Is this the first time you see your DHL shipment on hold? If yes, then you are right that you are worried. But rest assured, there can be many reasons behind this delay, some of which are out of your control.
So, instead of worrying about why is my shipment on hold DHL, the best you can do is stay informed. Therefore, continue reading the article to understand what might have caused the issue and what you can do about it.
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Part 1. What Does Shipment on Hold Mean DHL?
If you are searching online for what does shipment on hold mean, then your package delivery will be delayed due to some typical or unforeseen reasons. After whatever issue is causing it is resolved, your package shipment will continue its course, and you will receive your package soon.
Following are a few reasons that can be behind the delay:
- The paperwork you submit or from the shipper needs to be completed.
- There are too many ships in the port, causing congestion.
- The customs are causing a delay in clearing the shipment.
- Your shipment will ship the next day as the working hours at the DHL facility are over for the day.
- Bad weather or a natural disaster has stopped all movement.
The best thing about DHL shipment on hold is that your package is perfectly safe, and it is only one of the above reasons causing the delay. So worrying about the dealy is no good; all you can do is be patient.
In some instances, reading about different scenarios, as mentioned below, can help you understand and avoid this in the future. Besides, your package will start on its journey soon.
Part 2. Why is My Shipment on Hold DHL?
Let’s answer the 2nd question: why is my shipment on hold DHL in this section? As there can be many reasons, let’s discuss a few of the major ones behind this delay.
Paperwork Issues
Every overseas package that arrives in the US must have a complete checklist of documents available with them. Remember, the shipment will be put on hold if any documents are missing. In these cases, the shipment company or the original shipper must supply the missing document immediately to start the customs procedure.
Following are some of the most common documents that are required:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of landing
- Packaging list, etc.
Such missing documents or clerical mistakes will be the cause of delay. So whenever a shipper sends a shipment, they need to ensure that things such as proper quantities, proper information credentials, etc, are correct.
Port Congestion
Port congestion is one of the biggest reasons behind DHL shipment on hold, especially during and after the holiday season. Shoppers are more likely to buy overseas products during seasons, which increases the number of shipping containers coming into the port. During these times, the port isn’t equipped to process such a high influx efficiently and will have to work overtime to subside this congestion.
This DHL shipment on hold due to congestion can take days or weeks, depending on the number of inbound shipping containers. You can ask DHL if this is the cause of the delay. At least you will know and be patient until the congestion clears.
Custom Clearance Delay
If there isn’t any issue similar to the two above, customs clearance is the next possible cause of DHL shipment on hold. Customs must clear all shipments before they can proceed inland. The clearance may be about documents, or it can be about particular items that need to be randomly checked. Food items are one of the most significant items that might cause delays.
Most of the time, customs clearance only takes 1-3 days, based on the standard shipping load. The congestion, as mentioned above, might make it take longer. So if there is no congestion and no issue with documents, then DHL must have answers for the delay.
Delays Due to Weather or Natural Disaster
These are the scenarios where neither you nor DHL can do anything about this delay. In such situations, DHL will immediately inform you of the cause of the delay. All operations will be suspended until the roads or highways are cleared.
End of Working Hours
Like all working offices and companies, DHL offices will have working hours after which they do not process shipments, especially at connecting warehouses.
Even if it is overnight delivery during shipment, most companies provide a closing time before, which, if you order, you receive the next day.
Now, if the shipment is coming from overseas, it isn’t in your hands if there is a delay of just a day. Just wait a bit more so the shipment can proceed.
Part 3. What to Do if my DHL Shipment is on Hold?
If you see the message that DHL shipment on hold on your shipment or shopping app, here are a few things you can do.
– Contact DHL Customer Care
All the reasons we mentioned above for the delay warrant a call to customer care. You can use the live chat service on their website or call them to find out the issue.
For most of the issues, it is good to know the cause of the delay, but if it is due to paperwork, you can help. The sooner you provide the correction or the missing document, the sooner the shipment can proceed to the destination.
– Relax and Be Patient
As you have read above, all you can do is wait due to natural disasters, port congestion, customs, etc. There isn’t anything you can do about them.
So, instead of stressing, focus on other things you can accomplish and let the delay or procedure take its course. These issues aren’t DHL’s fault and are standard procedures.
– Try to Change the Destination
This solution for DHL shipment on hold only works if changing the address can avoid the congested port. When the new address is linked to a less busy port, change the address as quickly as you can.
As a shipper, you should have this information at hand, or if you don’t and this is the first time for you, call your DHL representative and get assistance.
The new address or warehouse location can be on any other port, mainly because the US East Coast is significant, and you can easily find a new port location. If your shipment is stuck in another port before the US, that is a different story.
Part 4. How to Avoid DHL Shipment is on Hold?
Instead of worrying about why is my shipment on hold DHL, you can preemptively work on avoiding specific scenarios. Here are a few tips that can help you avoid any delay:
Accurate Paperwork – Make sure all the documents you make and share with the shipping company are correct and match. Make sure again to double-check them. Even the missing or incorrect address or location can cause delay.
Express Shipping – If the item or package you are shipping is essential, you can ask the buyer to pay for express shipping to avoid such issues. Express shipping, though costing more, will allow the customs clearance to be done on priority.
Don’t Ship During Peak Season – Most of the time, it is unavoidable as shopping is at its peak during these peak times, like holidays or festivals. It is better to allow good discounts to increase your sales but mention a delay in shipping. This way, your customers will be able to buy cheap stuff without worrying about delays in shipping.
Circumvent Regular Port Congestions – Good research about ports regularly facing congestion and the timings. With the help of this information, you can choose a route beforehand to avoid them at all costs.
Conclusion
In this article, you have learned that there can be many reasons causing DHL shipment on hold delays. You can avoid some of them, while others can do nothing about it and be just patient. In most cases, being prepared beforehand always pays off.Another name for being prepared is NextSmartShip services, which provide the best shipping rates and save you tons due to their shipping on-time experience. Visit their website today and learn how to save time and money with streamlined processes and express shipping.
