What is shipping vs delivery?

Shipping and delivery are terms often used in the context of transporting goods from one location to another, but they refer to different stages in the process.

Shipping:

- Definition: Shipping refers to the process of preparing and dispatching goods for transportation, typically from a seller or manufacturer to a buyer or distribution center.

- Activities Involved: Activities related to shipping include packaging, labeling, addressing, and handing over the package to a carrier or postal service for transportation.

- Timeframe: Shipping can encompass the entire journey of a package, starting from the point of origin to the arrival at a sorting facility or transportation hub.

Delivery:

- Definition: Delivery, on the other hand, refers to the final stage of the transportation process when the goods reach their destination and are handed over to the recipient or customer.

- Activities Involved: Delivery involves the last-mile logistics, which can include local transportation, sorting, and final handover to the recipient. This may be carried out by a postal service, courier company, or other delivery services.

- Timeframe: Delivery specifically refers to the portion of the shipping process that involves the package reaching its intended destination.

In summary, shipping covers the broader process of preparing and dispatching goods for transportation, while delivery specifically refers to the final leg of the journey where the goods are brought to the recipient. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding the distinction can be helpful, especially when tracking the progress of a package.