You’re expecting a delivery and you have received a “Parcel is Handled” status update.
It has to be said, this is one of Belgium Post’s (BPost) more unhelpful tracking alerts.
What does this update mean exactly? Handled by whom? And where is your package when you receive this update?
Let’s take a look…
Summary: Parcel is Handled
The “Parcel is Handled” tracking alert is basically stating that the shipment has been sorted and prepared for the next stage of transit. This alert is used by BPost and can be triggered at any sorting facility along the package journey.
“Parcel is Handled” – Guide
The vagueness of the “Parcel is Handled” status alert is in part due to the fact it can be used several times along the shipment journey.
Essentially, BPost will send out this update after the shipment has been sorted within a carrier facility.
In other words, the package has been successfully handled and prepared for the next mode of transit.
At the beginning of the shipment, this could be inside a BPost facility close to the origin location.
The package has been sorted for onward transit either towards an exit port (for international deliveries) or a regional facility closer to the recipient.
Once the package has been sorted, the “Parcel is Handled” alert will be sent.
- Related Content: What Does “Item Bagged” Mean? Tracking Guide
Where is Your Package When You Receive the “Parcel is Handled” Alert
As described, it is actually difficult to pinpoint the exact location of your item as this alert can be triggered several times throughout the shipment.
The key is to actually look at the alerts that precede the “Parcel is Handled” update, (or wait for a future update to determine progress).
Take the screenshot above. Here we can see that the shipment was at the beginning of its journey when the “Parcel is Handled” alert was triggered.
The item had reached the BPost facility close to the sender, (triggering the “BPost has received the item” alert).
It was then sorted for onward dispatch to the exit port, (triggering the “Parcel is Handled” alert), before departing to the country of destination.
- Related Content: “Item Deposited to Local Postal Operator” BPost Tracking Guide
How Long Will my Tracking Remain on the “Parcel is Handled” Update?
Ultimately, how long your tracking remains on this alert is determined by where it is.
Again, using the above screenshot as a guide; a follow-up alert occurred within 24 hours. This was to state that the item was on its way to the destination country.
The fact the shipment has been handled means that sorting within a facility has successfully been completed.
The next update should occur within 24 to 48hrs and this should simply state the details of the next leg of transit.
- Related Content: BPost: “Item is Ready for Transport” Tracking Guide
How Long Until Delivery after the “Parcel is Handled” Alert?
If the facility where the package has just been sorted is in the vicinity of the recipient, delivery can be expected within 24 to 48hrs. The next update should be along the lines of “out for delivery”.
In other words, package arrival is imminent.
On the other hand, if the facility is in the origin country there is clearly still a long way to go.
While the terms of the service speed will assist you in determining how fast the shipment will be, with variables such as customs in the destination country and onward distribution after this, your package is clearly several days (if not weeks) away.
- Related Content: What Does the “Receive Item From Customer (OTB)” Status Mean?
What To do if Your Package is Stuck on “Parcel is Handled”
If your package tracking remains stuck on the “Parcel is Handled” update for several days, it could signify an issue.
It could be that the item has failed to leave the facility for whatever reason.
It might also be experiencing delays along the next part of the delivery or even missed a scan so the location is temporarily unknown.
Either way, if you suspect that an issue has occurred with the normal chain of delivery, the recommended step is to contact BPost customer services and explain the situation.
You can also reach out to the sender if they are in a position to assist you.
Final Words
Essentially, the “Parcel is Handled” tracking alert is a good one to receive.
It means that the package has been successfully sorted and has been released for the next leg of its journey.
It is basically on its way…
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. 🙂
