What “Processed in Parcel Center” Means for Your Package
Does the status “The shipment has been processed in the parcel center” mean my package is finally on the way? This detailed guide answers all your questions about this common DHL tracking update.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know when you see “the shipment has been processed in the parcel center” status on your DHL tracking. We’ll cover what it means, potential reasons for delays at this stage, typical timeframes, tracking tips, and more. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Parcel Centers
To grasp what “processed in the parcel center” signifies, we first need to understand what parcel centers are and their roles in shipping logistics.
What is a Parcel Center?
A parcel center is a facility where packages are sorted, scanned, and loaded onto trucks or planes for transportation to the next destination. There are different types:
- Domestic parcel centers handle packages shipped within the same country.
- Export parcel centers process packages leaving the origin country.
- Import parcel centers receive incoming international shipments.
- Transit parcel centers manage packages passing through en route to another country.
The Parcel Center of Origin
The “parcel center of origin” refers to the first export parcel center your package arrives at after the seller ships it. This facility processes the package for international shipping and prepares it for customs clearance out of the origin country.
The parcel center of origin may be in the same country as the seller or a nearby international shipping hub location.
Interpreting the Shipping Status Update
When you see “the shipment has been processed in the parcel center of origin” on DHL’s tracking site or app, it indicates:
Your package has been sorted and prepped at the first export facility. It’s now ready to be loaded onto a plane or truck for international transport to the destination country.
This update confirms the carrier (DHL) has picked up the package from the seller’s location and performed initial processing at their export parcel center closest to the shipment’s origin.
How to Check This Status
Most online retailers provide a DHL tracking number (or option to get one from DHL) when you make an international purchase with them. You can then:
- Enter the tracking number on DHL’s website or mobile app
- Watch for the “processed in the parcel center of origin” update
Some third-party package tracking services also integrate DHL’s data and may show more detailed updates.
Reasons Why Packages Get Stuck at This Stage
While “processed at the origin parcel center” means your shipment is a step closer to you, it doesn’t guarantee an immediate departure. Sometimes this status can persist for several days or even weeks before progressing.
Here are some potential reasons why your package status might get stuck at this point:
Limited Flight Availability
After processing at the export facility, packages await an available flight to their destination country/region. If cargo space is limited or flight delays occur, your shipment ends up stuck awaiting the next available transport.
Awaiting Customs Clearance
Occasionally, customs authorities in the origin country may need to inspect packages and documentation before clearing them for export. If selected for inspection, your package gets held up until it’s cleared.
Inclement Weather
Poor weather conditions can ground flights and significantly delay air transport logistics. If storms or other events impact operations around the time your package is processed, it may end up stuck during the wait.
Backlogs at the Central Hub
Major shipping hubs like DHL’s central export facility in Frankfurt, Germany can experience backlogs when inbound shipments outpace outbound transports. Once processed locally, packages await their turn in the queue for flights out.
Missed Package Scans
In some cases, DHL may have actually loaded and shipped out your processed package without properly scanning and updating its status. A missed scan means the status appears stuck until it catches up at a later point.
Typical Timeframes to Expect
So if your package seems stuck on “processed at the origin parcel center” for a while, how long might you realistically have to wait? The timeframe can vary significantly:
- Best case: As little as 2-12 hours before loading for international departure
- Typical range: 1-5 business days
- Extreme delays: 2-4 weeks is possible though not the norm
The location of the origin facility, flight schedules, seasonal volumes, and other variables can all impact departure speed. But most shipments do finally leave the parcel center within a week or less.
What To Do If Your Package is Delayed
Days passing with no update after “processed in the origin parcel center” status suggests potential next steps:
Contact the Sender/Shipper
As the customer, your first point of contact is the seller/shipper who sent your package. Inform them of the delay and ask if they can assist by following up with DHL on the shipment’s status.
Utilize Third-Party Tracking Services
Some package tracking sites and apps integrate DHL’s system and may provide more detailed updates than what you see officially from DHL. Check alternatives like ParcelApp or AnPost for any additional insight.
Follow Up With Carrier Customer Service
You can also try contacting DHL’s customer service to inquire about the reason for delay and any specifics they can provide regarding your stuck shipment.
Remain Patient Unless Excessive Delay
Be patient first. Stuck status for 1-2 weeks is common, especially during peaks or from distant origins. Insist on resolution only after 3-4 week excessive delay.
Tracking Your Package After Departing Origin
Assuming your shipment does successfully depart the origin parcel center, you can continue monitoring its journey on the DHL tracking page.
Some common updates you may see next include:
- Shipment has left the export parcel center
- In transit to destination country/territory
- Arrived at import parcel center
- Cleared customs
- Out for delivery
Follow along until you finally receive that celebrated “Delivered” status showing your package arrived safe and sound!
Tips for Effective Package Tracking
Throughout the tracking process, keep these tips in mind:
- Always check the official DHL website or mobile app for the most reliable, up-to-date tracking info from the source.
- Check regularly, but not obsessively. Tracking won’t make the package move any faster.
- Understand what each status update means, and what it doesn’t mean. For example, “processed at origin” doesn’t indicate imminent departure.
- Allow enough transit time based on the origin and your patience level. Expedited shipping can be worth it in some cases.
- Ensure your shipping address is complete and correct to avoid unexpected delays or returns.
- Consider shipping protection or insurance for very valuable shipments in case issues arise.
Conclusion
While seeing “the shipment has been processed in the parcel center” can initially seem like your package is finally making progress, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s immediately jetting off for its destination.
By understanding what this DHL status update conveys – that your shipment has been sorted at the origin export facility in preparation for international transit – you can manage your expectations accordingly.
If the status persists for over a week with no further movement, then it’s reasonable to start making polite inquiries. But for the most part, “processed at the parcel center of origin” is simply indicating your shipment has achieved the first necessary checkpoint in its journey abroad to you.
