When shopping online, the order tracking status acts as a digital roadmap for your purchase. “Dispatched” represents a significant milestone, marking the transition of responsibility from the seller’s internal operations to the external logistics network. Understanding this status helps set accurate expectations about the delivery timeline and the package’s location in the supply chain.
Defining “Dispatched”
The term “dispatched” signifies the moment the order has completed all preparation steps and physically left the seller’s premises or warehouse. This status confirms the item has been successfully processed, securely packaged, and had necessary documentation, like shipping labels, affixed. The seller has finalized their obligations and the package has been handed over to the third-party shipping carrier, such as FedEx, UPS, or the local postal service. This marks the end of the internal preparation phase and the beginning of the transit phase toward the destination.
The Stages Before Dispatch
Before an order is marked as dispatched, it moves through several internal logistics stages within the seller’s fulfillment system. The initial step is Order Confirmation, which occurs when the customer’s payment is accepted and the order is registered. This is followed by Processing and Inventory Check, where order details are verified for fulfillment and items are reserved from the available stock.
The next phase is Picking and Packing, involving the physical retrieval of products from the warehouse shelves. Staff use a picking list to locate the correct items, which are then moved to a packing station. During packing, products are secured with protective materials, placed in the shipping container, and the shipping label is applied. This sequence ensures the order is accurate and protected before reaching the carrier for transport.
Dispatched Versus Shipped
The terms “dispatched” and “shipped” are often used synonymously within e-commerce tracking systems, both indicating the package is in the carrier’s hands and moving. Logistical systems sometimes use these terms to denote slightly different, sequential actions. “Dispatched” may specifically refer to the physical handoff of the package from the seller’s dock to the carrier’s transport vehicle.
“Shipped,” in contrast, can refer to the moment the package receives its first official scan by the carrier at their initial sorting facility, confirming formal entry into the network. For the customer, this subtle difference usually matters little, as both statuses confirm the seller’s internal process is complete. Both updates signify that the delivery countdown has begun.
What Happens Immediately After Dispatch
Once the package is marked as dispatched, it enters the carrier’s primary processing network. The package is sorted at an origin facility, which determines the appropriate route and transportation method. It is then loaded onto the necessary mode of transport, such as a truck, train, or airplane, to begin moving toward the destination region.
This physical movement is when the tracking number, generated during the packing process, usually becomes active and begins populating updates. While the tracking status may initially show “Pre-Transit,” the dispatch update confirms the package is no longer idle at the seller’s location. Subsequent updates reflect the package’s progress as it moves between various carrier hubs.
Tracking and Delivery Expectations
The tracking number provided at dispatch is the primary tool for monitoring the order’s progress once it is in the carrier’s control. Customers use this unique identifier to check the status, which updates as the package is scanned throughout the carrier’s network. Tracking information often experiences a lag, especially when shipments travel long distances between major distribution hubs without intermediate scans.
The Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is determined by various factors, including the shipping method selected, the distance between the origin and destination, and the carrier’s current volume. Expedited services provide a shorter timeline compared to standard ground shipping. If tracking stalls for an extended period after dispatch, contact the retailer or seller directly, as they are best positioned to inquire with the carrier about the package’s location.