For e-commerce businesses, timely deliveries aren’t just a perk; they’re the backbone of customer satisfaction. But truth be told, tracking a shipment isn’t always as seamless as we’d like. Packages go off the radar, tracking statuses seem cryptic, and delays pop up unannounced. So, how do you navigate the DHL tracking system like a pro?
In this article, we’ll explain how DHL shipment tracking works, the key features you should know, common issues you might face, and smart tracking tips to keep your logistics running smoothly.
Understanding DHL Shipment Tracking
DHL is a leading logistics company that operates in 220+ countries worldwide. A popular shipping carrier with e-commerce businesses, DHL offers a specialized shipment tracking service that allows businesses to track their package’s progress as it makes its way to their customer’s doorstep.
All e-commerce businesses need to track their packages is their tracking number. This is a unique alpha-numeric ID that is assigned to a package to facilitate seamless identification and tracking. For e-commerce packages, this ID is 10 to 39 characters long and typically begins with GM, RX, or any other combination of up to five letters.
How to Track Your DHL Shipment
DHL shipment tracking can be facilitated through a variety of ways:
DHL Official Website
Navigate to DHL’s tracking page and feed in your package tracking number to ascertain its status.
DHL Express Mobile App
This app functions similarly to the DHL tracking website. All you have to do is open the app and feed in the tracking number to track your package.
DHL Express Phone
Dial 1-800-225-5345 and get an update on your package by sharing its tracking ID.
DHL Express WhatsApp (US)
Drop a text to 1-480-418-5011 to get an update on your package.
Send an email to track@dhl.com to gain a status update on your package. Be sure to share your package’s tracking ID for a quick and efficient process.
Features of DHL Shipment Tracking
Here are some of the key features of DHL shipment tracking:
Facilitates Package Tracking
DHL shipment tracking service gives you real-time updates on how your package is progressing through the delivery journey. And when you have insight into this, you’re better positioned to keep your customers updated about where their highly anticipated order has reached and when they can expect it at their doorstep.
Further, considering 98% of customers believe delivery is a critical part of their brand loyalty, getting this right could mean locking in your customer for future purchases effectively.
DHL shipment tracking offers you comprehensive information about your package’s progress. That is to say, you’re not only updated when your package gets shipped and delivered but are kept in the loop throughout its entire journey (where the package has reached, whether it is getting scanned, or is going to get scanned soon, etc.).
DHL leverages a wide variety of tools and solutions to calculate your package’s ETA on your customer’s doorstep. As a result, along with informing you where your package has reached in its delivery journey, DHL shipment tracking service is also able to offer you an accurate delivery date that you can communicate to your customer and minimize the chances of a failed delivery due to the customer’s unavailability at their address.
Helps You Stay Updated with Your Package’s Progress
Lastly, as mentioned previously, you can stay updated on your package’s progress with DHL’s shipment tracking facility. This helps you gauge possible bottlenecks, slowdowns, and delays well in time to manage customer expectations.
Common Issues with DHL Shipment Tracking
Here’s a look at some of the most common hurdles you might face during DHL shipment tracking:
Delay in Updates
DHL shipment tracking can sometimes be delayed due to technical issues, inaccurate details shared by the business, or sudden route deviations due to traffic congestion, accidents, or bad weather. At such times, it’s best to stay patient, and if the issue persists, contact DHL customer service.
DHL Portal: Unable to Find Tracking Number
While tracking your DHL package on DHL’s portal or mobile app, you might get a notification that the tracking number cannot be found. The first thing to do is not to panic. This is a common issue across carriers and is often a result of a technical glitch. Be patient, try again, and if everything else fails, contact DHL to sort out the issue.
Packages Updated as Missing or Lost
At times, your package’s status may seem stuck on one update for days. This could be caused due to a delay at customs, rerouting of packages, or bad weather. If the package’s status doesn’t change even after a few days, connect with DHL customer service and initiate a refund for delayed delivery.
The Role of Technology in DHL Tracking
Technology is the driving force behind DHL’s advanced shipment tracking, transforming logistics into a seamless, data-driven operation. With AI-powered analytics, IoT sensors, and real-time tracking systems, DHL ensures end-to-end (E2E) visibility, keeping e-commerce businesses informed every step of the way.
Supply chain automation, robotics, and Augmented Reality (AR) further enhance efficiency, minimizing delays and optimizing delivery routes. The result? Smarter tracking, fewer disruptions, and a smoother shipping experience for e-commerce businesses.
Tips for Effective Shipment Tracking
Now that you know what DHL tracking is, its features, and common issues, here’s a look at the steps you can take to ensure seamless DHL shipment tracking:
Leverage a Delivery Experience Management Software
DHL shipment tracking is helpful, but as discussed previously, it does have its fair share of pitfalls that can result in a compromised post-purchase experience for your customer. Side-step this by integrating a Delivery Experience Management software.
LateShipment.com’s solution helps you gain deep insight into your delivery processes with in-depth carrier performance reporting, shipping and delivery data, and delivery satisfaction (DSAT) scores, all while facilitating a self-serve, on-brand order tracking page that customers can access directly from your storefront. In other words, LateShipment.com’s tool takes over the entire exercise of delivery management so that you have one less task on your plate.
Double-check Your Tracking ID When Tracking
Typing in a 10-39 long tracking number manually can be tedious and prone to errors. Be sure to confirm the tracking number once more before you hit ‘enter’ to ensure you don’t have to face a notification informing you of an invalid tracking number.
Ensure Robust Packaging and Labeling for Every Order
Tracking numbers and barcodes are mentioned in your package’s label. In case the label is smudged, ripped off, or otherwise hard to read, it can make tracking the package challenging. And so, ensure you attach the label carefully to facilitate easy scanning.
Conclusion
DHL Shipment tracking shouldn’t feel like solving a mystery novel where the package is the missing protagonist. With DHL’s tracking tools, you get real-time insights into your shipments—but even the best systems have their quirks. Delays, vague status updates, and unexpected issues can still catch you off guard.
That’s why proactive tracking is key. By staying ahead of potential hiccups, you not only keep customers happy but also prevent costly disruptions to your e-commerce business. That said, manually monitoring every shipment is a logistical nightmare.
Enter LateShipment.com’s Delivery Experience Management software—your ultimate solution for seamless post-purchase logistics. Our tool goes beyond basic tracking, offering automated exception handling, personalized updates to customers, and customer experience insights. No more guessing games—just real-time visibility, fewer delivery issues, and happier customers.
Because in e-commerce, tracking isn’t just about knowing where your shipments are—it’s about ensuring they get where they need to be, on time, every time. So, automate your shipment tracking with LateShipment.com.
