About DHL and Its Shipping Services
DHL is one of the world's largest logistics companies, operating across more than 220 countries and territories. It operates several distinct divisions that are important to understand before tracking a package, because they each have separate tracking systems:
- DHL Express — Premium international express shipping. Fastest option, full tracking from pickup to delivery.
- DHL eCommerce (also called DHL Parcel) — Economical parcel delivery, often used by online retailers for international orders.
- DHL Global Forwarding — Large freight and cargo shipments; less relevant for everyday consumers.
- DHL Supply Chain — Warehousing and fulfillment services for businesses.
Most consumers and online shoppers will be dealing with DHL Express or DHL eCommerce. Knowing which service your package is using helps you go to the right tracking page.
How to Find Your DHL Tracking Number
Your DHL tracking number is provided by the sender at the time of shipment. You'll typically find it:
- In your order confirmation or shipping notification email
- On the physical shipping label attached to the package
- In your online store order history under "Track Order"
DHL Express tracking numbers are typically 10 digits (e.g., 1234567890). DHL eCommerce tracking numbers are longer, often starting with GM or a similar prefix.
How to Track a DHL Express Shipment
- Visit dhl.com/en/express/tracking.html
- Enter up to 10 tracking numbers (one per line for multiple packages)
- Click Track Now
- Review the event timeline showing every scan point and location
DHL Express provides frequent, detailed scans — often showing the city and facility where each scan occurred. This makes it one of the most transparent tracking experiences in international shipping.
How to Track a DHL eCommerce Shipment
DHL eCommerce shipments (common for packages from Asian marketplaces and international retailers) can be tracked at:
- webtrack.dhlecs.com — DHL eCommerce's dedicated tracking portal
- 17track.net — Often better at picking up DHL eCommerce updates than the official site
- The tracking section of the platform or store you ordered from
Be aware that DHL eCommerce tracking updates can be less frequent than DHL Express, especially while the package is in transit between countries.
Understanding DHL Tracking Statuses
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Shipment Information Received | Label created; package not yet with DHL |
| Picked Up | DHL has collected the package from the sender |
| In Transit | Moving through the DHL network |
| Customs Status Updated | Customs processing is underway |
| With Delivery Courier | Out for delivery — expect it today |
| Delivered | Successfully delivered to the destination |
| Delivery Attempted | Delivery tried; no one available to receive |
| Shipment On Hold | A delay has occurred — check for more details |
DHL On Demand Delivery (ODD)
DHL Express offers a service called On Demand Delivery (ODD) that gives recipients control over their delivery. Once your package is in the DHL system, you may receive an SMS or email inviting you to:
- Choose a specific delivery date and time window
- Redirect the package to a DHL ServicePoint location
- Authorize delivery in your absence with a signed release
- Hold the package at the depot for a set number of days
This is one of DHL Express's most useful recipient features, particularly for international shipments where you need flexibility.
What to Do When DHL Tracking Stops Updating
If your DHL tracking has shown no movement for more than 5 business days:
- Try tracking via 17track.net to see if updates appear on an alternate system
- Contact DHL customer service with your tracking number and shipment date
- For DHL Express, ask for a shipment trace — DHL can investigate the last known location
- Contact the sender if you believe the package may not have been handed over to DHL
DHL Express has one of the more responsive customer support teams in the industry. Phone support often yields faster results than email for time-sensitive shipments.