BPost “Departure to Distribution Network” – Tracking Guide

You’ve ordered something from overseas and you have received a “Departure to Distribution Network” status update.

While this alert is used predominantly by Belgium Post (BPost) other carriers may also send it.

So, what does this mean exactly? Is your package close when you receive this update or is there still a long way to go? What do you do if your tracking is stuck on this alert?

Let’s take a look…

Departure to Distribution Network – Guide

Essentially, this update is triggered when a shipment has to be delivered to the carrier sort facility.

This can happen once it has been originally picked up from the sender and the package needs to be sorted with other shipments for onward dispatch.

It can also happen once the package arrives in the destination country, has passed customs, and leaves the entry port towards the nearest carrier facility.

From there it will be sorted for final delivery.

• Related Content: What Does “At the Customers Local Depot” Mean? (Hermes / Evri Tracking)

Where is My Package When I Receive the “Departure to Distribution Network” Update?

The previous section helps to answer this question. In summary, if the shipment has only just begun its journey it will be on its way to the first carrier sort facility in the origin country.

If cross-border transit has already occurred and the shipment has landed in the destination country, it is on its way to the final carrier sort facility before delivery.

Looking at the tracking update before the “Departure to Distribution Network” alert will help you ascertain where in the package journey your item is.

• Related Content: What Does “Arrival Distribution Office” Mean? (BPost Tracking)

What to Do if The Tracking is Stuck on the “Departure to Distribution Network” Update?

In situations where the package has landed in the destination country, the first step you should take if the update is stuck is to ensure you are searching via the correct tracking service.

For example, although BPost may have been responsible for shipping the item overseas, a local carrier could be involved with the final stage of delivery.

To check this, run the number through a universal tracking service such as 17Track or ParcelsApp.

Either one of these will scan multiple tracking systems to see if any information is revealed.

In other words, if a different carrier is fulfilling the delivery and has created a tracking update, a service such as this will locate it.

If this doesn’t reveal any details on the package location and several days have passed with no new update, you should either contact the carrier and/or the sender.

BPost can be contacted at 02 278 51 26 (The main contact page can be reached here.)

The best place to contact the sender is directly, or through the eCommerce platform you ordered from if this is a product order.

• Related Content: What Does the “Parcel is Handled” Tracking Alert Meaning? (BPost)

Similar Alerts to “Departure to Distribution Network”

As the “Departure to Distribution Network” alert basically means the shipment is on its way to a carrier facility, there are a number of similar updates used by other carriers.

Essentially “In Transit to Next Facility“, “Arrived at USPS Regional Facility“, “Arrival Destination DHL eCommerce Facility” and “At Destination Sort Facility” all mean that the shipment is either on its way or has arrived at the carrier facility for assortment and onward dispatch.

Final Words

Overall, the “Departure to Distribution Network” is a standard alert that means the package is on its way to a facility or hub for onward distribution.

It is providing you with information that the normal logistical processes are underway.

Depending on where your package is it could have just been picked up by the carrier in the origin country or close to delivery in the destination country.

Only if the tracking remains stuck for 3 to 5 days should you start to make inquiries.

• Related Content: “Item Deposited to Local Postal Operator” BPost Tracking Guide

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