DHL is the world's most international courier company, delivering to 220+ countries and territories. Whether you shipped with DHL Express, DHL Parcel, or DHL eCommerce, tracking your shipment is straightforward once you know where to find your tracking number and what format to expect.
DHL Express vs DHL Parcel vs DHL eCommerce — What's the Difference?
DHL operates several distinct services that each have their own tracking systems. DHL Express is the premium international and domestic express courier — fast, fully tracked, and used by businesses. DHL Parcel is the domestic parcel service in Germany and several European countries. DHL eCommerce (formerly DHL Packet) is a lower-cost international service used by online retailers shipping from Asia and Europe. Each uses different tracking number formats.
DHL Express Tracking Number Format
DHL Express tracking numbers are 10 digits long (e.g. 1234567890). Other DHL business units use different formats. Check the service named on your dispatch confirmation and its official tracking portal instead of choosing a business unit from the number length alone.
DHL Parcel and eCommerce Tracking Formats
DHL Parcel Germany uses reference numbers starting with 00340 followed by additional digits, totalling up to 20 digits. DHL eCommerce international shipments often use GM, LX, or RX prefixes followed by 8 digits and a 2-letter country code (e.g. GM123456789DE). Use the DHL service named by the sender. A pattern match alone may not distinguish the business unit.
Where to Find Your DHL Tracking Number
Your DHL tracking number appears in: (1) the shipment confirmation email from the sender, (2) on the DHL shipping label as a barcode with digits below it, (3) in your DHL account under "My Shipments", or (4) on your online order's tracking page if the retailer has integrated DHL tracking. If you ordered from an online shop, look for an email with subject lines like "Your order has shipped" or "Dispatch notification".
How to Track DHL on Trackora
Paste your DHL tracking number into the Trackora search box. Trackora suggests a carrier for supported formats and displays events when its data source returns them. Confirm the service with your sender; if the result is missing, use the official carrier link. Eligible plans can use email status-change alerts for saved shipments when new events become available.
Common DHL Status Messages Explained
"Shipment picked up" — DHL collected the parcel from the sender. "In transit" — your package is moving through the DHL network. "Customs status updated" — the shipment has been presented to customs at the destination country. "Out for delivery" — a DHL courier is delivering your parcel today. "Delivered" — the parcel was handed to the recipient or left in a safe place. "Delivery attempted" — nobody was home; DHL will retry or leave a collection card.