A shipment passes through various stages as it moves from the warehouse to the customer’s doorstep. As a seller, you can monitor the movement of your goods in real time. Customers are also updated on its status. Statistics reveal that 90% of customers like to track their packages. Understanding the different terms related to the stages a package moves is essential to learn about its whereabouts. However, the terminology can be confusing and is often misinterpreted. ‘Out for delivery’, ‘in transit’, and ‘scheduled for delivery’ are among the phrases that are usually mixed up.
This blog explains the term ‘out for delivery’ and discusses how it differs from other shipping status updates. Read on to find out!
What does Out for Delivery Means?
Out for delivery means a shipment is on its way to the customer’s place. It is in its final stage of delivery. Through this notification, the customers get confirmation that the delivery agent has picked up the package and will reach them shortly. It does not necessarily mean the package will be delivered on the same day. However, in most cases, it does. With this information, the customers can plan their availability for receiving the package. At times, there can be a delay in delivery due to adverse weather conditions, road closures, incorrect address details, or vehicle breakdown. Reputed eCommerce sellers inform their customers about the possible delay to maintain transparency and avoid dissatisfaction.
In Transit vs Out for Delivery: Know the Key Differences
Many customers confuse ‘in transit’ with ‘out for delivery’. Both indicate that the package is on its way to the customer’s place. However, both terms differ. Let us look at the key differences between the two:
| In Transit | Out for Delivery |
| In transit indicates that a package is anywhere on the way from its origin to its destination. | Out for delivery implies that the package has been loaded on a local delivery vehicle and is moving towards the recipient’s address. |
| It shows the shipment moving through the shipping carrier’s logistics network. It includes moving from one facility to another before reaching the final destination. | The package is with the delivery agent, who then finds the best delivery route within the committed time frame. |
| When a package is in transit, it may be days away from reaching its final destination. | If the status shows ‘out for delivery’, the package is expected to be delivered the same day if there are no unforeseen delays. |
| Customers should track updates to learn when the package will finally arrive. | Customers should be available to receive the package and avoid missing it. |
Comparing Scheduled and Out for Delivery Notifications
Here is a look at the difference between scheduled for delivery and out for delivery:
| Scheduled for Delivery | Out for Delivery |
| The status ‘scheduled for delivery’ states that the package is planned to be delivered on a certain date. | The status is set to ‘out for delivery’ when the package is on its way to the customer’s address. |
| At this point, the package is still at the local hub or facility. | The delivery agent has picked up the package at this stage. |
| The delivery is usually scheduled a few days after this status is updated. | The delivery is mostly scheduled for the same day this status is updated. |
| Customers should prepare to receive the order on the mentioned date. | Customers should make arrangements to receive the package when it reads ‘out for delivery’. |
| Delivery of the shipment may be delayed because of operational issues or changes. | Delivery of the shipment is likely to be delayed because of bad weather, traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns, or other unforeseen issues. |
Common Setbacks That Affect Last-Mile Delivery
Here is a look at some of the common factors that impact last-mile delivery, causing delays and dissatisfaction among customers:
1. Adverse Weather Conditions
Once a delivery has been scheduled and the agent is out for delivery, sudden rain or a storm may cause a delay. Heavy rain, storms, or snowfall can disrupt the transportation routes and make driving difficult. In such extreme weather conditions, the delivery agents may not be able to reach their destination timely.
2. Traffic Congestion
This is another unforeseen condition that can lead to delayed deliveries. Urban areas are more prone to this issue. They often witness traffic jams, road closures, and diversions. The problem usually aggravates during peak hours and festival time, causing the shipments to move slowly and arrive after the committed timeframe.
3. Inaccurate Address Details
Sometimes, a customer’s address is incomplete or inaccurate. Some key details, such as a flat number or pin code, may be missing, so the delivery agent is unable to locate it. Such shipments may require rescheduling, or the agents have to contact the customers to get the details, which leads to a delay. In certain cases, delay may even be caused if information about a landmark is missing.
4. High Order Volume
Businesses may be unable to ensure timely deliveries because of high order volume. Courier companies witness a surge in deliveries during festive seasons and sales. The entire delivery process slows down during such times, causing the delay. This is mainly because of limited manpower and low vehicle capacity.
5. Vehicle Breakdown
Vehicle breakdown is another setback that impacts last-mile delivery more so when no backup vehicles are available immediately. Multiple deliveries on that route can get affected due to this. Reputed shipping companies try to resolve this issue quickly. However, it can still cause some delay.
6. Local Strikes or Unrest
Political protests, labour strikes, and other kinds of unrest in local areas can impact the movement of goods and disrupt timely deliveries.
How Does Shiprocket Quick Offer Faster and Reliable Local Deliveries?
Shiprocket Quick is a hyperlocal delivery solution. We provide fast, affordable, and reliable local deliveries for businesses in India. Our platform ensures rapid rider allocation. The allocation is usually done within seconds, even during peak hours. This ensures the timely pickup and delivery of packages. We provide flexible and reliable delivery options by collaborating with multiple trusted courier service partners such as Ola and Borzo.
We cater to businesses’ diverse delivery needs to help them expand far and wide. Our dashboard and mobile application are easy to use. With the help of our user-friendly apps and tools, you can manage your shipments efficiently and track them accurately. We have streamlined the local delivery process of many businesses and helped them grow.
SR Quick delivery rates start at just INR 10 per kilometre. We do not apply surge pricing, making our service suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. Our large fleet of vehicles and experienced riders are capable of handling huge volumes to cater to the requirements of big businesses.
Conclusion
‘Out for delivery’ is the final step in eCommerce, before a package reaches a customer. It means the parcel has left the local distribution centre and is with the delivery agent. When a package is marked ‘out for delivery’, it usually reaches a customer the same day. If there is a delay due to an unforeseen reason, the customers are informed about the same. This way, the customers can prepare to receive the package. Partnering with a reliable shipping company such as SR Quick is crucial to ensure timely deliveries and provide accurate shipping status updates.
