Multi-Ship / Split Shipments: Why Your Checks Can Arrive on Different Days

Reality check: one order can show up in two boxes.

If you’re an office manager or handling AP, that can feel like a problem—especially when you ordered next-day fast checks and you’re watching the clock.

Good news: split shipments are common in shipping. And once you know why they happen, tracking makes a lot more sense.

What is a split shipment (multi-ship)?

A split shipment means items from the same order ship separately, so you receive more than one package for one checkout. Shopify explains split shipping as fulfillment breaking into multiple shipments when items can’t ship together, like when some items need to ship separately. Shopify split shipping

The most common reasons orders ship in separate packages

Split shipments aren’t random—when an order ships via FedEx, it can be handled as multiple packages going to the same destination, and FedEx may rate/handle them together (multiweight) or keep them separate. Common reasons include items not fitting in one box, requiring different packaging/handling, or being ready at different times, so one package enters the FedEx network earlier than the other. And if it’s an international shipment, FedEx notes that a missing piece of a multiple-piece shipment can cause a clearance delay, which can make one box arrive later.

Here’s how that shows up in real life.

Items aren’t ready at the same time

Some parts of an order finish first. Others need an extra step.

So what’s ready moves. The rest follows.

Items ship from different locations

If one item is stocked in one spot and another item is stocked elsewhere, they may ship separately.

Packaging and protection rules

Some items need different packaging for protection, size, or handling.

Simple: better packaging can mean more boxes.

Why split shipments can happen with check orders

Checks are not a typical “throw it in a box” product. There’s production timing, security-focused packing, and delivery speed choices.

For Checks Next Day orders, our cutoff window and after-hours option are published on our Shipping & Returns page, including the 2:00pm ET cutoff for next-day arrival and the 2:00pm to 5:00pm ET late window with an upcharge on select weekdays. 

Cutoff time pressure is real

Next-day is a tight timeline. If part of an order is ready inside the cutoff and another piece needs an extra step, that can create separate packages.

Different packing needs can mean different boxes

We pack for speed and accuracy. If an item needs a different pack flow, it can end up with its own label.

How to read tracking when your order is split

Tracking usually gets confusing in two moments:

1. You see more than one tracking number.
2. One package looks “quiet” while the other is moving.

FedEx courier publishes a guide to common tracking statuses and what each status means, which helps explain why tracking can look different from package to package. FedEx courier tracking status guide

What you should expect

If your order is multi-ship, each package follows its own scan path.

So yes, one can arrive first.

Quick troubleshooting: when to wait vs. when to reach out

Here’s the goal: save time, avoid panic, and get a clean answer fast.

FedEx explains common tracking questions and status meanings, including what to do when tracking seems stalled or when you see a delivery exception. FedEx tracking questions

Wait a bit when

• One package shows movement and the other is still awaiting the next scan
• Your order is inside normal business-day timing

Reach out when

• A delivery exception keeps repeating
• One package shows delivered but you’re missing the box after checking your receiving area
• The delivery day has passed and there’s still no update

How to reduce split shipments on your next check order

Want fewer surprises?

• Order earlier when possible
• Keep urgent items together
• Watch the cutoff window if you truly need next-day

Simple. Your receiving desk will thank you.

FAQ

1) Why did I get two tracking numbers for one check order?

If parts of your order are produced or packed on different timelines, your shipment may be separated so what’s ready can move first. This is especially relevant on time-sensitive next-day orders.

2) What is the cutoff time for next-day delivery at Checks Next Day?

The cutoff time for next-day delivery at Checks Next Day is 2:00 PM ET (Mon–Fri) for same-day shipping toward next-day delivery, and on Mon–Thu there’s an after-hours option that can extend the cutoff to 5:00 PM ET for an additional fee.

3) Do custom options like logos affect how fast my checks ship?

Yes—custom options can affect shipping speed: Checks Next Day lets you print checks with your own logo (you submit the artwork separately), but for fastest turnaround you’ll want to keep the logo simple and production-ready (sharp artwork, preferably black ink on a white background), because while color logos are offered for standard checks, they can’t be processed and sent overnight, which can prevent “need it tomorrow” timelines.

4) What does “after hours” ordering mean for next-day checks?

“After hours” ordering at Checks Next Day means placing your order after 2:00 PM ET; on Monday–Thursday, orders placed between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM ET can still qualify for next-day delivery with an additional fee, but this option isn’t available on Fridays, weekends, or legal holidays.

5) Why can two boxes arrive on different days if I paid for rush delivery?

Two boxes can arrive on different days even with rush delivery because your order may ship in multiple packages if items are produced or packed at different times, come from different production/fulfillment flows, or require separate packaging (for example, due to customization). Rush shipping applies to each package it’s assigned to, but split shipments can still travel on slightly different timelines.