Tracking helps clients understand recorded events in the life of a shipment. But the wording of a status matters. An entry on a website is not automatically independent evidence that a carrier has collected or delivered valuable goods.
Enquiry received
The shipper or prospective customer has contacted the service. No shipment should be regarded as booked, insured or in transit merely because a reference has been generated at the enquiry stage.
Documentation under review
The proposed cargo details, title evidence, valuation or declarations may be under assessment. For precious commodities, the need for review should be expected rather than interpreted as an abnormal delay.
Booking confirmed
A valid booking should be supported by acceptance from the responsible carrier or handler, with a real reference and the applicable terms. A self-generated website status alone should not be treated as proof of carrier acceptance.
Collected or accepted into custody
This should correspond to actual pickup, warehouse acceptance or carrier documentation. Ask which named party took custody and when, and retain the corresponding evidence.
In transit
A transit status should reflect a recorded movement or genuine handover. Specific stops or flights are not guaranteed without a confirmed itinerary, and a carrier may change routing for operational reasons.
Customs review or pending release
Regulatory inspections, document requests and clearance decisions are controlled by the relevant authorities. A shipment-tracking page is not the customs authority and cannot issue clearance by displaying a label.
Delivered
Final delivery should be linked to an authorized consignee handover, receipt or other appropriate proof of delivery. High-value consignments require particular attention to recipient identification and release conditions.
Using Andy Harris Logistics tracking
Visit our Shipment Tracking page and enter an issued reference to view any available site records. Exact status names depend on the underlying shipment record and may differ from the examples above. For a consequential decision, verify dispatch or delivery directly with the responsible carrier and its documents.
Editorial note: This article is general shipping information, not legal, customs, tax or insurance advice. Requirements can change and depend on the specific goods, route, parties and carrier. Obtain written confirmation from the appropriate authorities and service providers.
Planning a consignment? Review our gold and diamond service guide or send a general enquiry. A website enquiry does not confirm booking, insurance or dispatch.