What is a shipping window?
A shipping window is the time frame in which an order is expected to be shipped or delivered. In eCommerce, it is the promise shown to customers, such as “ships within 1–2 business days” or “delivered between 10:00 and 12:00”. In B2B, it is the range of dates a buyer allows for a delivery, set in the purchase order.
Core principle: A shipping window is a promise. Shipping too late breaks it, and for retailers, shipping too early can break it too.
Types of shipping windows
Dispatch window
When the order leaves the warehouse, for example same day if ordered before 14:00.
Delivery window
When the customer receives the order: a date range or a time slot on the day.
B2B ship window
Retailers often set a “ship not before” and “ship not later than” date. Deliveries outside the window can be refused or fined.
Watch out for: retailers measure this in their on-time KPIs, together with fill rate.
How to meet shipping windows
- Set realistic cut-off times with your warehouse and carriers
- Keep stock accurate so orders don’t wait for missing items
- Plan extra capacity before peak season and promotions
- For B2B, book delivery slots early and send advance shipping notices
Example: A supplier receives a purchase order from a retailer with a ship window of 3–7 March. The pallets are ready on 1 March but held in the warehouse until 3 March, because an early delivery would be refused at the retailer’s distribution centre.
See B2B fulfilment for retailers and delivery time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shipping window?
The time frame in which an order must be shipped or delivered.
What does “ship window” mean in a purchase order?
The dates between which the supplier may ship the order, often with “ship not before” and “ship not later than” dates.
What happens if you miss a shipping window?
Customers may cancel; retailers may refuse the delivery or charge a fine.
