Turn estimated delivery dates into exact dates

ShipperHQ’s Date & Time feature supports a wide range of carriers and methods, including UPS, FedEx, USPS, Canada Post, LTL Freight carriers, custom rate carriers, and in-store pickup.

ShipperHQ’s Date & Time feature lets you control how estimated delivery dates are shown at checkout by applying custom rules based on your specific logistics and fulfillment setup.

You can adjust delivery dates using:

• Lead times: Set prep time based on origin, product group, or carrier
• Cutoff times: Define daily order cutoff times by location
• Blackout dates: Block non-production or non-shipping days like holidays
• Max transit time: Limit how long a shipment can be in transit (helpful for perishables)
• Carrier settings: Choose to show delivery date, time in transit, or a calendar; override lead times or blackout dates per carrier
• Calendar display options: Offer a date picker or inline display (where supported)
• Cheapest rate logic: Pre-select or limit to the lowest-cost shipping method per day
• Table rate support: Add lead times to custom shipping methods and show delivery estimates
• Custom messaging: Control how delivery dates are displayed, including fallback text if no date is available

These settings ensure your estimated delivery dates are accurate and aligned with your real-world shipping capabilities.

Showing estimated delivery dates (EDDs) at checkout helps set clear expectations for your customers. It tells them exactly when their order will arrive, which builds trust and improves the overall shopping experience.

Here’s why it matters:

• Fewer support questions: When customers see clear delivery info up front, they’re less likely to contact your team with shipping questions.
• Higher conversions: 62% of shoppers care more about knowing when their order will arrive than how fast it ships. Showing exact dates helps reduce cart abandonment.
• Fewer spoiled shipments: If you sell perishables, setting limits on time in transit and showing delivery dates helps make sure items arrive fresh.
• Stronger customer experience: Reliable delivery info gives your store a more polished, Amazon-like checkout.

The estimated shipment date is the date your order is expected to leave the warehouse or fulfillment center. The estimated delivery date is when the order is expected to arrive at the customer’s address.

In other words:

• Estimated shipment date = when the order is packed and handed off to the carrier
• Estimated delivery date = when the order is expected to reach the customer

The time between these dates depends on factors like order processing time, carrier service level, destination, and any holidays or blackout dates.

ShipperHQ lets you display both shipment and delivery dates at checkout, helping you set clear expectations and reduce confusion about order status.

Yes. Understanding delivery estimates is key to setting the right expectations for customers and reducing post-purchase confusion. Here are a few tips to help:

• Know the difference between ship date and delivery date: The ship date is when the order leaves your warehouse. The delivery date is when it’s expected to arrive at the customer’s address.
• Factor in lead times and cutoff times: These affect when an order is ready to ship. Orders placed after a certain time may ship the next day.
• Account for blackout dates and holidays: Holidays, weekends, or non-operational days can shift delivery timelines.
• Use location-based logic: Delivery estimates can vary by customer region, shipping method, or fulfillment center location.
• Watch for delivery disruptions: Weather events, carrier strikes, or regional issues can impact delivery timelines.
• Display delivery info early: Show delivery dates early in the shopping journey to build trust and reduce cart abandonment.

Using tools like ShipperHQ, you can set precise delivery estimate rules based on origin, destination, product type, and carrier. This ensures your delivery dates are accurate and aligned with your shipping capabilities.