Do you often use the terms ‘shipping‘ and ‘delivery’ interchangeably? You’re not the only one. But in reality, they are pretty different. When we mention that an item has been shipped, we are indicating that it has officially departed from the warehouse. In contrast, when we discuss delivery, we are specifically referring to the anticipated date when the package is expected to reach the doorstep of the end customer. Distinguishing between these terms helps clarify the different stages in the shipping process, providing a clearer understanding of when the product begins its journey and when customers can expect to receive it at their doorsteps.
Since the inception of eCommerce and its gradual boom, the terms shipping and delivery have often been used synonymously. The concept of eCommerce has opened up new dimensions of marketing and sales for customers and sellers. For the items you had to walk up to the store, you can now order them online in a few clicks.
What Is Shipping?
In eCommerce, shipping is the process of getting your online store products to your customer’s doorstep. It involves receiving an order, processing it, and preparing it for delivery. It’s the journey your product takes from your store to your customer’s hands. Understanding this aspect is key to a smooth online shopping experience.
What Is Delivery?
The delivery marks the culmination of shipping, representing the last step in the supply chain. It involves transporting the shipment from a hub to the customer’s doorstep, ensuring the order reaches its destination promptly, accurately, and efficiently.
How Are They Different?
Both the words may seem similar to you as they are believed to be synonymous. However, they are not. For example, when you are shopping online, the seller will provide you with two dates: the shipping date, when the item will be shipped from the warehouse, and the delivery date, which denotes when it will be delivered to you.
However, the other side of the coin is that these terms are sometimes also used to describe the nature of the products that are required to be transported. “Shipping” denotes the processing, packaging, and dispatching of small items that can be sent quickly and easily, typically through a local courier service.
“Delivery”, on the contrary, refers to the transportation of relatively large items like electronics and furniture from a warehouse to a customer’s address.
You see, the two terms have two different meanings in two different contexts. Therefore, it is critical to understand the meaning of these terms and their differences as you step further into the world of eCommerce. Let’s make a comparison:
Comparison
Shipping
Delivery
Meaning 1
Small items that can be shipped through the local postal service
Large items that need installation or a delivery person
Meaning 2
The date on which a shipment leaves a seller’s warehouse
The date when a package arrives at a customer’s doorstep
Is it Controllable?
Yes
No
Original Definition
Shipping is originally referred to as any package sent using a ship or transportation via sea
Delivery is originally referred to as the distribution of any kind of goods: physical goods as well as specialized goods (water, electricity, etc.)
Synonyms
Dispatch
Distribution
Stage
From receiving an order to preparing it for delivery
From order pick-up to last-mile delivery
Importance
More important for the seller
More important for the customer
Now that you’ve grasped the contrast between shipping and delivery, it’s crucial to recognise their significance for your business. Whether managing first-mile logistics or ensuring timely last-mile delivery, selecting a reliable partner is key. Opt for a service that not only delivers orders promptly but also aids in maintaining cost-effective shipping.
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“Shipping” denotes the processing, packaging, and dispatching of small items that can be sent quickly and easily, typically through a local courier service. “Delivery”, on the contrary, refers to the transportation of relatively large items like electronics and furniture from a warehouse to a customer's address.
Shipping and delivery are two different parts of the same supply chain. The key differences are that the shipping process is related to sending an item to a customer, while the delivery process is about receiving the item. Delivery options like expedited shipping or specific delivery times might be offered at checkout.
Delivery: We'll bring your order to your home from a store.(Fees may apply)Shipping: Your order will be shipped fast via UPS, FedEx, or another carrier.
The first is the size: Smaller items are shipped while larger items are delivered. The second difference is the date on which each takes place. Shipping dates usually refer to when an item leaves the warehouse while the delivery date specifies when it should reach the customer.
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Deliver is a verb that means "to give to a recipient or turn over." It can also mean "to produce or surrender."Delivery is the noun form.It is the act of delivering or the item that is delivered.
What is the difference between shipping and delivery addresses? In general, there is no difference between shipping and delivery addresses. In most cases, they both represent the designated final destination for the delivery of your parcel.
So, what is shipping? It is the physical movement of goods from one point to another, such as the moving merchandise from the warehouse to the customer. The shipping process follows the manufacturing and the packing of goods and is controlled and overseen by a shipping or logistics company.
With standard shipping, your items are expected to be delivered within 3-5 business days after the items have shipped. Standard shipping is free on orders over $35 or on orders placed with a Target Circle™ Card. The charts below provide general delivery guidelines for 2-day shipping.
So, Shipping (which normally we call Delivery) is one process step in Sales process (Order-to-cash). That means, Delivery is one of the process step in Sales process (Order-to-cash) and "Shipment" is one of the sub-functions in the Delivery or Shipping process step. This Shipment function is an optional function.
Transport, as we know, is to take or move goods from one place to another by means of a vehicle. It is the physical or 'kinetic' function of the supply chain. Delivery logistics is the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, and supplies.
Managing shipping and downstream delivery requires seamless coordination among multiple stakeholders within the supply chain network. While shipping handles the critical task of moving consignments from the port of origin to the port of destination, downstream distribution ensures these goods reach the final customer.
So, what is the difference between shipping and delivery? In short, shipping refers to getting a package from one location to another, while delivery refers to getting the package into the hands of the recipient. While these terms are often used interchangeably, it's essential to understand the difference between them.
What does out for delivery mean refers to the final delivery stage of the delivery process, when the package is delivered to the buyer's doorstep. In contrast, “Package Shipped” simply means that the departure scan has been completed and the package is en route to the local shipping facility or last facility.
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Shipway. Shipway emerges as a reliable logistics aggregator for businesses facing logistics complexities. Powered by AI, it automates the shipping process and also helps you choose the right courier partner from its 7+ integrated carriers.
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