En Route to DHL eCommerce or Awaiting Processing - A Step-by-Step Guide

If your DHL eCommerce package is marked as "en route", it means the carrier has accepted the package and is actively working to deliver it to the recipient.

The carrier has scanned the package and updated the tracking information, which is why you're seeing this status.

As of 2022, DHL eCommerce's standard delivery times range from 2-5 business days for domestic shipments within the US.

Your package may be in transit to a DHL eCommerce sorting facility or on its way to the recipient's address.

So, you've got a package that's "en route" to DHL eCommerce, but what exactly does that mean? It indicates that your package is on its way to a DHL eCommerce distribution center, a crucial stage in the delivery chain.

At this point, your package might have been handed over from a seller or another courier service to DHL, and it's moving towards the facility where it'll be processed. This is where the tracking information starts to get more detailed and reliable.

The status "en route to DHL eCommerce" typically involves two steps: the package leaves the sender's location and is transferred to a local sorting facility, and then it's moved to the nearest eCommerce hub by a third-party carrier or DHL's network.

Here's a breakdown of what's happening:

This phase is critical because it marks the beginning of the package's journey within DHL's system.

If you see the tracking status "En Route to DHL eCommerce" or "Awaiting Processing", don't worry, it's a normal part of the shipping process.

This update means your package is still in the hands of the eCommerce seller or the fulfillment warehouse, and the information has been sent to DHL.

The seller has created an order with DHL, and the tracking number has been created, but the package hasn't been handed over to DHL yet.

This can take some time, especially if the seller uses a large fulfillment warehouse like Amazon, where packages are palletized and loaded onto a DHL trailer.

If you don't see additional tracking updates after 24 hours, there are a few things that could have happened.

If there's no tracking update after ten days, chances are the package is lost, and you should contact your 3PL for more information.

Here's a rough timeline of what happens after this update:

The DHL eCommerce service uses USPS for last-mile delivery, so as the packages approach the delivery area, they'll be handed over to the post office for final delivery.

So, you see "Awaiting Processing" in your tracking info, huh? That means your package is either in transit to a DHL facility or has arrived but is waiting to be scanned and sorted for the next stage of delivery.

At this point, the package is in line for sorting, labeling, or further distribution. Delays in this process can be due to high volumes of shipments or issues at the scanning center.

The package is essentially stuck in limbo, waiting for its next step. It's like being in line at the grocery store, but instead of waiting for your turn to pay, you're waiting for your package to get scanned and sorted.

The good news is that this is a normal part of the logistics process, and it's not a cause for concern. In fact, once your package is scanned and sorted, it will be on its way to its final destination, and you'll be able to track its progress more easily.

As your package makes its way through the DHL eCommerce network, it's going through a series of important steps before it reaches its final destination.

The package is awaiting DHL's scan, which is a preliminary stage in the DHL network that updates the tracking system and triggers the next steps in the logistics process.

Delays in this scanning can be due to high volumes of shipments or issues at the scanning center.

After the scan, the package will be sorted based on its destination, and then scheduled for transport to its destination country.

Processing Time can be a frustrating aspect of shipping, but understanding the reasons behind it can help manage expectations. High package volumes during peak shipping seasons can cause delays.

Manual inspections are another common cause of processing delays. Certain packages, like those requiring customs clearance for international shipments, need extra checks.

Sorting complexities can also slow down processing. For multi-destination shipments, proper categorization is crucial to ensure accuracy.

Here are some common causes of processing delays:

Processing and delivery times can vary, but understanding the typical duration of each step can help manage expectations.

Packages can take 1-3 days to reach the DHL eCommerce hub, depending on the distance between the sender and the hub.

Processing packages typically takes 24-48 hours, but external factors can cause delays.

Here's a breakdown of the typical processing time for each step:

Delays can occur due to high package volumes, manual inspections, and sorting complexities.

Delays can be frustrating, but it's essential to understand that they're not always a cause for concern. In fact, seeing the "En route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center" status for several days is not uncommon, especially during busy times when DHL facilities process an enormous amount of packages each day.

At busy times, it might take your item 24-48hrs to be scanned. Add that to any delay in transit to the facility that might have occurred and you have a potential wait of 3 or 4 days where you are seeing the “En route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center” status without any further updates.

This delay doesn't necessarily mean your package will arrive late, as this is a common stage for every package that is shipped via DHL. Delays can happen due to various reasons, such as congestion, customs clearance, or weather conditions.

If your package is delayed, it's best to follow these steps to resolve the issue:

If your package has been stuck in the "en route to DHL eCommerce distribution center" status for more than a week, it's time to escalate the issue to ensure it reaches its destination. Delays beyond the standard processing time may indicate a logistical issue that requires intervention.

If your package has been stuck for over a week, it's likely that something has gone wrong. Delays can be frustrating, but knowing when to take action can make all the difference.

If your package is stuck, don't wait any longer. Escalate the issue to ensure it reaches its destination.

Here are the steps to escalate the issue effectively:

If you're seeing the "en route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center" update for more than a few days, it's not uncommon.

This status update can stick around until the package is actually with DHL, so it's not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if it's been lingering for too long, there could be a delay in the package reaching DHL.

Delays in transit are a common cause of this issue, and they can be caused by a variety of factors such as weather, technical issues, or even misplacement of the package. Sometimes, the online seller may also be delayed in dispatching the package to DHL.

Even when the package does reach DHL, there can be a backlog of items that need to be scanned, which can cause further delays. At busy times, it might take 24-48 hours for your item to be scanned.

Here are some possible reasons why you might see the "en route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center" update for several days:

In some cases, it's not uncommon to see this update for 3 or 4 days after receiving the DHL tracking details for your order.

Your package is now on its way to the DHL eCommerce Distribution Center, where it will be received and processed by the staff there. This is a common stage for every package shipped via DHL.

The package is checked into the system and routed accordingly. This is an important step in the delivery process.

Keep in mind that the "En Route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center" update doesn't necessarily mean your package will arrive late. This is a normal stage for every package shipped via DHL.

However, delays can happen due to various reasons, such as congestion, customs clearance, or weather conditions. It's essential to keep track of your shipment using the DHL tracking system for the latest updates.

If your package is delayed, follow these steps to resolve the issue: