You bought something online. Now comes the fun (or nerve-wracking) part: tracking your parcel.
But suddenly, you’re seeing updates like “Pending pickup” or “Cross border transit” and thinking — “Wait, is my package lost?”
Don’t worry — we’ve got you. Whether you’re a shopper or an online seller, here’s what those confusing courier tracking statuses actually mean.
Let’s break down 17 common delivery statuses, and what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Understanding Parcel/Shipping Tracking Status – Explained Simply
| Tracking Status | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pending Handover to Courier | Your seller hasn’t handed the parcel to the courier yet. | The seller is still packing your item. |
| Pending Pick Up | The courier has been informed, but hasn’t picked up the parcel. | The item is ready and waiting for the driver. |
| Driver En Route to Pick Up | A courier driver is on the way to the seller. | Pick-up is in progress! |
| Pick Up Successful | The parcel is now officially with the courier. | It’s in the system and moving! |
| Pick Up Failed | The courier tried to collect it but couldn’t. | The seller might’ve missed the scheduled pickup. |
| Arrived at Sorting Facility | The parcel has reached a warehouse where it’ll be sorted. | Think of this like a hub before it goes to your city. |
| Out for Delivery | It’s on the way to your doorstep! | You might want to stay alert or keep your phone nearby. |
| Pending Redelivery | Delivery attempt failed — they’ll try again. | No one was home, or the location couldn’t be reached. |
| Delivery on Hold | The parcel is paused for some reason. | Could be an issue with address or instructions — contact support! |
| Transferred to Logistics Partner | The parcel was passed to another delivery provider. | Common in international or rural deliveries. |
| Arrived at Collection Point | Your parcel is ready to be picked up! | It’s waiting at a drop-off point or parcel locker near you. |
| Returned to Sender | The courier couldn’t complete delivery — it’s going back. | Wrong address or no one picked it up in time. |
| Delivery Completed | Success! You’ve got mail. | Your parcel has arrived safely. |
| Order Cancelled | The delivery was cancelled before or during transit. | You might’ve requested a refund or cancellation. |
| Held at Customs Facility | Customs is reviewing your parcel before clearing it. | Usually seen with cross-border shipping. |
| Successfully Cleared Customs | Good news — it made it through! | Your parcel is ready to continue its journey. |
| Cross Border Transit | It’s on the move from another country. | Currently traveling via plane, truck, or boat. |
Final Tip Before You Panic
Sometimes, your parcel may stay in one status for a while — especially during holidays or weekends. Don’t worry just yet! Most couriers update tracking only after major movements in their network.
💡 P.S. If you’re tracking a parcel with Ninja Van, you can check its live status here.
