---
title: Understanding Processing Time vs Transit Time
description: "Delivery Promise uses two main timing values when calculating delivery estimates: - Processing time - Transit time Understanding the difference is important because they control different parts of the delivery estimate. Table of Contents [Toggle](#) - [Processing time](#Processing_time) - [Transit…"
url: "https://wpruby.com/knowledgebase/understanding-processing-time-vs-transit-time/"
updated: "2026-07-01"
category: Delivery Promise for WooCommerce
---

# Understanding Processing Time vs Transit Time

Delivery Promise uses two main timing values when calculating delivery estimates:

- Processing time
- Transit time

Understanding the difference is important because they control different parts of the delivery estimate.

Table of Contents

 [Toggle](#)

- [Processing time](#Processing_time)
- [Transit time](#Transit_time)
- [Example calculation](#Example_calculation)
- [Product-level lead times](#Product-level_lead_times)
- [Shipping method rules](#Shipping_method_rules)

## Processing time

Processing time is the time before the order is dispatched.

This includes the time your store needs to:

- prepare the order
- pick and pack products
- create labels
- wait for stock
- handle made-to-order products
- prepare bulky or custom items

**Example:**

If processing time is 1–2 working days, the order is expected to dispatch after 1 to 2 working days.

## Transit time

Transit time is the time after dispatch.

This is the estimated time the shipping method needs to deliver the package to the customer.

**Example:**

If transit time is 2–3 working days, the order is expected to arrive 2 to 3 working days after dispatch.

## Example calculation

**Assume:**

Processing time: 1–2 working days
Transit time: 2–3 working days
Working days: Monday–Friday
Order placed: Monday before cutoff

**The plugin may calculate:**

Dispatch estimate: Tuesday – Wednesday
Delivery estimate: Thursday – Monday

Weekends and holidays are skipped when calculating working days.

## Product-level lead times

If a product has a custom lead time, that product’s processing time can override the default processing time.

**Example:**

Default processing time: 0–1 days
Made-to-order product processing time: 5–10 days

When the made-to-order product is in the cart, the plugin uses the longer product lead time.

## Shipping method rules

Shipping method rules usually affect transit time.

**Example:**

Standard shipping: 3–5 days
Express shipping: 1–2 days

This lets customers see a different estimate when they choose a faster shipping method.