage customer expectations effectively, and ensure smooth operations.
Become a World Options Franchisee and Streamline Logistics and Maximise Customer Satisfaction
Investing in a World Options franchise provides an exciting opportunity for those interested in taking their logistics management to the next level. Franchisees can offer a range of in-demand services—such as domestic and international shipping, printing, and mailbox services—through our well-established brand and advanced shipping technology.
With our shipping portal at your fingertips, managing customer updates and keeping them informed becomes effortless, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience for both you and your clients. Backed by comprehensive training and support, owning a World Options franchise allows you to build a successful business with multiple revenue streams and the potential for recurring income.
Whether you’re an experienced business executive or new to the logistics sector, our proven model and robust support network set you up for success.
Download Your Free Checklist: Master Shipping Statuses for Business Efficiency
For senior industry managers, business executives, and partnership managers, understanding and managing shipping statuses is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
Download our Free Checklist today to ensure you’re optimising your shipping processes and staying ahead in your industry.
By leveraging the power of World Options' advanced shipping solutions and staying informed about every step of your parcel's journey, businesses can enhance their logistics efficiency, reduce delays, and keep their customers satisfied.
