# Split Shipments and Partial Delivery > A split shipment keeps one customer in order but creates separate parcels. Each parcel needs its own tracking number, and the customer should know which items are in each parcel and when to expect each one. - Type: Merchant guide - Level: Intermediate - Reading time: About 6 minutes - Audience: Written for store owners, builders, and designers refining high-performance ecommerce stores. - Last updated: 2026-11-04 - Canonical page: https://academy.getzenbasket.com/merchant-questions/split-shipments-and-partial-delivery/ - Part of: [Merchant Questions](https://academy.getzenbasket.com/merchant-questions/) on ZenBasket Academy --- ## What you need to know ### What is a split shipment? A split shipment sends one order in more than one parcel, possibly at different times or from different locations. Keep one customer order record while tracking each parcel and its item contents separately. ### Why would one order require multiple shipments? Different stock locations, item readiness, size, carrier eligibility or safe packing requirements may mean multiple parcels are needed. Not all items can always be packed safely together or dispatched at the same time. ### Should customers be told before an order is split? Yes, especially when arrivals or fees differ. Explain the number of parcels and expected partial deliveries before or soon after payment, as soon as the store knows. The customer should not mistake the first parcel for their complete order. ### How should shipping charges work for split shipments? Calculate and display what the customer will actually pay for the full order. If the merchant chooses to split later, avoid surprising the buyer with a new, unapproved shipping charge. Check the applicable contract and checkout promise. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### How should tracking work when an order has multiple shipments? Give each parcel its own tracking number and list the included items. Keep the order page clear about which part has shipped and which remains pending, with separate delivery windows if known. ### Can part of an order be delivered while another part is pending? Yes. Mark individual items or parcels as delivered while the others remain pending. Send updates that distinguish them, so the buyer does not think the whole order has arrived after the first tracking notification. --- ## Related learning path - **Routing Orders Across Inventory Locations** - **Shipment Tracking and Customer Notifications** - [ZenBasket Build Guide](https://help.getzenbasket.com/zenbasket-builder/)