You’re expecting a delivery from DPD and have received a “Consolidation Scan” tracking alert.
What does this mean exactly? Where is your package when you receive this update and how long does it take?
Let’s take a look…
Summary: Consolidation Scan DPD
The “Consolidation Scan” alert from DPD means that the package is being “consolidated”, i.e grouped with other packages, headed for the same country of destination. You normally see this update when the shipment is at an export sorting facility before it departs for overseas transit.
Consolidation Scan DPD – Guide
Essentially, consolidating packages is a normal practice in package logistics.
Shipments headed for the same destination are grouped and assigned shared tracking details for scanning purposes.
The consolidation scan is an update that informs the tracking database that this has happened.
Once a shipment has been consolidated for group transit, the entire consignment will then travel together on the same mode of transit, (normally airplane, however, consolidated shipments also take place using sea and road freight.)
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How Long Does Consolidation Scan Take DPD?
What you are asking here, is how long does it take for a consolidated shipment to begin moving after the DPD Consolidation Scan takes place?
The answer, unfortunately, is that it can vary quite considerably.
In the example screenshot above, you can see that the time between the consolidated scan and the loading process onto the mode of transport (in this case aircraft), is just three hours.
However, it is not unusual for a consignment of packages to get held up at the export location after a Consolidation Scan has been triggered.
Everything from delays in air or sea transit, (as a result of bad weather, technical problems, or simple poor logistics), to problems during customs clearance, can cause your package to be stuck on the Consolidation Scan for several days.
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What to do if Package is Stuck on Consolidation Scan?
Since delays regularly occur at export locations, (i.e where you are most likely to receive a “Consolidation Scan” alert), I recommend that you wait at least 3 days before being concerned about the lack of progress.
Of course, if yours is an expedited delivery with DPD, and the guaranteed delivery date is approaching, you will have every reason to contact DPD earlier.
On a standard international shipment, however, I would allow between 3 and 5 days for the package to be loaded and on its way.
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What Happens After a Consolidation Scan Alert?
As already mentioned, the next step after a Consolidation Scan alert is the process of loading onto the mode of transport for overseas transit.
This is signified by a “Loading” alert on your DPD tracking page.
After this, your package will be in transit, before arriving in an intermediate transit country or the country of destination.
Final Words
Overall, the “Consolidation Scan” alert is a positive one to receive.
It means your package is at an export facility and DPD has consolidated the shipment with other packages destined for the same location.
Normally, these bulk consignments will begin moving within 24hrs toward the next step in the delivery chain.
If it takes multiple days longer than this, you should contact DPD for information on the delay.
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I’m a 25 year veteran of USPS. I’m retired now, but as the editor of Mailbox Master, I can’t quite remove myself from the carrier industry just yet. 🙂