DHL ”Delivery Attempt Could not be Completed” – Tracking Guide

You’re expecting (or have sent) a delivery via DHL and have received a “Delivery Attempt Could not be Completed” status update.

What does this mean exactly? Where is your package when you see this alert and is there anything you need to do?

Let’s take a look…

DHL Delivery Attempt Could not be Completed – Guide

It is important to understand that there is very little you can do if you have received this update.

It means that for whatever reason, the DHL driver could not reach the recipient’s address during that particular delivery day.

As mentioned in the summary above, technical and/or logistical issues are at the core of this.

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Reasons the Delivery Attempt Could not be Completed

Essentially, the package is inside the DHL vehicle when this update is triggered, but the vehicle never made it.

It doesn’t take much imagination to consider the various reasons this might be the case. These include:

1. Mechanical Issues

A breakdown or problem that means the vehicle cannot operate properly and cannot complete the delivery round that day.

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2. Traffic Problems

If severe traffic prevents the driver from completing the round, you will see the “Delivery Attempt Could not be Completed” update.

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3. Severe Weather

Although DHL will aim to deliver in most weather conditions, drivers cannot be expected to continue in severe or dangerous weather.

Snow storms, blizzards, high winds, you name it, if it means it is a hazard to be on the road; you will not receive your package that day.

4. Technical / scanning Problems

Technical issues include the package being scanned incorrectly (and being on the wrong truck); to being missed completely and only being noticed once the DHL driver has finished for the day and is back at the local facility.

All of the above can prevent the driver from reaching your door.

The end result will be that the “Delivery Attempt Could not be Completed” alert is triggered.

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What to do After Receiving the Update?

As mentioned above, there is little you have to do after receiving this update.

DHL knows about the problem, and importantly, because the driver never reached the address, no calling card would have been left.

This means you have no instruction on what to do next.

Essentially, the item will be reassigned to a driver (probably the same one) for the following business day, and another attempt at delivery will be made.

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Unfortunately, there are some reports online of customers waiting for more than the following business day for DHL to attempt another delivery.

Reasons for this are vague, but high package volumes and general ineptness on the part of DHL can be blamed.

I would recommend that if 2 or 3 business days pass without you seeing your package, you contact DHL customer services to get to the bottom of it.

In most cases, you should see your item without needing to do this, however.

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