If you’re a Shopee seller in Malaysia, there’s a critical shift in how fulfillment timelines work that you need to understand. The 12:00 PM cut-off time (COT) isn’t just about when orders come in—it’s about implementing a two-wave daily handover system that fundamentally changes your operational workflow.
This article breaks down what this policy means for your business, the impact on your Fast Handover Rate (FHR), and actionable strategies to ensure you consistently meet Shopee’s service level agreements (SLAs).
Understanding the Policy: The Two-Wave Handover System
The game-changer here is that Shopee now expects sellers—particularly Preferred and Mall sellers—to hand over parcels to logistics providers twice daily. Here’s how it works:
Wave 1: By 11:59 AM
Handover of D-1 orders (orders placed after 12:00 PM from yesterday)
- These are orders from the previous fulfillment day that came in after the cut-off time
- Must be scanned by logistics providers by 11:59 AM today
Wave 2: By 11:59 PM
Handover of D-0 orders (orders placed before 12:00 PM today)
- These are same-day orders that came in before the 12:00 PM cut-off
- Must be scanned by logistics providers by 11:59 PM today
What About Orders After 12 PM Today?
Orders paid after 12:00 PM today will be processed in tomorrow’s first wave (by 11:59 AM tomorrow).
Why This Matters: The Fast Handover Rate (FHR) Impact
Your Fast Handover Rate is now one of the most critical metrics determining your seller status on Shopee. Here’s what you need to know:
FHR Definition: The percentage of parcels handed over to and scanned by logistics providers within the specific time period (as described above) over the last 30 days.
Minimum Requirements:
- Preferred & Shopee Mall sellers: Minimum 60% FHR
- Failure to maintain this can result in removal from these programs, reduced visibility, and lost sales opportunities
Why FHR Matters:
- Eligibility for seller programs – Preferred and Mall status depend on it
- Search visibility – Higher FHR means better placement in SDD, NDD, and 2DD filters
- Customer satisfaction – Faster handovers mean faster deliveries and better reviews
- Competitive advantage – Buyers increasingly filter by delivery speed
The Real Challenge: What’s Changed for Sellers
1. You Now Need Two Daily Handover Windows
Previously, you could process all orders once daily. Now, you need to organize your operations around two distinct handover deadlines each day. This requires:
- Earlier start times to catch the 11:59 AM deadline
- Better workflow organization to separate yesterday’s afternoon orders from today’s morning orders
- Coordination with logistics for two pickups daily (if eligible)
2. Morning Rush is Critical
Orders that come in after midnight but before 12:00 PM need to be processed and ready for handover by 11:59 PM the same day. This means:
- You can’t wait until afternoon to start processing
- Morning orders need immediate attention
- Your team needs to be operational from early morning
3. Yesterday’s Afternoon Orders Can’t Wait
Orders from yesterday afternoon (after 12 PM) must be prioritized first thing in the morning. They’re already on the clock and need to be handed over by 11:59 AM.
Strategic Solutions: Meeting the SLAs
1. Implement a Two-Shift Daily Workflow
Morning Shift Priority (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- Process all orders from yesterday afternoon (after 12 PM) first
- Target handover by 11:59 AM for first pickup/drop-off
- Begin processing new morning orders as they arrive
Afternoon/Evening Shift (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
- Focus on orders received before 12:00 PM today
- Prepare for evening pickup/drop-off by 11:59 PM
- Pre-prep for tomorrow’s morning wave (inventory checks, packing materials)
2. Leverage Extended Shipment Arrangement Times
Shopee has extended the time you can arrange shipments for same-day pickup:
For Preferred & Mall Sellers:
- SPX Express, DHL eCommerce, Ninja Van, Best Cargo: Arrange until 3:00 PM
- Other Shopee Supported Logistics (SSL) partners: Arrange until 2:00 PM
For Non-Preferred Sellers:
- Most logistics partners: Arrange until 1:00 PM
Action Step: Schedule your shipments strategically within these windows to maximize your processing time while still ensuring same-day pickup.
3. Optimize for Two Daily Pickups
If You’re Eligible for Pickup Services:
Preferred and Shopee Mall sellers should receive two pickups daily from designated logistics providers:
- First pickup: Before 12:00 PM (for Wave 1 handovers)
- Second pickup: Evening (for Wave 2 handovers)
What to Do:
- Confirm your pickup schedule with your logistics provider
- If you’re not receiving an early pickup (before 12 PM), submit a request via Shopee’s Early Pick-up Request Form
- Have parcels ready and organized by wave to streamline the pickup process
If You Use Drop-Off Services:
You’re encouraged to drop off twice daily:
- First drop-off: By 11:59 AM at your nearest drop-off point
- Second drop-off: By 11:59 PM (some DOPs have extended hours until 8:00 PM)
Action Step: Identify drop-off points with extended operating hours and plan your route for efficient twice-daily trips.
4. Separate and Track Orders by Wave
Operational Tips:
- Use Shopee Seller Centre’s filtering options to identify orders by payment time
- Create physical separation in your warehouse/packing area:
- “Wave 1 Zone” for yesterday’s afternoon orders
- “Wave 2 Zone” for today’s morning orders
- Label parcels clearly to avoid confusion during handover
5. Automate and Streamline Your Processes
With tighter deadlines and multiple daily handovers, manual processing becomes a bottleneck. Consider:
Order Management Automation:
- Real-time order syncing
- Automated invoice generation
- Bulk printing of airway bills and packing lists
- Automatic order categorization by cut-off time
Inventory Management:
- Real-time stock updates across all platforms
- Low-stock alerts
- Automated inventory reconciliation
- Barcode scanning for faster picking
Fulfillment Software Features to Look For:
- Batch processing capabilities
- Wave-based order sorting
- Integration with Shopee’s API for instant order updates
- Multi-courier management
6. Monitor Your FHR Religiously
How to Check Your FHR:
- Log into Shopee Seller Centre
- Go to: Account Health > Metrics > Fulfilment Performance > Fast Handover Rate
Best Practices:
- Check your FHR weekly (daily during your first month under the new system)
- Set internal targets above the 60% minimum (aim for 75-80%)
- Track which wave is causing issues (morning vs. evening handovers)
- Identify patterns: specific days, product types, or logistics providers with problems
Important Notes About FHR Calculation:
- Measured at parcel level, not order level (split orders count as multiple parcels)
- Only local parcels are counted
- Pre-orders, non-integrated shipping channels, canceled, and unpaid orders are excluded
- Parcels only count once the fast handover period is over
7. Extend Your Operating Hours
Shopee recommends sellers operate until at least 7:00 PM daily. This extended window gives you:
- More time to process Wave 2 orders
- Buffer time for unexpected issues
- Opportunity to prep for the next morning’s Wave 1
Consider:
- Split shifts if full extended hours aren’t feasible
- Part-time staff for peak processing hours
- Use afternoon hours for restocking and organization
8. Build Strong Logistics Relationships
Your courier coordination becomes even more critical with two daily handovers.
Action Steps:
- Communicate your pickup schedule clearly with logistics partners
- Build rapport with your regular courier personnel
- Have backup logistics options for busy periods
- Keep documentation for any pickup issues (for FHR appeals if needed)
- Understand each courier’s scanning procedures and timing
9. Prepare for Complications
What If Your FHR Is Affected by Logistics Issues?
If you experience missed pickups or drop-off points closing early, you can appeal:
Required Documentation:
- Affected Order ID or Item ID
- Details and context of the issue
- Proof of evidence (manifest, photos, timestamps)
Submit to:
- Customer Service team via Seller Centre
- Your Relationship Manager (if applicable)
- Response time: 1-2 days
Special Circumstances: Shopee provides exemptions for unprecedented situations like natural disasters, floods, etc. Your seller status won’t be impacted in these cases.
Sample Daily Schedule: Two-Wave Operations
Here’s what an optimized day looks like under the new system:
7:00 AM – Arrive at warehouse 7:15 AM – Review overnight and yesterday afternoon orders (after 12 PM) 7:30 AM – Start processing Wave 1 orders (yesterday’s afternoon orders) 9:30 AM – Complete Wave 1 packing and labeling 10:30 AM – Quality check and prepare for first handover 11:00 AM – First drop-off OR wait for first pickup (by 11:59 AM) 12:00 PM – Lunch break (staggered if you have staff) 1:00 PM – Begin processing Wave 2 orders (today’s morning orders, before 12 PM) 4:00 PM – Complete Wave 2 packing 5:00 PM – Quality check and handover preparation 6:00 PM – Second drop-off OR wait for evening pickup 6:30 PM – Review daily FHR metrics and address any issues 7:00 PM – Prep for tomorrow’s Wave 1 (restock, organize, pre-pack if applicable)
Real-World Scenario Examples
Scenario 1: No Public Holiday/Non-Fulfillment Days
Order A: Comes in on Day 1 at 11:00 AM (before COT)
- Hand over by: Day 1, 11:59 PM (Wave 2)
Order B: Comes in on Day 1 at 2:00 PM (after COT)
- Hand over by: Day 2, 11:59 AM (Wave 1)
Scenario 2: Next Day is a Public Holiday/Non-Fulfillment Day
Order A: Comes in on Day 1 at 11:00 AM (before COT)
- Hand over by: Day 1, 11:59 PM (Wave 2)
Order B: Comes in on Day 1 at 2:00 PM (after COT)
- Hand over by: Day 3, 11:59 AM (Wave 1) – skips the non-fulfillment day
Scenario 3: Order Comes on a Public Holiday
Order A: Comes in on Day 1 (public holiday) at 11:00 AM (before COT)
- Hand over by: Day 2, 11:59 PM (Wave 2)
Order B: Comes in on Day 1 (public holiday) at 2:00 PM (after COT)
- Hand over by: Day 2, 11:59 PM (Wave 2)
Note: Both orders placed on a non-fulfillment day are grouped together for the next fulfillment day’s Wave 2.
The Role of Fulfillment Partners
For many sellers, particularly those handling high volumes or managing multiple sales channels, partnering with a 3PL (third-party logistics) provider can be transformative.
What a Good Fulfillment Partner Provides:
- Infrastructure for Two-Wave Operations
- Established workflows for multiple daily handovers
- Strategic warehouse locations near logistics hubs
- Relationships with all major courier services
- Technology Integration
- Automated order processing from Shopee
- Real-time inventory tracking
- FHR monitoring and reporting
- Multi-channel integration (if you sell on other platforms)
- Operational Expertise
- Trained staff familiar with Shopee’s requirements
- Proven processes for meeting tight deadlines
- Scalability during peak periods (11.11, 12.12, etc.)
- Risk Mitigation
- Backup plans for logistics disruptions
- Professional documentation for FHR appeals
- Quality control procedures to reduce returns
When to Consider a Fulfillment Partner:
- You’re consistently struggling to meet the two-wave deadlines
- Your FHR is below 70% and affecting your seller status
- You’re scaling up and orders are becoming unmanageable
- You want to focus on growing your business, not packing boxes
- You’re managing multiple sales channels and need centralized fulfillment
Key Takeaways
- The 12 PM cut-off creates a two-wave daily system – you must hand over parcels twice daily to maintain high FHR
- Wave 1 (by 11:59 AM) handles yesterday’s afternoon orders; Wave 2 (by 11:59 PM) handles today’s morning orders
- 60% FHR is the minimum for Preferred and Mall sellers – aim higher for buffer room
- Early morning operations are non-negotiable – start your day by 7:00 AM or earlier
- Leverage extended shipment arrangement times – use the full window Shopee provides
- Two daily handovers are expected – coordinate with logistics for pickups or plan drop-off routes
- Automation is your friend – invest in systems that categorize, process, and track orders by wave
- Monitor your metrics constantly – check FHR weekly and address issues immediately
- Build logistics relationships – your couriers are critical partners in this system
- Consider 3PL partnerships – if the operational burden is too high, professional fulfillment services can help you scale while maintaining excellent FHR
Final Thoughts
The two-wave handover system represents a significant operational shift for Shopee sellers. While it requires more discipline, earlier start times, and better organization, it’s designed to improve customer experience through faster deliveries—which ultimately benefits sellers through higher satisfaction, better reviews, and increased sales.
The key to success is treating this not as a burden, but as an opportunity to professionalize your operations. Sellers who adapt quickly and implement robust systems will gain a competitive advantage in search rankings, customer trust, and overall performance metrics.
Start preparing now: audit your current workflow, identify bottlenecks, invest in the right tools (or partners), and build habits around the two-wave system. Your FHR—and your business—will thank you.