DHL Express is the world's leading international courier and logistics network, delivering to over 220 countries and territories across all continents. Part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, DHL Express was founded in 1969 by Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn and is today headquartered in Bonn, Germany. The service is trusted by logistics managers, e-commerce businesses, and individual shippers worldwide for time-definite international deliveries. For tracking and support, visit https://www.DHL.com or reach the global DHL network through country-specific contact pages.
Track DHL Package
DHL Express offers global shipping and tracking solutions, emphasizing speed, reliability, and extensive international coverage.
DHL Tracking
Key facts about DHL
DHL Express operates one
DHL Express operates one of the world's largest international courier networks covering 220+ countries.
Tracking updates occur at
Tracking updates occur at every DHL facility scan, typically every 2-4 hours for express services.
DHL Express 10-digit waybill
DHL Express 10-digit waybill numbers are the primary tracking format.
JD-prefix barcode
JD-prefix barcode numbers (18 chars) are the secondary DHL tracking format on parcel labels.
DHL Tracking Statuses Explained
Use the last visible scan to decide whether to wait, track more closely, or escalate.
| Status | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment picked up | DHL has physically collected the package from the sender. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Processed at DHL facility | The package has been processed and sorted at a DHL facility and is ready for the next transit stage. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Arrived at DHL sort facility | The package has arrived at a DHL sorting centre. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Departed from a DHL facility | The package has left a DHL facility and is in transit to the next location. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Shipment is in transit to destination | The package is actively moving through the DHL network toward the destination address. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Shipment is on hold | The shipment has been temporarily paused, typically due to a customs issue, missing documentation, or operational constraint. | Check the hold reason in the tracking details. Contact DHL if documentation or action is required. |
DHL Tracking Number Formats
Identify your tracking number type before entering it into the search box above.
DHL Express
183524290510-digit numeric
Standard DHL Express waybill number. Also referred to as the AWB (Air Waybill) number.
DHL Parcel (domestic/ecommerce)
3093373675071614-digit numeric
Used for DHL Parcel domestic services in Germany and Europe.
DHL eCommerce
GM628999990US10-39 alphanumeric characters
Variable length; often starts with a 2-letter country code for the destination. Used for lightweight cross-border ecommerce parcels.
DHL Global Forwarding
CNEAS20092700013374637034226-character alphanumeric
Used for heavy freight and cargo forwarding shipments.
How to Track a DHL Package
Follow these steps to get real-time status on any DHL shipment.
Find your DHL tracking number in the confirmation email or on your shipment receipt
Open https://www.dhl.com/en/express/tracking.html
Go to https://www.dhl.com/en/express/tracking.html.
Enter the 10-digit waybill or JD-prefix barcode
Review the real-time status, shipment events, and estimated delivery date
Sign up for email or SMS notifications via the DHL MyDHL+ portal
Common DHL Tracking Problems
Expand each issue for the cause, what to do, and when to call DHL directly.
No status update for up to 48 hours after pickup
Cause
DHL's system can take up to 48 hours to register a scan after a package arrives at a facility.
What to do
Wait 48 hours before contacting DHL. Confirm with the sender that the package was physically handed to DHL.
Escalate when
If no scan appears 48 hours after confirmed pickup, contact DHL Express customer service.
Shipment on hold for customs
Cause
Missing or inaccurate commercial invoice, HS codes, prohibited items, or duties/tax payment required.
What to do
Check the DHL tracking page for the specific hold reason. Provide any requested documentation immediately. Pay duties if assessed.
Escalate when
If hold persists more than 3 business days without DHL contact, call DHL directly using the number on mydhl.express.dhl.
Wrong destination displayed in tracking
Cause
Address details on the label contain errors that DHL needs to verify before delivery.
What to do
Contact DHL with the correct address details. Address corrections can be made via MyDHL+.
Escalate when
If DHL cannot locate the correct address, the package may be returned to sender.
Tracking number not recognised
Cause
The waybill number may have been entered incorrectly, or DHL has not yet processed the shipment into the tracking system.
What to do
Verify the tracking number with the sender. Try again after 24 hours.
Escalate when
If still unrecognised 24 hours after DHL pickup confirmation, contact the sender and DHL.
DHL Shipping Services Compared
Compare DHL service tiers and their typical delivery windows side by side.
Service options
DHL Express Worldwide
International delivery in 1-3 business days to 220+ countries
Everyday shipping 1-3 days
DHL Express 12:00
Delivery by noon on the next possible business day (key lanes)
Everyday shipping 1 day
DHL Express 9:00
Next business day delivery by 9:00 AM to major cities
Everyday shipping 1 day
DHL Economy Select
2-5 business day European door-to-door service
Everyday shipping 2-5 days
DHL eCommerce
Cross-border parcel solutions for online retailers
Everyday shipping 5-12 days
DHL Delivery Times by Service
DHL Express Worldwide
1-3 business days
1-3 business days (varies by origin/destination)
DHL Express 12:00
international
1 business day
Next business day by noon on key international lanes
DHL Express 9:00
1 business day
Next business day by 9:00 AM on select lanes
DHL Economy Select
domestic
2-5 business days
2-5 business days within Europe
DHL eCommerce
international
5-12 business days
5-12 business days for cross-border e-commerce parcels
DHL Tracking FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about DHL tracking and delivery.
01 How do I track a DHL Express shipment?
Go to dhl.com and enter your 10-digit waybill or JD-prefix tracking number. Real-time status and scan history are displayed.
02 What is a DHL 'Clearance Event'?
A clearance event means your shipment is in customs. This is normal for international shipments and usually resolves within 1-2 business days. If additional documentation is needed, DHL will contact you.
03 How do I change my DHL delivery address?
Use DHL On Demand Delivery (dhl.com/odd) to redirect your shipment to a different address, DHL Service Point, or request a hold.
04 What does 'Shipment on Hold' mean?
It means DHL has paused delivery, typically due to a customs issue, incomplete address, or recipient request. Check your email for DHL instructions.
05 How long does DHL Express delivery take?
DHL Express Worldwide typically delivers in 1-3 business days internationally, depending on origin and destination. Customs clearance time is not included.
06 Does DHL deliver on weekends?
DHL Express delivers on Saturdays in many markets. Weekend service availability depends on your country. Check DHL's website for local delivery days.
More DHL Tracking Guides
DHL Holidays 2026: Closures, Country Differences, and When Shipping Slows Down How to Change Delivery Address for DHL: Options, Limits, and Delay Risk [2026] How Long Does DHL Shipping Take? Express vs eCommerce Transit Times [2026] DHL Shipment on Hold: What It Means, Why It Happens, and What to Do DHL FAQs: Tracking, Delivery, Customs, and Support DHL Return to Shipper: What It Means [2026]
Get Help from DHL
If the latest scan still does not make sense, contact DHL directly with your tracking number ready.
About DHL
DHL was founded in 1969 and acquired by Deutsche Post in 2002. Today DHL Express is the express division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, which employs over 600,000 people worldwide. DHL Express operates one of the largest cargo airline fleets, with its own aircraft operating through multiple subsidiary airlines including DHL Air UK, DHL Aero Expreso, and partners. DHL's global superhub in Leipzig, Germany, processes up to 300,000 parcels per hour. The company handles over 1.8 billion shipments per year across all divisions.
- Official site
- https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home.html
- Track packages
- https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/tracking.html
- Support portal
- Open support →
- Network type
- Private Courier
- Country
- DE
- Region
- europe
- Coverage
- DHL Express delivers to 220+ countries and territories, making it one of the most globally connected courier networks. DHL operates its own stations in all major markets and uses partner last-mile networks in smaller countries. Major hub airports include Leipzig (Germany), Cincinnati (US), Hong Kong, and Singapore. DHL has particularly strong coverage in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
- Last verified
- May 5, 2026
Referenced sources