You’ve probably heard the term “shipping” when it comes to sending or receiving goods. Shipping refers to the process of moving products from one location to another. While it's commonly associated with international trade, the term can also apply to domestic shipments.
Shipping can also refer to the cost paid by the buyer for that service. These shipping fees can vary depending on distance, item weight, and the type of service selected.
Shipping in the World of Online Shopping
In e-commerce, shipping refers to the process of sending goods from the seller to the buyer via a logistics provider. It plays a critical role in customer satisfaction.
Fast and reliable shipping builds customer trust, which in turn drives loyalty and repeat purchases.
To choose the right shipping service, businesses must consider factors like cost, delivery time estimates, security, and service options. Some online stores also offer free shipping as a strategy to attract more buyers.
Read also: 5 Proven Ways to Increase Customer Loyalty
Shipping in Export and Import Businesses
Shipping plays a vital role in global trade. In export, it refers to sending goods from the home country to the destination country. In import, it's the process of receiving goods from abroad back to the home market.
Choosing the right logistics partner is crucial to ensure that shipments arrive safely and on time. It's also essential to comply with shipping regulations and customs policies in both the origin and destination countries.
To simplify the process, businesses often work with shipping agents or freight forwarders who have expertise and connections in international logistics.
A freight forwarder can help select the best shipping route, prepare customs documents, and ensure the goods reach their destination smoothly.
How Shipping Differs from Delivery
Shipping and delivery are often confused, but they refer to different stages in the logistics process. Shipping is the act of sending goods from one point to another, while delivery refers to the final step—getting the goods into the hands of the buyer.
For example, when you order something from abroad, the shipping fee usually covers transport from the originating country to your country. Once the goods arrive, there may be an additional delivery fee for the last-mile transport to your home or business address.
How Shipping Works
The shipping process typically begins when a customer places an order and the seller (or logistics provider) initiates shipment. The items are then transported via a selected route—whether by land, sea, or air.
International sea freight usually takes longer than air shipping, but it’s often more cost-effective for bulk goods.
Once goods arrive at the destination country, the process continues with local delivery services ensuring the package reaches the recipient. This stage may also involve customs clearance, taxes, or import duties—depending on the regulations of the destination country.
That’s a quick overview of what shipping means, how it differs from delivery, and how the process works. For business owners struggling with logistics, especially in the food industry, there’s a solution: Opaper.
Efficient shipping and delivery are crucial for businesses—especially those offering food delivery. Opaper is the perfect platform for businesses in this space. It supports delivery services without charging 20–30% commission fees. So, your profit margin stays intact and your delivery pricing can match your in-store pricing.
Need to ship frozen food or deliver meals to customers in other cities? No problem—Opaper works with trusted logistics partners that cover all regions in Indonesia.
So don’t wait. Try Opaper today—completely FREE!