The phrase indicates a parcel or shipment has been handed over to the company responsible for its final transportation and delivery. This signifies the initial transfer of custody from the sender or a previous carrier to the entity that will ultimately bring the item to its intended recipient. For instance, after a package is processed at a regional hub, it is then handed off to a local courier for last-mile delivery; at this point, the tracking information would likely update to reflect this transfer.
This stage is crucial in the shipping process as it represents a pivotal point in the chain of custody and signifies progression toward the final destination. It provides reassurance to the sender and receiver that the item is actively moving through the network. Previously, tracking systems may have lacked such granular updates, leading to uncertainty about a package’s whereabouts between major transit points. Real-time visibility into this process enables better planning and communication regarding estimated arrival times.
