DHL Active Tracing delivery tracking
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DHL Active Tracing
https://activetracing.dhl.com -
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DHL Active Tracing Tracking Numbers
What is a DHL Active Tracing Tracking Number?
A DHL Active Tracing tracking identifier is a reference code used to monitor road and rail freight shipments within the DHL Freight network. DHL Active Tracing (also written as DHL ActiveTracing) is the dedicated online tracking platform for DHL Freight, the road, rail, and intermodal freight division of Deutsche Post DHL Group. Unlike DHL Express or DHL Parcel — which serve individual consumers and e-commerce parcels — DHL Active Tracing is designed primarily for business customers shipping palletised freight, groupage (LTL) loads, and full truckload (FTL) consignments across Europe and internationally. Recipients can also track a shipment if they have a reference number. The platform is accessible at activetracing.dhl.com.
Where to Find DHL Active Tracing Tracking Numbers
DHL Freight provides three types of identifiers that can be used to track a freight shipment in Active Tracing:
- DHL Order/Consignment Code — the primary shipment reference assigned by DHL Freight at the time of booking, also referred to as the consignment ID.
- DHL Package ID (licence plate) — a unique identifier for an individual pallet or package within a multi-piece shipment.
- Sender Reference Number — the order or invoice number provided by the shipper, which can be linked to a DHL consignment.
These identifiers are included in the booking confirmation sent by DHL Freight to the shipper, and can also be found on the transport documents (CMR/consignment note) and on the pallet labels. Business customers with a MyACT account on the Active Tracing portal can view all their current and historical shipments filtered by status, date, and destination. When searching, remove spaces and punctuation from the tracking code before entering it.
DHL Active Tracing Tracking Number Formats
DHL Freight tracking identifiers vary by format and should be entered exactly as provided in the shipping documentation:
- DHL Order Code: Alphanumeric, typically in the format ABC-EC-123467 or an 11-digit numeric string.
- DHL Package ID: Numeric, typically 18–20 digits (e.g. 00301234567890123456).
- Sender Reference: Format determined by the shipper — can be alphanumeric of varying length.
Note: DHL Active Tracing identifiers are not compatible with the DHL Express or DHL Parcel tracking portals. Always use the dedicated Active Tracing portal at activetracing.dhl.com for freight shipment lookups.
DHL Active Tracing Tracking Statuses
Common DHL Active Tracing Tracking Statuses and Their Meanings
| Original Status | Translated Status | Description | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup confirmed | Pickup confirmed | DHL Freight has collected the freight consignment from the shipper's premises and confirmed pickup in the system. | None — shipment journey has started. |
| Processed at terminal | Processed at terminal | The consignment has been scanned and processed at a DHL Freight terminal or hub facility. | None. |
| Departed from terminal | Departed from terminal | The freight has left a DHL terminal on a trunk or line-haul transport leg. | None — in transit. |
| Arrived at terminal | Arrived at terminal | The consignment has been received at an intermediate or destination terminal and is being processed. | None. |
| Out for delivery | Out for delivery | The freight is on a delivery vehicle heading to the consignee's address for today's delivery. | Ensure a forklift or appropriate receiving equipment is available if handling pallets. |
| Delivered | Delivered | The consignment has been delivered to the recipient. Proof of delivery (POD) may be available through the Active Tracing portal on supported lanes. | None — delivery complete. Download POD if required for documentation. |
| Delivery exception | Delivery exception | An issue has prevented delivery (e.g. consignee not available, address discrepancy, damaged goods). DHL Freight will contact the relevant party. | Contact DHL Freight customer service with the consignment number for resolution. |
| Customs clearance | Customs clearance in progress | The consignment is being processed by customs authorities at the border. Applicable to cross-border freight. | Ensure all customs documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, HS codes) is correct and complete. |
| Shipment on hold | Shipment on hold | The shipment has been placed on hold pending additional information, documentation, or instruction from the shipper or consignee. | Contact DHL Freight immediately with the consignment ID to resolve the hold. |
Contact Information for DHL Active Tracing
DHL Active Tracing Customer Service Channels
- Phone: Contact your local DHL Freight office — numbers vary by country. See the global directory at dhl.com/freight
- Email: Not publicly listed — use the contact form via the DHL Freight customer portal or the Active Tracing portal
- Active Tracing Portal: activetracing.dhl.com — enter consignment code, Package ID, or sender reference
- DHL Freight global website: dhl.com — DHL Freight
- Social Media: Twitter/X @DHLFreight | LinkedIn: DHL Freight