The Shipping Process: How It Works, What It Includes, and How You Can Improve It

Nov 20

The shipping process is the complete chain of steps that moves a package from the seller to the customer, including picking, packing, labeling, carrier handoff, transit, and delivery. International shipments add customs checks, documentation requirements, duties, and additional inspections.

A shipping process needs to stay consistent from the first scan to final delivery. When each stage runs without friction, deliveries arrive on time and costs stay predictable. When steps break down, delays, claims, and support issues escalate. This guide covers every part of the workflow, including ecommerce, dropshipping, international shipping, documentation, and tracking terms.

What A Shipping Process Includes

The shipping process covers every stage that moves a package from preparation to final delivery. It includes label creation, packing, sorting, carrier pickup, transit, and last-mile delivery. International shipments also require customs documentation, duties, and inspection steps.

A clean process reduces delays, lowers damage rates, and improves customer satisfaction.

Pre-Shipping, Shipping & Post-Shipping Overview

Every shipping workflow can be divided into three main stages. These stages help identify where delays start, where costs increase, and where improvements have the biggest impact. Looking at the process in these segments also makes it easier to map responsibilities across warehouse teams, carriers, and fulfillment partners.

Pre-shipping:
Order intake, inventory checks, picking, packing, and label creation.

Shipping:
Carrier pickup, origin scans, transit through hubs, tracking updates, and final delivery.

Post-shipping:
Returns, exchanges, damage claims, lost-package investigations, and reverse logistics.

Comparison of All Shipping Types

  
    Shipping Type
    Key Steps
    Pros
    Challenges
  
    Standard Domestic Shipping
    Picking, packing, labeling, carrier pickup, transit, delivery
    Fastest workflow; minimal documentation
    Last-mile delays; carrier congestion
  
    Ecommerce Shipping
    Order sync, picking, packing, labeling, sorting, daily pickups, returns
    Scalable; automated; consistent tracking
    High return rates; seasonal peaks
  
    Dropshipping
    Order forwarded to supplier; supplier handles fulfillment
    No inventory handling; low overhead
    Slow suppliers; inconsistent quality
  
    International Shipping
    Documentation, export clearance, transit, import clearance, delivery
    Global reach; high order value
    Customs delays; duties; complex paperwork

The Shipping Process Step-by-Step

The shipping process follows a predictable chain of events. Each step affects the next one, so accuracy and timing matter from the moment an order is created until the package reaches its final destination. Below is the full breakdown of how the shipping process works.

1. Order Received

The system verifies customer details, checks stock, and creates a pick ticket. Accurate information at this stage prevents routing errors and failed deliveries.

2. Order Picking

Items are located, scanned, and prepared for packing. Organized shelving and scanning minimize mis-picks and speed up warehouse flow.

3. Order Packing

Packaging materials, inserts, and protective padding are selected. Strong packing reduces transit damage and inspection delays.

4. Shipping Label Creation

A shipping label is generated with carrier routing, address, service level, and tracking barcode. Label accuracy ensures correct routing through the carrier network.

5. Sorting

Packages are grouped by carrier, service level, and destination zone to support efficient pickups.

6. Carrier Pickup and Origin Scan

Carriers collect sorted packages and perform origin scans. Tracking activates at this point, and shipments enter the carrier’s network.

7. Transit and Tracking

Packages move through regional hubs, national centers, or international gateways. Tracking updates reflect each handoff and facility scan.

8. Last-Mile Delivery

Local delivery carriers transport the package to the final address, locker, or pickup location. Last-mile performance depends on traffic, weather, and driver capacity.

9. Post-Delivery Steps

Returns, exchanges, damage claims, and lost-package investigations are handled at this stage.

At RushOrder, we manage this full cycle (picking, packing, labeling, sorting, carrier handoff, tracking visibility, and returns) so brands can operate without shipping bottlenecks.

Ecommerce Shipping Process

The ecommerce shipping process moves quickly because online orders flow directly from the store platform to the warehouse. Each step focuses on speed, accuracy, and clean handoffs so packages can move through the carrier network without delays.

Order Creation and Sync

Orders enter the system from ecommerce platforms, inventory is verified, and the order is routed for fulfillment.

Picking

Warehouse teams scan items and organize batches to move high-volume orders efficiently.

Packing

The correct box or mailer is chosen, with protective materials and any inserts or return slips.

Labeling

Carrier-integrated systems generate labels and assign tracking numbers based on service level and destination.

Sorting and Carrier Pickup

Packages are staged by carrier and speed for scheduled pickups. Tracking activates upon the first scan.

Transit and Tracking

Shipments move through carrier networks, updating as they pass through hubs.

Delivery

Local drivers deliver packages to the final destination.

Returns Processing

Returned items are inspected, restocked, or prepared for replacement through reverse logistics.

Dropshipping Process

The dropshipping process removes most in-house fulfillment steps because the supplier handles the picking, packing, and shipping. The store focuses on forwarding orders and keeping product data accurate.

Order Placement

The online store forwards order details automatically to the supplier.

Supplier Picking and Packing

The supplier retrieves, packs, and prepares the item for shipment.

Labeling and Handoff

Tracking is created, and the carrier receives the package.

Transit and Delivery

The carrier moves the package until it reaches the customer.

Returns and Exchanges

Returns go back to the supplier, and timelines depend on supplier performance.

International Shipping Process

International shipments need more documentation, more tracking points, and more rules. Here’s the process:

Commercial Invoice Creation

Lists item descriptions, quantities, values, and HS codes.

Customs Forms

Required for export, providing classification and declaration details.

Packaging and Labeling

Needs clarity to avoid inspection delays.

Carrier Pickup and Export Scan

Packages move to export hubs for customs review.

Origin Customs Clearance

Documents are validated before departure.

Transit Across Borders

Shipments move by air, sea, or ground.

Destination Customs Clearance

Duties, taxes, and inspections take place at entry.

Last-Mile Delivery

Local carriers complete delivery after clearance.

Most delays happen because forms are incomplete or incorrect. That’s where a clean shipping documentation process is most important.

Shipping Documentation Process

Below is a simple documentation checklist you can follow.

  
    Document
    Purpose
  
    Commercial Invoice
    Describes goods for customs
  
    Packing List
    Confirms items, weight, and box count
  
    Shipping Label
    Guides carrier routing
  
    Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
    Required for international shipments
  
    HS Codes
    Classify goods and determine duties
  
    Certificate of Origin
    Needed for certain countries
  
    Return Instructions
    Helps your customers send items back easily

Accurate documentation reduces customs delays and routing errors.

What “In Process” Means for Shipping

“In process” is a common tracking update used when a package has entered the carrier’s system but hasn’t reached a major sorting facility yet. It indicates the shipment is moving between early stages, often before the first major hub scan.

This status can appear for several hours or longer depending on the carrier, pickup volume, or scanning schedules. It generally means the package is on its way but hasn’t completed the next tracking checkpoint.

How to Improve The Shipping Process

Here are the cleanest ways to do improve a shipping process:

Automate label creation.
Use one pick-and-pack workflow for all products.
Standardize packaging sizes.
Place shipping stations close to inventory shelves.
Batch orders by carrier and zone.
Verify addresses before printing labels.
Track carrier performance weekly.
Add buffer stock for fast-moving items.
Clean your documentation flow for international orders.

If you want to simplify everything, you can hand this work to RushOrder. We store products, package every order, and ship through every major carrier.

How Long Is the GOAT Shipping Process?

The GOAT shipping process takes longer than standard ecommerce because every item must be authenticated before it ships to the buyer. The total timeline depends on how quickly the seller sends the item, how busy the verification centers are, and seasonal carrier volume.

  
    Stage
    Typical Time
  
    Seller ships item to GOAT
    1–3 business days
  
    GOAT authentication
    1–2 business days
  
    GOAT ships to buyer
    3–7 business days
  
    Seasonal delays
    Possible during holidays and major releases

Conclusion

The shipping process works smoothly when each stage (from order creation to final delivery) moves without friction. Clear documentation, organized warehouse flows, and reliable carrier handoffs all play a direct role in delivery speed and accuracy. As businesses scale, these steps become harder to manage internally, which is why many brands rely on partners like RushOrder to handle picking, packing, and shipping at volume while maintaining consistent performance.

FAQs

1. What is the process of shipping a package?

Shipping a package starts with order creation, picking, and packing. A label is applied, the carrier scans the package, and the shipment moves through transit until it reaches the final delivery address.

2. How does the shipping process work step-by-step?

The steps include order processing, picking, packing, labeling, sorting, carrier pickup, transit through hubs, and final delivery. Returns and reverse logistics complete the workflow.

3. What does “in process” mean in shipping?

“In process” means the carrier has the package but has not completed the next major scan. The shipment is moving through early stages of the network before reaching a sorting facility.

4. How long does international shipping take?

International shipping usually takes longer due to customs clearance, inspections, and longer transit distances. Actual timing depends on the destination, carrier, documentation accuracy, and service level.

5. How to improve a shipping process?

Improvements come from better warehouse organization, automated labeling, standardized packaging, faster carrier pickups, and stronger documentation. Many companies use a 3PL to manage these tasks at scale.

6. What is the ecommerce shipping process?

The ecommerce shipping process includes order syncing from online platforms, picking, packing, labeling, sorting, carrier handoff, transit, delivery, and returns. High-volume stores rely heavily on automation and consistent workflows.

7. What is the drop shipping process?

In dropshipping, the supplier handles picking, packing, and shipping. The merchant manages the storefront, passes order details to the supplier, and monitors delivery performance.

8. How long is the GOAT shipping process?

The full GOAT timeline averages 5–12 business days. This includes seller shipment to GOAT, authentication, and final delivery from GOAT to the buyer.