You are expecting a package and have received a “Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal” tracking update.
What does this mean exactly, and is there anything you need to do?
Let’s take a look…
Summary: Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal
The “Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal” status alert means that the package has arrived at a Deutsche Post sorting facility and has been scanned and sorted (i.e. processed) for dispatch to the next destination in the delivery network.
Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal – Guide
This update is a very common one to receive, and all packages shipped by Deutsche Post will be processed at a mailterminal (i.e. sorting facility), at some point in its journey to the recipient.
In fact, a package will likely pass through more than one facility, meaning that the “Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal” will be triggered more than once.
- Related Content: An Additional Inspection of the Shipment is Taking Place
Where is my Package When I receive This Update?
The fact a package passes through more than one Deutsche Post Mailterminal can make it more difficult to pin down exactly where your shipment is.
Essentially, it is inside a sorting facility.
However, this facility could be close to the sender’s address, (the origin mailterminal, and the first place the package is sorted), or nearer the recipient’s address meaning that the package is close to delivery.
Looking at the tracking updates that precede the alert, as well as any extra information about the mailterrminal’s location will help you ascertain just how far your shipment has traveled.
If it is the first time you have received the update, the package is still close to the sender.
If it is the second time you have received the alert, it is likely a lot closer to the destination address and after leaving the mail terminal, final delivery will be imminent.
- Related Content: Departed Deutsche Post Mailterminal – What Does it Mean?
Tracking Stuck on Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal
Okay, the chances are, you have reached this article because your Deutsche Post tracking is stuck on this update.
You want to know what is going on and if there is anything you can do about it.
Firstly, there are a number of reasons your tracking is showing this alert for longer than you would like.
Any logistical issue that can cause your item to be held inside the mailterminal will result in this.
- Related Content: Shipment Information Uploaded to Deutsche Post – Guide
Examples include:
- High package volumes inside the mail terminal causing delays
- Technical issues causing delays and a backlog of items waiting to be processed
- Staffing issues (prevalent during covid) causing delays
- Item looping through or misplaced inside the warehouse
- Lack of available transport (trucks/aircraft depending on the shipment) delaying dispatch out of the terminal
- Bad weather affecting the dispatch of items from the mailterminal
Essentially this list can go on… if there is a problem in the delivery network that means your package can not leave the mailterminal (and therefore receive a new scan and update), you could end up seeing the “Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal” alert for multiple days, into weeks.
- Related Content: DHL “Processed at Local Distribution Center” Meaning
What to do if Tracking Stuck?
There are a couple of actionable steps you can take if your tracking is stuck on this alert.
Universal Tracking App
The first is to use a universal tracking app such as 17track or Parcelsapp.
Simply place your tracking number into one of these free online services and they will scan hundreds of carriers to see if any information about your shipment exists elsewhere.
It could be that your Deutsche Post tracking has stopped updating because the carrier is no longer in charge of the shipment.
If it left the terminal and was handed over to a 3rd party carrier, for example, you might not be seeing the new alerts being triggered by this carrier.
A universal tracking app is the best way to check these possible scenarios.
- Related Content: “Item Received at Deutsche Post Mailterminal” – Tracking Guide
Contact Deutsche Post
If after the above checks and more than 5 business days have passed with your item stuck inside the mailterminal, you should contact Deutsche Post.
Final Words
Overall, the “Processed at Deutsche Post Mailterminal” is a common update to receive.
It means that the package is being sorted inside a facility and will soon be dispatched to the next link in the delivery network.
However, if your item ends up stuck inside the facility for more than 5 business days, you should take steps to see what the hold-up is.
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. 🙂
