INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING INFORMATION
Delivery Times & Tracking
Learn how international delivery timeframes work, how shipment tracking is provided and what to expect as your luggage, personal belongings or specialist equipment travels overseas.
When sending items internationally from New Zealand, understanding delivery timeframes and tracking updates can help you plan ahead.
At Send Stuff, international shipping arrangements are assessed individually. Delivery timeframes depend on the destination, transport service, customs clearance and other operational factors.
This guide explains how international shipping timelines are estimated, how tracking generally works and what can happen if your shipment experiences a delay.
How Are International Delivery Times Estimated?
International delivery estimates are based on the transport service, destination and expected movement of goods through the freight network.
Depending on the shipment, the estimated timeframe may begin when the goods have been accepted into the carrier's network rather than when a quote is requested or a booking is arranged.
Estimates may also be expressed in business days, which can exclude weekends and public holidays. The precise definition depends on the carrier and service.
Important: An estimated delivery date is not a guaranteed arrival date. International shipments can be affected by circumstances outside the control of Send Stuff or the transport provider.
Planning Around Important Dates
If your shipment is needed for a holiday, relocation, sporting event or another important occasion, allow additional time for potential delays.
Avoid relying on an estimated delivery date as a firm deadline, particularly where customs clearance or specialist handling is involved.
What Can Affect International Delivery Times?
Several factors influence how quickly a shipment moves from New Zealand to its final overseas destination.
| Factor | Potential Effect on Delivery |
|---|---|
| Destination | International routes and local delivery networks differ between countries and regions. |
| Transport Connections | Shipments may pass through multiple transport hubs before reaching their destination. |
| Customs Clearance | Government processing, document checks or inspections can affect release times. |
| Weather & Disruptions | Severe weather, operational interruptions or transport network changes may cause delays. |
| Public Holidays | Holidays in New Zealand, transit countries or the destination may affect processing. |
| Remote Delivery Areas | Some locations require additional local transport arrangements. |
| Package Requirements | Oversized, unusually shaped or regulated items may require additional handling or approval. |
Because these factors can change, actual delivery times may differ from the original estimate.
What Happens During International Shipping?
International shipments typically move through several stages before reaching their destination. The exact process depends on the carrier and transport arrangements.
Typical International Shipping Journey
- Shipment Preparation Packaging, documentation and shipping arrangements are completed.
- Collection or Drop-Off The shipment is handed over according to the agreed arrangements.
- Origin Processing The carrier receives and processes the shipment within its network.
- International Transport The shipment travels through the international freight network, potentially via transit hubs.
- Destination Customs Clearance Import information is reviewed and any required clearance procedures are completed.
- Local Delivery Once released and processed, the shipment moves through the destination delivery network.
- Delivery The shipment reaches the recipient or designated delivery location.
The stages above are illustrative. Not every carrier displays a separate tracking event for every part of the journey.
How Does International Shipment Tracking Work?
Many international freight services provide tracking information that allows the sender or recipient to monitor the shipment's progress.
Where tracking is available, shipment details may be provided through a tracking number, carrier tracking link or other agreed method.
What Tracking Information Can Show
- When a shipment has been accepted by the carrier.
- Processing or movement through freight facilities.
- International transport and arrival scans.
- Customs clearance or regulatory processing updates.
- Delivery attempts and delivery completion.
Tracking availability: The type and frequency of tracking updates depend on the carrier and service selected. Tracking is not necessarily continuous or updated in real time.
Why Has My Tracking Not Updated?
A period without a new tracking event does not automatically mean the shipment is lost or delayed.
Some shipments move between facilities or countries without generating a publicly visible scan at every stage. Tracking information may update after the next processing event.
Understanding Common Tracking Statuses
Tracking systems use different wording depending on the carrier. The following are examples of commonly used shipment statuses.
| Tracking Status | What It Generally Means |
|---|---|
| Shipment Information Received | Shipment details have been created or transmitted, but physical collection may not yet have occurred. |
| Picked Up / Accepted | The carrier has received the shipment. |
| In Transit | The shipment is moving through the transport network or being processed between locations. |
| At Sorting Facility | The shipment is being processed at a carrier or freight facility. |
| Customs Clearance | The shipment is undergoing import processing or awaiting clearance. |
| Clearance Delay | Customs or regulatory processing requires further action or time. |
| Delivery Exception | An issue has affected the planned delivery or movement of the shipment. |
| Out for Delivery | The shipment has been assigned to a local delivery process. |
| Delivered | The carrier has recorded the shipment as delivered. |
Tracking descriptions are general explanations only. Refer to the relevant carrier's tracking information for the meaning of a specific status.
How Customs Clearance Can Affect Delivery
International shipments are generally subject to customs procedures in the destination country before they can be released for delivery.
Some shipments clear through routine processing, while others require additional documentation, inspection, payment or government approval.
Common Reasons for Customs Delays
- Incomplete or inaccurate customs declarations.
- Missing commercial invoices or packing lists.
- Questions about the contents or declared value.
- Outstanding import duties or taxes.
- Biosecurity inspections or restricted goods checks.
- Additional information requested from the importer.
Important: Customs authorities control import clearance decisions. Send Stuff cannot guarantee when a shipment will clear customs or whether additional checks or charges will apply.
For more information, read our Customs & Import Duties Guide .
Delivery Exceptions & Missed Deliveries
A delivery exception is a notification that something has affected the expected movement or delivery of a shipment.
An exception does not automatically mean that the shipment is lost. It may indicate that additional action is required.
Examples of Delivery Exceptions
- Incorrect or incomplete delivery address.
- Recipient unavailable at the time of delivery.
- Customs documents or payment outstanding.
- Weather or transport disruptions.
- Shipment held for inspection or further processing.
- Local delivery restrictions or access issues.
Example: Delivery Address Issue
If a carrier cannot locate the recipient's address, the shipment may be held while the delivery details are confirmed. Providing an accurate address, postcode and contact number helps reduce avoidable delivery issues.
Additional storage, re-delivery or address correction charges may apply in some circumstances, depending on the carrier and shipment terms.
What Should You Do If Your Shipment Is Delayed?
If your shipment has not progressed as expected, begin by reviewing the latest available tracking information.
Steps to Take
- Check the latest tracking status and any available carrier notifications.
- Confirm whether the estimated delivery timeframe has passed.
- Check whether customs requires documents, payment or information.
- Verify the recipient's delivery address and contact details.
- Keep your shipment reference or tracking number available.
- Contact Send Stuff if you require assistance with a shipment arranged through us.
Information to Include When Contacting Us
To help us identify your shipment, please provide your name, shipment reference or tracking number, destination and a brief description of the issue.
Need assistance? Visit our Contact Us page and select Existing Shipment as your enquiry type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does international shipping take?
Delivery timeframes vary by destination, transport service, customs processing and other operational factors. Where available, an estimated timeframe can be discussed as part of your shipment quote.
Will I receive a tracking number?
Tracking arrangements depend on the selected freight service. Where tracking is available, the relevant details can be provided once the shipment has been arranged.
Why hasn't my tracking updated?
Tracking systems do not necessarily update at every stage of transport. Some shipments move between locations without generating a new public tracking event.
Does customs clearance count towards delivery time?
Customs clearance can affect the total delivery timeframe. Whether it is reflected in a carrier's estimate depends on the service and the assumptions used.
Can you guarantee delivery by a particular date?
Send Stuff does not guarantee delivery by a particular date. International shipments can be affected by customs procedures, transport disruptions and other circumstances.
What does a delivery exception mean?
A delivery exception generally means an issue has affected the planned movement or delivery of a shipment. It does not necessarily indicate loss.
What if my shipment is held by customs?
Customs or the clearance provider may request additional documents, information or payment. The requirements depend on the destination and the goods being imported.
Who should I contact about an existing shipment?
If Send Stuff arranged your shipment, you can contact us through our Contact Us page with your shipment details.
Planning an International Shipment?
Whether you're sending luggage, personal belongings or specialist equipment, tell us what you're shipping and where it's going. We'll review your requirements and provide a personalised shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Please note: This guide provides general information about international delivery and tracking. Delivery estimates, tracking availability and service conditions depend on the carrier and shipping arrangements. All delivery timeframes are estimates unless expressly agreed otherwise.