Fix ‘DHL shipment on hold awaiting next scheduled movement’?

The reasons why the message appears on your DHL tracking page

The are few reasons for why you are seeing this message. Let us see them all.

1. Your shipment was booked on an economic plan. So, it is on hold and waiting for its trip: An economic plan is a cost-saving option provided by DHL where shipments are grouped together based on their destination and scheduled for consolidated transport. This results in a longer processing time compared to priority shipments. If you chose an economic plan for your shipment, it may be put on hold and waiting for its scheduled trip along with other shipments heading to the same destination.
2. It might be a DHL holiday and so it will be processed on the next working day: If it’s a DHL holiday, such as a public holiday or a non-working day, your shipment will be processed on the next working day when DHL operations resume.
3. Your parcel might be under observation by the customs and you might need to pay custom duty fees in order to release your parcel: Occasionally, customs authorities may choose to observe certain packages more closely to ensure compliance with import/export regulations. If your parcel is under observation by customs, it may be put on hold until the necessary checks are completed. In some cases, you might be required to pay custom duty fees or provide additional documentation for customs clearance. The process and requirements for paying custom duty fees can vary depending on the destination country and the nature of the goods being shipped. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by DHL or consult with DHL customer care or the customs authority for specific guidance.
4. Your package might contain any illegal items: If your package contains any items that are prohibited or restricted by law, customs, or DHL’s shipping policies, it will be held until the issue is resolved. In such cases, it’s crucial to comply with the regulations and instructions provided by DHL or the customs authorities to resolve the situation.
5. Unpaid shipping fees: If the sender did not fully pay the required shipping fees or if there are outstanding charges associated with the shipment, DHL may hold the package until payment is received.
6. Brokerage fees: For international shipments, DHL may act as a customs broker to handle the necessary clearance processes. In some cases, there may be brokerage fees associated with this service. If these fees have not been paid or if there are issues with the payment, the shipment may be held until the matter is resolved.
7. Additional services requested: If the sender or recipient has requested additional services such as insurance, special handling, or specific delivery options, there may be additional fees associated with these services. If these fees have not been paid or if there are payment issues, DHL may hold the shipment until the payment is resolved.
8. Payment disputes or discrepancies: In certain cases, there may be disputes or discrepancies regarding the payment for the shipment. This can include issues such as incorrect billing information, declined payment methods, or payment authorization problems. DHL may hold the shipment until the payment matter is resolved and verified.
9. Customs duties and taxes: When shipping internationally, customs duties and taxes may apply depending on the value and nature of the goods being shipped. If these charges have not been paid or if there are discrepancies in the payment, DHL may hold the shipment until the payment is resolved.
10. Duties and taxes under dispute: Sometimes, there might be disputes or discrepancies regarding the calculation or assessment of duties and taxes by the customs authorities. If there is a disagreement or a need for further clarification, DHL may hold the shipment until the issue is resolved between the sender, recipient, and the customs authorities.
11. Restricted or controlled items: Certain items are subject to strict regulations or restrictions when being shipped, such as hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, or perishable goods. If the shipment contains items that require additional permits, licenses, or certifications, DHL may hold the shipment until all the necessary documentation is provided and verified.
12. Incorrect or incomplete documentation: Accurate and complete documentation is crucial for international shipments. If there are errors, omissions, or missing information in the shipping documentation, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, or export/import licenses, DHL may hold the shipment until the documentation is corrected and resubmitted.
13. Unclaimed COD (Cash on Delivery) shipments: In some cases, if a shipment is sent with the Cash on Delivery service and the recipient fails to pay for the goods upon delivery, DHL may hold the shipment until the payment is received.
14. Suspicion of fraudulent activity: If there are concerns or suspicions regarding the authenticity or legitimacy of the shipment, DHL may hold it for further investigation to prevent potential fraud or illegal activities.

These are the reasons for getting the message ‘Shipment on hold awaiting next scheduled movement’ on the DHL tracking page.

DHL’s next delivery cycle = next day (in most cases). So, your package will be processed on the next day if you are getting this message.

How to fix the “On Hold” problem of DHL?

Here are the solutions for each of the reasons why DHL might show the message “Shipment held – Available upon receipt of payment”:

1. Customs clearance fees: If customs clearance fees are required, you can contact DHL customer care or the customs authorities to understand the specific payment process and settle the fees. Provide the necessary information and documentation requested by the customs authorities to expedite the clearance process.
2. Duties and taxes under dispute: If there is a dispute or discrepancy regarding duties and taxes, work with DHL customer care and the customs authorities to resolve the issue. Provide any supporting documentation or evidence that can help clarify the assessment or calculation of the duties and taxes. Follow the instructions provided by the customs authorities and provide any requested information or documentation promptly.
3. Restricted or controlled items: If the shipment contains items that require additional permits, licenses, or certifications, work with DHL customer care to understand the specific requirements. Obtain the necessary permits or licenses from the relevant authorities and provide them to DHL for verification. Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate to facilitate the release of the shipment.
4. Incorrect or incomplete documentation: Review the shipping documentation carefully and rectify any errors or omissions. Update the commercial invoice, packing list, or any other required documents with accurate and complete information. Consult with DHL customer care to understand the specific requirements and procedures for submitting corrected documentation. Resubmit the corrected documents promptly to expedite the release of the shipment.
5. Unclaimed COD (Cash on Delivery) shipments: If the recipient failed to pay for the goods upon delivery, contact DHL customer care to inquire about the specific procedures for resolving this issue. They will guide you through the necessary steps to facilitate payment and release the shipment. Ensure the recipient is aware of their payment obligations and follows the provided instructions for payment.
6. Suspicion of fraudulent activity: If DHL suspects fraudulent activity, cooperate fully with their investigations. Provide any requested information or documentation to assist in resolving the matter. Work closely with DHL customer care and provide any additional information or evidence that can help clarify the legitimacy of the shipment. Follow the instructions provided by DHL and the relevant authorities to resolve any concerns.

It’s important to note that the solutions may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the policies of DHL and the customs authorities in different countries. Always communicate and cooperate with DHL customer care to understand the exact requirements and procedures to resolve any issues with the shipment.

Usually, it will take around 24 hours to see new changes on the tracking page of DHL So wait for a day. And if you are still seeing the same message after a day then you should contact the DHL customer care to know the current status of your package.

⚠️ Note: Possible delays of up to 10 days may occur due to factors such as weather incidents, customs issues, or operational backlogs.

You can also see:

• Fix Shipment held – Available upon receipt of payment in DHL

If you have any more questions then you can frankly ask below in the comment box. We will reply you asap.