What does the EMS tracking number mean?

This is what my tracking number tells me on EMS. Does it mean it is on the way to my country - Australia?

Your item was collected (SHANGHAI) at 2009-07-22 13:16:00

Date | Timing | Site | Status
2009-07-22 | 13:16:00 | SHANGHAI | Posting

Hi lukes_biz,

Since I haven't personally used EMS for any order deliveries, my best guess is EMS is telling you that they have collected the goods from your supplier in Shanghai at the stated date and time, but this does not entirely mean that the goods (your order) are already en route to Australia.

Here's a link from Japan Post that have information which might help you, please take a look:

Link hidden: Login to view

Hope this helps somehow.

Anybody out there familiar with EMS? Please lend us a hand.

Cheers!

Richelle has it spot on, that is a dispatch notification. It indicates that the goods have been collected by your shipper, but it doesn't mean that they are on the way.

Depending on your shipper, those goods can now sit at their warehouse for X amount of time, but you can contact EMS for full details as to when they will be shipping.

Thanks a lot for your help. How long does it usually take until they ship?

Will depend on the method you are using to have it shipped.

They have now updated it to dispatched from sorting. What does this mean now?

It is on the way, if it was dispatched that quickly then you must have it coming air mail. I seriously doubt if it would have been dispatched so quickly if it was being sent via ground.

I've heard of ground freight packages being at the warehouse for weeks before being sorted for dispatch.

Give it a few days, you should hear something early next week by my best guess, but just keep your eye on the tracking info to keep yourself up to speed.

Date |Timing | Site | Status
2009-07-22 13:16:00 SHANGHAI Posting
2009-07-22 13:49:00 25 Despatch from Sorting Center
2009-07-22 19:02:55 SHANGHAI Arrival at Sorting Center
2009-07-22 20:12:31 SHANGHAI Despatch from Sorting Center

Does this mean it's on its way?

Hi lukes_biz,

We have deleted the other thread you posted as it is exactly the same as your last post here. We know you are anxious about receiving your order, but it there is no need to duplicate your posts, as this may well be considered spamming (which is not allowed on our forum).

It could well be on its way to you. Although I read in one of the forums that once your package leaves China and until it reaches the country of destination you may be unable to trace it's whereabouts. What was your supplier's estimated delivery period?

All you can do right now is check on EMS website from time to time for further updates on your package.

Hope all turns out well. Have a nice weekend! :)

I have often found in the past that I receive my EMS parcel at my front door even before the tracking information is updated to say it is at the delivery terminal. Usually about 3-4 days from China to Melbourne

Sorry for duplicating and thanks both for your advice.

Last question, are weekends counted as shipping time?

Yeah that just means it's on its way. It has left China.
For example when it reaches Australia, it will then read something like this:

Timing Site Status
2009-07-22 13:16:00 SHANGHAI Posting
2009-07-22 13:49:00 25 Despatch from Sorting Center
2009-07-22 19:02:55 SHANGHAI Arrival at Sorting Center
2009-07-22 20:12:31 SHANGHAI Despatch from Sorting Center

Status: Arrived at Commonwealth of Australia (something along these lines)
Status: Handed over to Customs
Status: Released from customs

Then, over to the post office; you usually get it the next day.

Thanks ocoauction! The info you shared will really help put lukes_biz at ease with his orders.

Hope you get your orders soon lukes_biz. Update us if you please. :)

Other members who will be using EMS (in their future transactions) may be able refer to this post readily.

Cheers to all :)