I wonder how could a tracking number exist without the label created........it should atleast say label created for a generated tracking number
UPS offers an API for companies to integrate into their ERP systems. Typically it works as follows.
1. When the object is packaged and marked as shipped by the shipper, they print a label via the UPS API. That label of course has a tracking# on it. The API at this point hasn't phoned home... it is just taking a tracking number from a pre-assigned block of numbers that is has to work with in "offline" mode. As far as the vendor's ERP system, esp the billing.... they have "shipped" the product at this point.
In this state, you will get a tracking number from the vendor, but UPS doesn't know a label has been created.
2. Once the vendor's systems sync with the UPS servers, any and all label information is conveyed to UPS. At that point, they have all the metadata about the package and can begin planning logistics, including an estimated delivery date... the UPS tracking page will show "Label created." However the package is still with the vendor till they decide to hand it over.
3. Once UPS picks up the package from the vendor, an origin scan takes place. The package is now in UPS possession and the tracking process begins. Estimated delivery times are also adjusted at this point to reflect reality.
Sooo long story short, until your package has an "Origin Scan" the delivery estimate info is mostly meaningless... all you know is that a label has been printed... which most likely means your iPhone is sitting on a pallet somewhere waiting to be picked up by UPS.