What Does "Shipped" Mean on Amazon In 2024? The Complete Guide
With over 200 million Amazon Prime members worldwide, Amazon has become the go-to online retailer for everything from household essentials to the latest tech. But sometimes the shipping status for your order can be confusing.
As an expert in retail and consumer trends, I often get asked: what do all those different "Shipped" statuses really mean when you order from Amazon? This complete guide will explain it all in simple terms.
An Estimated 72% of Consumers Check Order Status Frequently
A recent survey showed that the majority of online shoppers track their packages closely once purchased. Over 70% said they monitor status at least once per day until delivery.
This anxiety over order status is common when you can‘t see or touch the item you purchased. Customers just want to know – where is my stuff!?
What “Shipped” Means
When your Amazon order status changes to “Shipped”, it means the package has left the Amazon warehouse and is on its way towards you.
Specifically, it has been handed over to a shipping carrier like USPS, FedEx, or UPS. The carrier now has possession of your package for final delivery.
Think of “Shipped” as going from Amazon’s hands into the delivery company’s hands, who will get it to your door.
What Happens in the Amazon Shipping Process?
To understand what shipped means, it helps to know what goes on behind the scenes of an Amazon order:
- You place an order: It is received and processed by Amazon
- Amazon picks & packs: Your items are located in a warehouse, packaged up
- Hand-off to carrier: Amazon gives your package to USPS/FedEx/UPS
- In transit: The carrier transports your package to a facility near you
- Out for delivery: It arrives in your local area and goes out on a truck
- Delivered: The package is dropped off at your door!
"Shipped" refers to the hand-off from Amazon to carrier. After that, the delivery company is responsible for getting it to you.
Why People Track "Shipped" Status Closely
There are a few key reasons customers monitor order status so closely once it‘s shipped:
- To estimate delivery date – The shipping progress gives clues on when it will arrive.
- To prevent porch theft – Users want to be home when package is delivered.
- For peace of mind – Users feel relief knowing order is getting closer.
- To track carrier issues – Customers want to stay on top of any potential delays.
Knowing the nuances of each shipping status provides more visibility so users feel informed about their purchase.
What Do Other Common Amazon Shipping Statuses Mean?
Beyond just "Shipped", there are a few other shipping statuses you may see on Amazon orders:
| Status | Definition |
|---|---|
| Preparing for Shipment | Order received by Amazon and is being processed and packed at the warehouse |
| Shipping Now | The package has left the Amazon warehouse and is in transit to the carrier |
| Arriving Today / Tomorrow | The carrier has the package nearby and it‘s scheduled for delivery today or tomorrow |
| Out for Delivery | The package is on the truck and on its way to your address |
| Delayed – Not Yet Shipped | There is an unexpected delay and the package has not left the Amazon warehouse yet |
| Delivery Attempted | Carrier tried to deliver but you weren‘t available, so they will reattempt delivery |
| Available for Pickup | Item can be picked up by you from a designated location rather than delivered |
| Delivered | Order has officially been delivered to the shipping address |
How Supply Chain Issues Impact Amazon Shipping Times
With global supply chain disruptions and limited carrier capacity, Amazon delivery times have been less reliable than usual.
In Q4 2022, only 64% of Amazon parcels in the US were delivered on time, compared to 83% in Q4 2021. Their on-time rate declined by over 20% in one year.
Shipping delays hit hardest during the peak holiday season, with significant impacts to customers:
- Only 50% of Amazon One-Day deliveries reached on time in late December 2022.
- Customers received refunds for delayed Christmas gifts that did not arrive on schedule.
- Some Prime members opted to pay extra to guarantee timely arrival of holiday items.
While Amazon works to resolve these systemic issues, customers should factor in potential delays, especially for this upcoming 2023 holiday season.
How to Get Refunds for Late Amazon Deliveries
If your Amazon order is late and misses the promised delivery date, you can contact customer service to receive a refund.
Make sure to keep all tracking details and proof of the guaranteed date shown at purchase. Amazon may ask for this when you request compensation.
Some common refund options include:
- Free month of Amazon Prime membership
- Account credit for the value of the item
- Complete refund of the purchase price
- A promotional code or gift card with monetary value
Know your options if your delivery faces carrier or warehouse delays outside of Amazon‘s control.
Should You Rely on Amazon for All Your Shopping Needs?
While no retailer is 100% perfect, Amazon sets the standard for convenience with its massive selection and delivery innovations.
However, consumers should balance using Amazon with other shopping channels for a few reasons:
- Supporting small, local businesses wherever possible
- Comparing prices across multiple retailers to find the best value
- Reducing risk when Amazon is unable to meet demand
- Avoiding counterfeit products that slip through on Amazon
View Amazon as an essential option, but not the only option, for reliable online shopping.
Key Takeaways on What “Shipped” Means
When your Amazon order status changes to “Shipped”, key things to remember include:
- It has left the Amazon warehouse and is with a delivery carrier
- There are still steps left before it will arrive at your address
- On-time delivery rates are down 20%+ compared to last year
- You can get a refund if it does not arrive by the guaranteed delivery date
- Consider using other retailers in addition to Amazon when possible
I hope this guide provides useful clarity and insights on what “Shipped” means and what to expect from Amazon ordering and delivery in 2024. Let me know if you have any other questions!
