Shipping Vs. Delivery: Definition, Types, and Differences

You've just found the perfect pair of shoes or that gadget you've been wanting forever.

You add it to your cart, type in your details, and with a satisfying click, the purchase is complete.

Then the waiting begins.

You know your package is on its way.

The confirmation email tells you it's been "shipped," and you wait for it to be "delivered."

For most people, those two words are completely the same.

They’re just two different ways of saying the same thing:

"My package is on its way to me."

Simple, right? Not exactly.

Behind those two words lies a whole chain of operations that can make or break a customer’s shopping experience.

When you order something online, the moment you click “checkout,” you probably get an email saying,

“Your order has been shipped.”

A few days later, another message arrives.

“Your order has been delivered.”

Those updates feel routine, but in the world of logistics, they represent very different steps of the journey.

For businesses, understanding the difference between shipping and delivery is not optional; it’s essential.

The way you communicate shipping timelines, delivery dates, and the companies you partner with directly affects customer trust.

A mix-up in these terms can lead to frustration, negative reviews, or even lost sales.

Customers expect clarity, speed, and reliability, and businesses that provide it stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

What is Shipping?

Shipping is the process of moving goods from the seller or warehouse to the customer.

It starts the moment a product leaves the seller’s hands.

Shipping covers packing, labeling, handling, and the movement of goods through different carriers.

For example, if you order clothes from an online store in Lagos, shipping involves the warehouse preparing your package, handing it over to a logistics partner, and getting it moving toward your location.

It's the beginning of the product's journey to the customer.

What is Delivery?

Delivery is the final step of the shipping process.

It’s when the package reaches the customer.

Delivery is what customers care about most because it’s the moment they finally receive what they paid for.

Using the same example: shipping may move your package from Lagos to Abuja, but delivery happens when the dispatch rider knocks on your door in Abuja and hands it over.

So, if shipping is the journey, delivery is the destination.

Is Shipping the Same as Delivery?

No, they’re related but not the same.

This is the most common point of confusion for consumers and a major point of focus for logistics experts.

Shipping is broader and covers the movement of goods, while delivery is specific to the endpoint when the product arrives at its final destination.

The difference can be summarised with this simple analogy;

Shipping answers the question: “Has my order left the seller?”

Delivery answers the question: “Has my order reached me?”

The shipping phase is concerned with getting the item to its general destination, while the delivery phase is concerned with getting it to its final, specific destination.

A package can be "shipped" for days or even weeks before it is "delivered."

This is why a tracking update might say, "Item has shipped," but then there are no new updates for a while until it arrives at a hub closer to you.

What is the Difference Between Shipping and Delivery?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the differences:

1. Scope:

Shipping is the entire process of moving goods.

Delivery is only the final step.

2. Focus:

Shipping focuses on transport and logistics.

Delivery focuses on the customer’s receipt of the package.

3. Communication:

Shipping notifications keep customers updated on where their order is.

Delivery notifications confirm that the order has arrived.

4. Responsibility:

Shipping may involve multiple logistics partners, but delivery often falls on the last-mile provider.

Understanding this difference helps businesses set the right expectations.

Customers love prompt updates.

If they know the product has been shipped but not yet delivered, they’ll have more patience than if both terms are used loosely.

Types of Shipping

Shipping can be categorized by the mode of transport used.

The choice of method depends on the distance, the urgency, the scale, and the cost.

(A) By Mode of Transport

This category is defined by the vehicle or method used to move the goods.

1. Ground Shipping: This is the most common type for domestic and local orders. It involves using trucks, vans, and other land vehicles. It’s the most economical option, but it is also the slowest for long distances.

2. Air Shipping: This is the fastest way to move goods over long distances, particularly for international orders. It uses cargo planes and is ideal for high-value, time-sensitive, or perishable items. It is, however, the most expensive option.

3. Ocean Shipping: This is the primary method for moving large volumes of goods across the world. It uses large cargo ships and is the most cost-effective option for heavy or bulky items. The main drawback is that it is the slowest method by far.

4. Rail Shipping: This method uses trains to transport goods over long distances on land. It’s an efficient way to move heavy freight and is often used as part of a larger, intermodal shipping process, where goods are transferred from rail to ground transport.

(B) By Level of Urgency

This category is defined by how quickly the package needs to arrive.

1. Standard Shipping: This is the most common and cheapest option for sending products. It mostly involves ground transport by trucks or vans and is used when a package doesn't need to arrive quickly. The delivery time for standard shipping is usually between 3 to 7 business days, depending on the distance. It’s the go-to choice for non-urgent deliveries and helps businesses save on logistics costs.

2. Expedited shipping: Also known as express shipping, is a faster service that gets a package to its destination in less time than standard shipping. It often uses air transport for a portion of the journey and is priced higher because of its speed. This method is for customers who need their items quickly but are not in a rush for same-day or overnight delivery. The delivery window is usually 1 to 3 business days.

3. Overnight shipping: It is the fastest delivery option available. It guarantees that a package will arrive at its destination on the next business day. This service is for extremely time-sensitive items and is the most expensive shipping method. It relies heavily on a well-coordinated network that often includes both ground and air transport to meet the strict deadline.

(C) Based on Distance/Destination

This category is defined by where the package is going.

1. International shipping: It is the process of transporting goods from one country to another. This type of shipping is complex because it involves customs, duties, taxes, and a variety of international laws. It can be done via air, land, or sea, and the delivery time and cost depend heavily on the distance, the method of transport, and the regulations of the countries involved. International shipping requires proper documentation to ensure a smooth journey across borders.

2. Domestic shipping: It is the process of moving goods within the borders of a single country. It's the most common and often cheapest form of shipping. The key to domestic shipping is its simplicity. Because the package doesn't cross any international borders, there are no customs, duties, or special taxes to worry about. This makes the process faster and more predictable.

(D) By Size and Volume

This is defined by the amount and size of the goods being shipped.

1. Parcel Shipping: This is common for individuals and businesses sending small, lightweight packages. The name "parcel" comes from a French word meaning "a part" or "a piece," which perfectly describes the small, individual packages handled by this method.

This type of shipping is used for items under a certain weight and size limit, such as clothing, books, electronics, and documents. These packages are handled by standard carriers and can be easily sorted and moved through an automated system.

Because of the volume, parcel shipping is designed for speed and efficiency. It usually involves a multi-step journey, beginning with pickup, followed by transport through a network of sorting facilities, and ending with delivery to the recipient's doorstep.

2. Freight shipping: This is for moving goods that are too large or too heavy for standard parcel services. This is primarily a business-to-business (B2B) service used for commercial shipments, such as large orders of raw materials or finished products being sent to a distributor or retail store.

Freight is often classified by weight, size, and density. Goods are usually secured to pallets or placed in crates to be easily moved with a forklift. This method requires specialized transport and handling, from large trucks and trains to cargo ships and planes. Freight shipping is more complex than parcel shipping, involving specific documentation and coordination to manage the movement of large volumes of goods.

Each type serves a different business need, and offering multiple options can increase customer satisfaction.

Types of Delivery

1. Home Delivery

The most common type, products are dropped directly at the customer’s address.

2. Click-and-Collect / Pickup Point Delivery

Instead of receiving the item at home, customers pick it up from a partner store or pickup station. Jumia, for example, offers pickup stations across Nigeria.

3. Same-Day Delivery

Rising in popularity, this option ensures that customers receive their items on the same day they placed the order, often used for food or groceries. You can do this with Kwikpik.

4. Scheduled Delivery

Customers choose a specific date and time window for delivery. Common with furniture, appliances, or services requiring installation.

5. Contactless Delivery

Introduced widely during COVID-19, where items are left at the door or a safe spot without face-to-face contact.

6. White-Glove Delivery

This is a premium delivery service that goes beyond just dropping off a package. The service often includes unpacking, assembly, and even setting up the product in the customer’s home, like with furniture or large appliances.

Types of Shipping and Delivery Companies

Now let’s talk about the companies that make these processes possible.

They vary from global giants to local players.

(A) Global Shipping and Delivery Companies

1. DHL

Known for international express shipping.

DHL is a global leader in international shipping and logistics.

While they offer a wide range of services, they are most famous for their fast, reliable, international express shipping.

Their network spans over 220 countries and territories, making them the go-to carrier for businesses and individuals who need to send documents and packages across borders quickly.

DHL also has a significant presence in freight forwarding, which involves managing large, complex international shipments for businesses.

2. FedEx

Strong in both domestic and international deliveries.

FedEx is a multinational courier company known for its comprehensive services in both domestic and international deliveries.

They pioneered the overnight shipping concept, and their fleet of planes allows them to handle time-sensitive packages with unmatched speed.

Their services are often categorized by urgency, from standard ground shipping to their premium overnight and same-day express options.

FedEx also has a strong presence in freight, handling larger shipments for businesses.

3. UPS

Popular for freight and package deliveries.

UPS (United Parcel Service) is one of the world's largest package delivery and supply chain management companies.

They are very popular for both freight and package deliveries, offering a complete logistics solution.

UPS is particularly known for its extensive ground network in North America, making it a dominant force in domestic parcel shipping.

Their services range from small package deliveries to large-scale freight forwarding, and they are heavily invested in using technology to optimize their supply chain.

4. SendBox

Sendbox is a Nigerian-based social commerce and fulfillment platform that provides e-commerce infrastructure, including delivery, payments, and online shopping tools, to small merchants who sell on social media like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

The platform connects these merchants with reliable and affordable local and international courier partners, offers secure escrow payments, and provides tools for creating online stores and managing sales to help businesses grow.

5. Terminal Africa

One of the key strengths of Terminal Africa is its focus on bulk air freight and cargo consolidation. Combining shipments helps reduce costs while maintaining efficiency, giving businesses access to better rates than they might find on their own. This makes it valuable for importers, exporters, and small to medium-sized enterprises that are growing beyond regular parcel deliveries and need a solution for larger shipments.

The biggest advantage lies in how the service works. Through Terminal Africa, businesses can handle the entire process from booking and payment to tracking, all in one place. This means less time spent managing different systems or dealing with complicated logistics providers, and more time focusing on running the business.

(B) Nigerian Shipping and Delivery Companies

1. Kwikpik

We are an all-in-one solution for on-demand delivery, bill payments, airtime/data purchase, and a trusted marketplace. Our company focuses on making it easy for individuals and businesses to move items quickly and reliably. We provide services that cover everything from small parcel deliveries, food, groceries, and farm-to-table delivery.

At our core, we connect customers with delivery solutions that are fast, affordable, and trackable. Through our platform and API, businesses can integrate delivery services directly into their operations, it doesn’t matter if it’s for e-commerce orders, food delivery, or corporate logistics needs.

2. GIG Logistics

A leading logistics company with a strong reputation for offering reliable domestic and international shipping. They are known for their extensive network of over 100 physical hubs and smart lockers across Nigeria, making it easy for individuals and businesses to drop off and pick up packages.

GIGL's primary focus is on providing a smooth, end-to-end service, from parcel shipping for small e-commerce sellers to complex corporate deliveries.

They've invested heavily in technology, allowing customers to track their packages in real-time, giving them a high level of transparency.

3. Courier Plus Logistics

CourierPlus is a proudly Nigerian logistics and distribution company, established in 2009 and acquired in 2012 by the Superflux Group of Companies.

With a clear vision of becoming the leading courier brand across Africa in the near future. Their services cover a wide range of express delivery, courier solutions, and logistics support, all designed to help customers adapt, innovate, and stay competitive.

4. Jumia Delivery

Handles deliveries for Jumia’s marketplace and partners.

Jumia delivery is a dedicated logistics network that primarily handles deliveries for Jumia's marketplace and its partners.

It manages the entire delivery process, from picking up products from sellers to ensuring they reach the final customer.

Jumia Logistics has built a robust and complex system that includes a large fleet, sorting centers, and a wide network of agents, allowing it to handle cash on delivery (COD) and provide a consistent delivery experience for millions of online shoppers across Nigeria.

These companies play different roles, from international bulk shipping to last-mile delivery.

Choosing the right partner depends on your business size, product type, and customer expectations.

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Summary

Shipping and delivery are two essential parts of the logistics process that get a product from a seller to a customer, but they refer to different stages of the journey.

For businesses, knowing the difference helps you stay informed.

Customers judge your reliability based on how clear you are about shipping timelines and delivery dates.

Offering different types of shipping and delivery options and working with the right companies can set your brand apart from competitors who still treat these processes as afterthoughts.

Currently, speed and convenience drive buying decisions; businesses that master shipping and delivery won't just sell products, they will build loyalty.

Get Reliable Shipping and Delivery Support from Kwikpik

Understanding the difference between shipping and delivery is one thing; choosing a partner who can handle both smoothly is another.

When it comes to logistics, many businesses and individuals struggle to balance the process of shipping with the personal touch of last-mile delivery. While shipping moves goods from one location to another, delivery is what brings the promise home, literally.

At Kwikpik, we combine both into one reliable service that eliminates stress for senders and builds trust with receivers.

With Kwikpik, you’re creating experiences that customers remember.

Our platform connects you instantly with trusted riders, ensures parcels are picked up without delay, and provides real-time tracking so you and your customers know exactly where an order is at every moment. Kwikpik adapts to your needs with speed, safety, and consistency, and it doesn’t matter if it’s business orders, e-commerce drops, or personal packages; we’ve got you covered.

Try Kwikpik today by integrating our API or schedule a call with us for more information. Click here to have a chat with us.

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