#79 Checking Delivery Status｜English Business Phrases

In business situations, it is often necessary to check the delivery status or progress of an order with a business partner.

When asking about delivery status in English, it is important to do so politely and objectively, without giving the impression that you are blaming the other party.

In this article, I explain useful English expressions for checking delivery progress and key points for obtaining updates smoothly.

Dialogue

A

Hello, I’m calling to check on the status of our order.

B

Sure. Could you tell me your order number, please?

A

Yes, it’s 45872. The items were scheduled for delivery this week.

B

Let me check that for you.

A

Thank you. 

B

It looks like the shipment was sent out yesterday and should arrive by Friday.

A

I see. Please let me know if there are any delays.

B

Certainly. I’ll keep you updated.

1. Stating the Purpose of Your Call or Message

When checking on a delivery, it is best to begin by clearly stating your purpose.

The phrase “check on the status of ～” means “to confirm the progress or current situation of something.”

It can be used in many business contexts, such as deliveries, projects, or applications.

This expression clearly shows that you are making an inquiry, not pressuring the other party.

2. Confirming or Referring to the Scheduled Delivery Date

When referring to an expected delivery date, the following expression is useful.

The phrase “be scheduled for ～” means “to be planned or arranged for.” It allows you to confirm facts politely without sounding demanding.

3. Explaining Shipment and Arrival Status

When explaining delivery progress, it is important to mention when the items were shipped and when they are expected to arrive.

The phrasal verb “send out” means “to ship” or “to dispatch.” It is slightly more conversational than ship and is commonly used in phone calls or emails.

To talk about the expected arrival date, “should” is often used.

Using “should” sounds more polite than “will arrive” and indicates a high probability rather than absolute certainty. This makes it appropriate when the information is not fully confirmed.

4. Requesting Notification in Case of Delays

It is also important to ask for notification in case there are any delays.

The structure “Please let me know if ～” is extremely versatile and commonly used in business communication.

Summary