Shipment refers to the dispatch or sending of goods to a specific destination. It can also refer to the act of sending these goods or the goods themselves, depending on the context. It involves the transportation of items from one point to another, either packed or directly loaded onto a container or truck.
What's in a Shipment?
A shipment can contain a single Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) or multiple SKUs.
If someone informs you that "your order has been shipped," it indicates that your order is en route to the delivery service, rather than being sent directly to you.
How to Track a Shipment?
To track the transportation status of your package, you should visit the carrier that is handling your shipment. Alternatively, you can use third-party tracking tools like AfterShip.
Just enter your tracking number in their system to track your shipment conveniently. Here are some steps for you to follow:
- Find your tracking number: simply refer to the emails or confirmation messages you received when placing your order. Typically, the shipping company or online retailer will provide you with this number.
- Visit the AfterShip Tracking Page: With just a single click, you can track packages from numerous shipping companies with ease.
- Enter your tracking number: On the tracking page, enter your tracking number and click the "Track" button;
- Review tracking information: After a moment, the website will display the current status of your package, including its last known location and estimated delivery date.
What’s the difference between Shipment vs. Shipping?
Shipping is the process of transporting goods, while a shipment refers to the goods or consignments that have been ordered. Once the company receives the goods, they are referred to as "delivery."
What’s the Difference Between Shipment vs. Package?
A package or parcel is an entity or collection of items wrapped in paper, which can be transported to a different location or dispatched via mail.
Packages are categorized as small shipments that can be conveniently delivered through standard delivery services. On the other hand, freight shipments refer to substantial loads that require prior coordination.
What’s the Difference Between Shipment vs. Cargo?
Cargo and shipment are shipping terms that are sometimes used interchangeably but have slightly different meanings. A shipment can describe the action of shipping goods or a set of goods constituting a shipment. On the other hand, cargo always refers to the merchandise being shipped.