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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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2. Go to the DHL eCommerce tracking page

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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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Recommended: USPS Lost My Package: What Do I Do?

Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier

For Boxes and Rigid Packages:

Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
Multiply length x width x height
Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
The result is your package's cubic feet measurement

Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":

Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier

Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches

For Envelopes and Soft Packs:

Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
Round down to the nearest quarter inch
Add the length and width together
Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"

Restrictions

Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches

Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic

Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings

2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.

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?