Twitter abuzz with news that iPads have started shipping

I think the more accurate headline would be "iPad tracking numbers are being sent out, UPS to hold delivery until 4/3."

Nope, they are in transit. UPS could hold them when they get to the US, but currently they are on trucks and planes.

Yes, but they most likely will sit at the local shipping depots until 4/3, just like the 3GS pre-orders.

"When the iPhone 3GS shipped last year, Apple commanded UPS to hold on to the packages until launch day, even if they were sitting there, ready and waiting in your local branch like gifts under a Christmas tree."

Nothing really notable here, Apple products always ship a bit before the official launch day and are held until launch day for delivery. They've been doing this for years.

I got a notification this morning that mine shipped ... but the tracking number is not showing up in UPS's system yet.

iPads

Yes, I was confused there for a minute, thinking it was about a new type of IP-based online ad provider.