Have you recently checked your tracking on DHL’s website, and notice a message that says ‘En Route To DHL eCommerce?’
Unfortunately, unless you’re already very familiar with DHL and their terminology, this message isn’t very helpful!
Thankfully, there’s actually a very simple meaning behind it. So, in this article, we’ll talk more about what this message means, what a DHL eCommerce facility actually is, and how long it will take to receive your package once you see this message.
Let’s get started!
What Does ‘En Route To DHL eCommerce’ Mean On DHL Tracking?
If you see a message stating ‘En Route To DHL eCommerce’ on the tracking page, this means that the package has not yet been received or scanned in by DHL. Sometimes, the message may state ‘Or Awaiting Processing’ at the end of it as well.
In either case, the shipper may have created a shipping label showing their intent to ship the package, but have not actually delivered it to DHL yet. This is similar to the ‘Pre-Shipment’ message that USPS provides before they’ve received the package.
Alternatively, it is also possible that DHL has received the package, but has not yet scanned it into their system. This can take up to 24-48 hours once they’ve actually picked up the package.
This is most common if the shipper is sending multiple DHL shipments at once. This is because many shipping companies use something called a ‘scan sheet’ – which essentially allows them to register all packages that the shipper dropped off with them at once, and wait to individually scan them until later. If you’ve shipped with USPS before, this would be similar to the USPS message, ‘Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending.’
A Quick Note For International Shipments
Note that seeing this message for an extended period of time is not necessarily a cause for concern, especially if you are ordering products from China via websites like DHgate or AliExpress.
In these instances, the product may first be shipped with a different delivery service, before being handed off to DHL later. So, it may spend most of its journey with the ‘En Route To DHL eCommerce Or Awaiting Processing’ message, as it’s possible DHL only takes hold of the package once it enters into your country.
So, if you were provided a different tracking number, it may be a good idea to plug it into a universal tracking website like Parcels. Parcels will track your package across multiple different couriers, giving you much more insight as to where it actually is – especially if it will change hands multiple times throughout its journey!
How Long Will It Take To Arrive?
Because DHL may not have actually received the package yet, it isn’t possible to predict when they will be able to deliver it at this point.
While DHL does have delivery timelines once they’ve received the package, these timelines only start once they’ve received the package. This makes sense, as obviously they have no control over the situation if the shipper hasn’t delivered it to them!
In these instances, it is best to consult the place that you ordered the package from.
For example, many online stores have delivery promises that should be adhered to. If you believe that your package may not arrive within the delivery timeline – or the ‘En Route To DHL eCommerce’ message remains on the page for several days without any further updates, it may be a good idea to get in contact with the shipper so they can investigate.
More About DHL eCommerce Facilities
DHL currently has 19 eCommerce facilities located throughout the United States, and they are currently located in the following cities:
- Akron, Ohio
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Avenel, New Jersey
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky, Ohio / Kentucky
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Denver, Colorado
- Houston, Texas
- Melrose Park / Franklin Park
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Orlando, Florida
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Whittier, California
However, it’s possible that the first DHL eCommerce facilities it arrives at won’t be the final one that it gets processed through.
Just like UPS, Fedex and USPS all move packages throughout their network within the United States, DHL may also move packages around before they are actually set to be delivered.
When it’s on its way to the final eCommerce facility, DHL tracking will update to say ‘Arrival Destination DHL eCommerce Facility.’
From there, it will begin its final preparations before heading out to be delivered!
So, What Happens Next?
Many people don’t know this, but DHL actually isn’t the one to deliver their eCommerce packages!
Instead, these packages are handed off to USPS to make the final delivery. When this occurs, you will see a message on your tracking like ‘with delivery courier‘ or ‘tendered for delivery.‘
Typically, USPS delivers most DHL packages within 2-3 business days after they’ve received it, and it’s been scanned in.
So, once this happens, you’ll know that the package is close! As mentioned earlier, you may be able to use the Parcels app for more insight on the package’s movement, after it’s left DHL’s possession.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, ‘En Route To DHL eCommerce’ means that DHL hasn’t actually received the package yet. This makes it difficult to know when it’s expected to arrive, or when you will see further updates.
However, you should check for alternative tracking numbers when ordering from other countries, as it may currently be with a different shipping service first, before it reaches DHL. Additionally, sellers may be able to reimburse you for packages that go beyond their delivery timelines.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful, and that it’s answered your questions.
If you have any other questions about DHL, ask them below and I’ll be happy to help out.
I hope your package arrives soon,
– James McAllister
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