If you are a frequent user of DHL, then you might have seen this “Awaiting Collection by the Consignee” update on the tracking page of your package. Do you know what it means? Do you need to do something to get your package?
Well, if you don’t know what it means then there is nothing to worry about. It’s a standard status in the shipping industry that is often used by carriers to let the recipient know that their package has reached its final destination. Stick on the post if you want to know more about it.
What is a Consignee in DHL?
In DHL, a Consignee is a person or entity who is designated to receive a package(shipment). The consignee is the final recipient of the package, to whom the package is intended to be delivered.
The consignee can be an individual, a business, or an organization. All in all, a consignee is an end recipient aka importer of the package or consignment(from any other nation).
What’s the Meaning of “Awaiting Collection by the Consignee”?
If you have received this “Awaiting Collection by the Consignee” status by DHL, it means your package has reached its destination where it’s waiting to get picked up by the final recipient.
It indicates that the package has securely reached the nearest post office and now it’s waiting there to be picked up by the designated recipient. It shows that the DHL has done its shipping part and the package has been delivered to the nearby post office within the reach of the intended recipient.
To collect the package from the post office, you are required to carry ID proof to show that you are the actual recipient of the consignment.
Why does a package get this “Awaiting Collection” Status?
Failed Delivery Attempts
If a package fails to get delivered to the recipient’s address because no one was there to receive then usually all the shipping carrier tries to get it delivered in another delivery attempt. But they again failed to deliver the package then, it is taken to a nearby collection point (maybe a post office or local sorting facility of carrier) so the consignee can pick it up at their own convenience.
Security Reasons
If you are expecting something too valuable or sensitive items, the sender might request that the package only be delivered from the carrier facility or the local post office after proper identification of the recipient to ensure that the package doesn’t get stolen.
It’s a perfect way to ensure that the package reaches the right recipient without any fear of stolen or theft.
Signature Required
If you have opted for the signature required option, your package will only be delivered when the recipient(you) signs on the delivery papers as proof that you have received it. If you are living in a safe neighborhood then go with the signature release option as it will allow the delivery person to leave your package at the front of your porch without any need for any signature.
Keep in mind, that use this option only when you are sure that no one will steal your package otherwise, you won’t be able to file a claim for it.
Delivery Location Requirement
Some delivery services (mainly the PO boxes, parcel lockers, or certain international shipments) require packages to be picked up from a designated location rather than delivering them directly to the consignee’s address. If you have chosen the parcel locker as your delivery address then you are required to collect your package on your own.
Rules & Regulations
If you are living in a sensitive area then your package may not be allowed to get delivered to your home address instead you have pick it up from the designated locations like the post office or a nearby sorting facility or carrier.
Incorrect Delivery Address
If somehow you have provided the wrong delivery address to the shipping carrier then your package will not be delivered until you provide the correct address. Make sure you have provided the correct delivery address before the redelivery attempt, otherwise, your package will be handed over to the nearby facility and you have to pick it up on your own.
What To Do If You Have Received This Status?
If you have got this status then these are the few things that you can do to get your package as soon as possible without any further delay.
Schedule Redelivery of Package
If your package failed to get delivered because of the wrong address then you need to contact your shipping carrier, provide them the correct address, and politely request them to schedule a redelivery of your package. If everything goes all right then your package might get delivered to your updated address within a few working days.
Clear Your Dues
If you are expecting an international package then you need to make sure all your dues like tax and duties are paid otherwise chances are there that your package will be held up in the facility until all the dues are cleared.
Contact the Local Post Office
If the delivery attempt of the package fails then you need to contact the local post office as the shipping carrier might have passed it to them, so the recipient(you) can easily retrieve it from there.
How long the Shipping Carrier will hold your package If it’s not Delivered?
All the shipping carriers follow a standard procedure if a package or consignment fails to get delivered. Firstly, they(carriers) rescheduled the delivery of the package so the recipient could get it if they somehow missed it at the initial delivery attempt.
If it again gets rejected then your package is sent to the local post office or their nearby sorting facility where it remains for about 2 weeks. It’s the ideal time frame in between the recipient can claim the package by showing a valid ID proof to confirm its identity.