My DHL package is stuck. What does "En route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center" mean?

A DHL package is stuck saying "En route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center". What does that mean?

Two reasons Why DHL May Show the “En route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center” Status

1.  The package is awaiting pick up by DHL eCommerce

When an order is shipped with DHL eCommerce, the fulfilment center or company that packed and labelled the order has to palletize or put the package in a DHL trailer. They then have to wait for DHL eCommerce to pick up either the pallets of packages or trailers. While it's awaiting pick up by DHL eCommerce, it will show this status by default.

What you should do: The tracking should update within a few days max once it gets to a DHL distribution center. If it shows this for multiple days, you should contact the shipper.

2.  The package is awaiting scanning

DHL eCommerce facilities process many packages each day and sometimes aren't able to scan everything on that day or the next day. It may take a few days for the package to get scanned in. Once the packages are scanned in, DHL will move the package to a post office in or near your zip code, at which point they'll hand it off to USPS. You should be able to track the shipment on USPS once it's handed off and with DHL directly here.

What you should do: Since it may take a few days to update as DHL is a mail consolidator and process packages, wait for at least three working days.‍ If your shipment hasn't moved for three working days (excluding weekends, you may call customer service number: (02) 811 7000

Keep in mind that DHL only provides milestone tracking, which means it may take some time before a new event is displayed. However, this does not mean that your package is stuck. Even if your shipment status remains unchanged, your package continues to travel to its destination.  

Some packages may have limited tracking events in the country of origin and no tracking events in the destination country. In this case, the shipment status may take time to change.

Related: Amazon Carrier Facility Updates: Know What They Mean!

Meaning of DHL Online Statuses

Your tracking number allows you to check the status of your delivery as it passes through different stages. Here is a simple breakdown of each status and what it means:


How to Track International Shipment with DHL

DHL eCommerce covers 220 counties and territories with end-to-end tracking.  Since the local post service delivers the final mile delivery, you will have to contact them for a status update. Follow these steps to obtain the correct postal service tracking number for international shipping:

Related: What Does My USPS Tracking Status Mean?

1. Get your DHL tracking number

Typically, your eCommerce tracking number will start with two letters like GM, LX, RV and include digits. The length of your number may vary from 10 to 39 characters.

2. Go to the DHL eCommerce tracking page

3.  Enter the tracking number

Once you enter your tracking number, you will receive a tracking number for the local postal service.

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