What Does “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility” Mean?

You’ve ordered something online and DHL has sent you a “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility” tracking update.

You’re now wondering what this means. Is your package on its way? How long will it be until it is delivered?

Let’s take a look…

How Far is My Package Away After I Have Received a “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility” Update?

Essentially, the package is still in the earlier stages of the shipment journey. The speed at which it will arrive depends on a number of factors.

Assuming it is a domestic shipment within your home country, the next step will be transit toward another DHL eCommerce facility closer to the delivery address. 

Once the package has arrived at this facility, you should receive an “Arrival Destination DHL eCommerce Facility” update.

It is here that the shipment will be sorted for dispatch to the relevant USPS facility or post office for final last-mile delivery.

Note: This transfer happens because USPS is responsible for the final delivery of DHL eCommerce packages. You should receive a “Forwarded for Delivery” update once this transfer has taken place.

This entire process can take anywhere between 3 and 5 days depending on the distances involved between the shipment origin and the recipient’s address.

• Related Content: What Does “En route to DHL eCommerce Distribution Center” Mean?

But Mine is a DHL International Shipment? How Long Will this Take?

After the “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility” the package will be sent to a DHL facility that sorts shipments for international delivery.

Transit times vary widely on such shipments via the DHL eCommerce service. Your tracking information will be able to guide you on potential delivery schedules, however.

• Related Content: DHL Shipment on Hold: What Should You Do?

My Package is Stuck on “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility”

There are a number of reasons your package might be stuck on this update. Some are good, others bad.

The Positive Scenario

One positive scenario is that the origin DHL eCommerce facility is close enough to the ultimate delivery address that the process of being sent to another “destination” DHL facility is deemed unnecessary.

The package has in fact been in transit, and then handed over to USPS (or the relevant local postal service if you live outside of the USA) for final delivery.

The “Forwarded for Delivery” alert is not always sent, so the original “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility” remains.

In this situation, (assuming the tracking has only been stuck for 2 or 3 days), delivery is imminent. USPS has it, and it will be “Out for Delivery” very soon.

We recommend that you check your tracking number with free universal tracking services such as ParcelsApp or 17Track, to see if further details on the progress of your package can be found.

• Related Content: What Does DHL “Arrived at Terminal Location” Mean?

The Negative Scenario

Now for (sorry to say), a more common negative scenario.

If your package has been stuck on the “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility” for more than a few days, it is likely that there has been a delay in transit to the destination DHL facility, or a backlog and high demand in that facility is preventing the package from being scanned and sorted for onward dispatch.

There are countless reasons for this; bad weather, technical issues, staff shortages, and the list goes on. However, the outcome is basically the same.

If several days have passed with no further updates, you should contact DHL Customer Services.

You may also want to send the seller a quick email with information about the lack of progress.

• Related Content: DHL Change Delivery Address & Redirect – Complete Guide

Final Words

Essentially, the “Departure Origin DHL eCommerce Facility” is a standard status alert stating that the package has left the origin area close to the shipper and is on its way to the vicinity of the delivery location.

The shipment is still in its early stages, and if this status remains for more than 3 or 4 days without a further update, you should contact DHL.

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