“Shipped” is one of the most common order statuses, and one of the most misunderstood. Here is what it means, how it differs from dispatched, in transit and delivered, how long delivery usually takes after an order ships, and what to do if your parcel seems stuck.
Quick answer: “Order shipped” means the seller has packed your order and handed it to a carrier, such as DHL, DPD or the postal service. The parcel has left the warehouse and is on its way to you, but it has not been delivered yet. Delivery usually follows within 1–5 working days, depending on distance and service.
What does “shipped” mean?
When an order is marked as shipped, it has passed the point where the seller controls it. The items have been picked, packed and labelled in the warehouse, and the parcel has been collected by or handed to a carrier. From this moment the carrier is responsible for moving it, and a tracking number is usually available.
“Shipped” does not mean the parcel is at your door. It means the delivery journey has started. That is why the most common customer question, “it says shipped but I don’t have it”, is usually answered by checking the tracking.
Order statuses explained: from placed to delivered
| Status | What it means | Who has your order |
|---|---|---|
| Order placed | Your order and payment have been received. | The seller |
| Processing | Payment is confirmed and stock is being allocated. | The seller or its warehouse |
| Packed / ready to ship | Items are picked, packed and labelled, waiting for collection. | The warehouse |
| Shipped / dispatched | The parcel has been handed to the carrier. | The carrier |
| In transit | The parcel is moving through the carrier’s network. | The carrier |
| Out for delivery | The parcel is on the vehicle for final delivery today. | The local courier |
| Delivered | The parcel has reached you, a neighbour, a locker or a pick-up point. | You |
Shipped vs dispatched vs delivered
- Shipped and dispatched mean the same thing: the order has left the seller. “Dispatched” is more common in British English, “shipped” in American English.
- In transit means the carrier has scanned the parcel and it is moving between hubs.
- Delivered is the final status, confirmed by a scan, signature or photo. See proof of delivery (POD).
How long after “shipped” will my order arrive?
| Shipment | Typical delivery after shipping |
|---|---|
| Domestic standard (within one EU country) | 1–3 working days |
| Domestic express | Next working day |
| Cross-border within the EU | 2–5 working days |
| From outside the EU | 5–15 working days or more, plus customs |
These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Peak season, weekends, remote addresses and customs checks can add time. Parcels from outside the EU may also need customs clearance and, since 1 July 2026, carry a €3 EU customs duty per item on low-value goods.
“Shipped” but tracking isn’t moving: what to do
- Wait 24–48 hours. Tracking often only updates after the first carrier scan at a hub.
- Check the carrier’s own site. Use the tracking number on the carrier’s website, which often has more detail than the shop’s page.
- Look for an exception. Statuses such as “address issue”, “held at customs” or “delivery attempted” need action from you.
- Contact the seller. If nothing changes after a few working days, the seller can open an investigation with the carrier.
Read more in our complete guide to parcel tracking.
What “order shipped” means for online sellers
- A key performance metric. The time from order placed to shipped, often called dispatch time, is one of the main measures of fulfilment speed, and marketplaces such as Amazon and Allegro track it.
- Trigger accurate notifications. Only mark an order as shipped when the carrier has it, and include the tracking link in the email.
- Use clear status names. Consistent statuses (processing, shipped, out for delivery, delivered) cut “where is my order” questions.
- Ship from close to your customers. Holding stock in the countries you sell to shortens the gap between shipped and delivered.
Frequently asked questions
What does “shipped” mean?
It means the seller has packed your order and handed it to a carrier. The parcel is on its way but has not been delivered yet.
Is “shipped” the same as “delivered”?
No. Shipped means the parcel has left the seller; delivered means it has reached you, a locker or a pick-up point.
What is the difference between shipped and dispatched?
There is no real difference. Both mean the order has left the seller and is with the carrier. “Dispatched” is more common in British English.
How long after shipping will I receive my order?
Usually 1–3 working days within one EU country, 2–5 days cross-border within the EU, and longer from outside the EU because of customs.
Why does my order say shipped but tracking shows nothing?
Tracking often updates only after the first carrier scan, which can take 24–48 hours. If nothing changes after a few working days, contact the seller.
