Understanding shipment statuses and how to read them
When you run an online store in Canada, understanding shipping statuses is absolutely crucial for communication and reducing delivery-related disputes. A few shipping mishaps will tell you why.
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Every carrier, be it Canada Post, ShippingChimp, FedEx, UPS, DHL uses specific status updates to track where a package is in its journey. Misinterpreting them can lead to unhappy customers and extra support tickets. Nobody wants that.
Why shipment statuses matter?
- Helps manage buyer expectations – Customers can estimate timelines better.
- Reduces WISMO (“Where is my order?”) calls and emails – Every “Shipped but not moving” panic is prevented with this. Additionally, saves you time.
- Builds trust with proactive updates – Letting customers know about delays before they ask reassures is reassuring.
- Protects against negative reviews – Clear communication means fewer disputes. Period.
- Improves customer psychology – Seeing “On the Way” feels like progress, even if delivery takes days.
Common shipping statuses explained
- Processing – The order is being prepared but hasn’t been handed to the carrier.
- Shipped – The seller has handed the package over to the carrier.
- In Transit/On the Way – The carrier is actively moving the package toward the destination.
- Out for Delivery – The package is with the local driver for same-day delivery.
- Delivered – The package has reached the customer.
What does “Shipped” mean in tracking updates?
In Canadian eCommerce, “Shipped” means the seller has handed the package to the shipping carrier, and the carrier has created a tracking record.
Key points
- It doesn’t mean the package is moving yet. Sometimes carriers mark “Shipped” while the parcel is still in their facility.
- Tracking may take a few hours to update. This is common with Canada Post, especially if the package has been shipped on weekends.
What does “On the Way” mean in package tracking?
“On the Way” (also shown as In Transit) means the carrier has scanned the package and it is actively moving toward the delivery address.
What sellers should know
- It’s the stage after “Shipped” in most systems.
- It can last several days depending on distance (e.g. Toronto to Yukon).
- Customers feel reassured when they see this update.
Shipped vs. On the Way: Key Differences
| Feature | Shipped | On the Way |
| Meaning | The package has been handed to the carrier. | The package is moving toward its destination. |
| When It Happens | First scan after handoff. | After departure from the initial facility. |
| Tracking Update Speed | It may take hours to show movement. | Updates more frequently as it moves. |
How to track your package and estimate delivery time
- Use the shipping carrier’s website or app for real-time updates. Not all carriers offer real-time tracking on all of their packages.
- Combine tracking with proactive emails to your customers.
- For long-distance Canadian deliveries (e.g., Ontario to BC), buffer in extra days to manage expectations. This reduces the customers’ anxiety.
How different carriers in Canada use these terms
- Canada Post – “Shipped” means acceptance at origin; “In Transit” means moving.
- FedEx Canada – “Shipped” appears after label creation; “In Transit” after pickup.
- UPS – Uses “Shipped” sparingly, prefers “Label Created” and “In Transit.”
- DHL Express – Uses “Shipment picked up” and “In Transit” terminology.
Best practices for Canadian sellers
- Explain tracking terms on your FAQ page to reduce confusion. A small section explaining your terms would go a long way.
- Automate tracking notifications through your eCommerce platform.
- Use plain language when talking to customers:
- Instead of “Shipped,” say “your package is with ShippingChimp and will be on its way shortly.”
- Instead of “Shipped,” say “your package is with ShippingChimp and will be on its way shortly.”
If you are a Logistics Manager, get started on understanding shipping terms that would help you.
FAQs: Shipped vs. On the Way
Q1: Does “Shipped” mean my customer will get the package tomorrow?
No. “Shipped” means the package is with the carrier and transit times vary.
Q2: Why is my package stuck on “Shipped” for two days?
It’s possible the carrier hasn’t updated tracking yet, or the package hasn’t left the origin facility.
Q3: Is “On the Way” faster than “Shipped”?
“On the Way” indicates active transit, so yes, it’s faster.
Q4: How can I explain these terms to customers to avoid complaints?
Use a visual delivery timeline and plain language in your order update emails.
Q5: Do all carriers in Canada use the same tracking words?
No. Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have slightly different status names, but the meaning is similar.
Final takeaway
For Canadian sellers, “Shipped” means the parcel has left your hands, while “On the Way” means it’s actively traveling to your buyer.
Understanding and explaining these terms to customers can prevent confusion, improve satisfaction, and reduce unnecessary support tickets.
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