10–11 Digits
DHL Express waybill numbers are purely numeric — typically 10 digits, sometimes 11. These are the most common format for international DHL Express shipments worldwide.
Example
1234567890
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DHL uses different tracking number formats depending on the service type.
DHL Express waybill numbers are purely numeric — typically 10 digits, sometimes 11. These are the most common format for international DHL Express shipments worldwide.
Example
1234567890
DHL eCommerce numbers start with JD followed by 18 digits, totaling 20 characters. These are used for e-commerce shipments via DHL's parcel network, common with online retailers.
Example
JD014600006432234935
Some international DHL Express shipments use an alphanumeric format: 2 country/service letters, 9 digits, and 2 country code letters. This is common for packets sent via postal networks using DHL's express postal service.
Example
JD123456789DE
DHL Express numbers are purely numeric (10–11 digits with no letters) and are used for premium international priority shipments. JD numbers — starting with the two letters "JD" — are the hallmark of DHL eCommerce and are common for packages sent by online retailers. If your number starts with JD, it's a DHL eCommerce shipment; if it's all digits, it's most likely DHL Express.
DHL serves 220+ countries with services ranging from same-day domestic to global freight.
International priority, next-day to most countries
DHL's flagship international courier service with door-to-door delivery in 1–3 business days. Includes full customs clearance, proactive tracking, and delivery to over 220 countries and territories.
Same-day or next-day within country
High-speed domestic delivery within select countries. Available in many DHL markets as a same-day, time-definite, or next-morning service for urgent domestic shipments.
Affordable e-commerce deliveries, last-mile via USPS in US
Designed for high-volume online retailers. More affordable than DHL Express with longer transit times. In the United States, DHL eCommerce uses USPS for final-mile delivery.
Large & heavy freight, LTL and FTL
Road freight services across Europe and select international markets. Handles less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) shipments for businesses with large or heavy cargo needs.
Domestic parcel delivery in select markets
Standard parcel delivery service available in select European markets. Offers flexible delivery options including parcel locker pickup and neighbor delivery, aimed at individual consumers and small businesses.
Air and ocean freight for business
Enterprise-grade air freight and ocean freight forwarding for businesses shipping large volumes internationally. Includes customs brokerage, supply chain management, and multimodal transport solutions.
What each DHL tracking status means for your shipment.
DHL has received electronic shipment data from the sender, but the physical package has not yet been collected. The tracking number is active but movement has not begun. This status can sometimes persist for 24–48 hours before pickup.
DHL has physically collected the package from the sender. The shipment is now in DHL's possession and will soon receive its first transit scan at a DHL facility. Tracking updates will follow as it moves through the network.
Your package is moving through DHL's global network of hubs and gateways. For international shipments, you'll typically see scan events in the origin country, at an international gateway, and again in the destination country as it arrives.
Your package has entered a customs checkpoint. DHL is actively processing the customs declaration. For most standard shipments, clearance is automatic. If additional documentation or duty payment is needed, DHL will contact you directly.
Your package is on the delivery vehicle and actively en route to your address. Expect delivery that day. For DHL Express shipments, On Demand Delivery recipients can track the courier's progress in real time.
The package has been successfully delivered to the recipient. The tracking record will show the time, date, and in many cases the name of the person who signed for it. Proof of delivery is available on dhl.com using your tracking number.
DHL tried to deliver but was unable to complete it — typically because no one was available to receive the package or sign for it. A delivery notice will be left at the address with options to reschedule, redirect, or collect from a DHL Service Point.
Movement of your package has been paused. The most common causes are a customs issue requiring documentation or duty payment, an incorrect or incomplete delivery address, or a recipient-requested hold. DHL will contact the shipper or recipient with instructions to resolve the hold.
Managing a stack of orders? Paste up to 20 tracking numbers — one per line — and see all statuses in one view. Mix USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL freely; we'll sort them out.
One tracking number per line — up to 20
Common questions about DHL tracking, customs, and delivery.
Your DHL tracking number is in the shipping confirmation email from the sender or merchant — look for labels like "Tracking Number," "Waybill Number," or "Shipment ID." DHL Express numbers are 10–11 digits with no letters. DHL eCommerce numbers start with "JD" followed by 18 digits. You'll also find it printed on any physical DHL shipping label attached to the package. If you're waiting on an order, the retailer's order status page usually shows the DHL tracking number once the parcel has been shipped.
Customs clearance delays can stem from several causes: missing or incorrect documentation (such as an incomplete commercial invoice), unpaid import duties or VAT, restricted or regulated items, or simply high shipment volumes during peak seasons. DHL handles customs clearance on behalf of most Express shipments and will contact you if payment or additional information is needed. For most standard consumer goods, clearance is automatic and takes only a few hours. If your package has been in customs for more than 3–5 business days, check the DHL website using your tracking number for specific instructions, or contact DHL customer service directly.
"Shipment on Hold" means DHL has paused movement of your package pending resolution of an issue. The most common causes are: a customs problem requiring documentation or import duty payment, an incorrect or undeliverable delivery address, a recipient-requested hold via DHL's On Demand Delivery service, or occasionally a regulatory compliance issue. DHL will typically reach out to the recipient or the shipper with specific next steps. Check your email (including spam) for a message from DHL with instructions. You can also log in to DHL's tracking portal for more detailed status information.
DHL Express delivers to most major international destinations in 1–3 business days, with delivery times depending on origin and destination countries. For example, shipments from the US to the UK or major European cities typically arrive in 1–2 business days. Delivery to more remote or less-served regions may take 3–5 business days. DHL's transit times include customs clearance — their service level commitment factors in the time needed for standard clearance processing.
DHL Express is DHL's premium international courier service: door-to-door delivery in 1–3 business days, full customs clearance included, detailed real-time tracking, time-definite delivery guarantees, and typically used by businesses sending urgent or high-value shipments. DHL eCommerce is a lower-cost service designed for high-volume online retailers shipping large quantities of smaller packages. Transit times are longer (typically 5–12 days internationally), tracking is less granular, and in the United States, DHL eCommerce uses USPS for the final mile of delivery. The key giveaway: if your tracking number starts with "JD," it's DHL eCommerce; if it's 10–11 digits, it's DHL Express.
Yes. If a delivery attempt fails, DHL will leave a notice with the nearest DHL Service Point location where you can collect your package — these are often retail locations that partner with DHL. DHL holds packages at Service Points for up to 5–7 business days. You can also proactively redirect your shipment to a Service Point using DHL's On Demand Delivery feature, available before the first delivery attempt. When collecting, bring a government-issued photo ID and either the original delivery notice or your tracking number.
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