If you are a frequent user of DHL, then you are sure to receive a ton of updates regarding your package, and out of all those one common notification is “Scanned Into Sack/Container”.
Do you know what it means? Do you have to do anything to get your package? Here in this article, we are going to discuss all about Scanned Into Container.
What’s the meaning of “Scanned into Sack/Container”?
If you have received this scanned into sack container update then it means that your package has already been put inside a container that will be transported to its required destination country. Recipients mostly get this update if they’re expecting an international package from any other country.
The whole process of transporting that container takes around 2 weeks to enter your destination country where it will be processed in the regional facility of the DHL, then it will be sent to the recipient address for the final delivery.
Why does a Package remain Stuck on the “Scanned into Sack/Container” for so long?
Lack of Further Scans
During the whole process of shipment or shipping a package, not all the stages have automated scans that provide the update of the package. During some stages, the package might have to be scanned physically if your package hasn’t arrived, at that destination then it will continue to show the same status till it reaches the destination and gets scanned.
It mostly happens in cases where you are expecting an international shipment that’s coming after traveling a long distance.
Volume of Shipments
During peak shipping seasons, carriers usually experience a high volume of shipments and packages that slow down the entire process of transportation. Every package and shipment needs to be scanned before putting it in a container that will be transported to the destination country, where it will be delivered.
All this causes delays at various stages of the sorting and transportation process which ultimately results in your tracking status remaining stuck on the “Scanned into Sack/Container” update.
The Package has already reached the Local Post Office
It’s a major issue in DHL, that it doesn’t scan your packages when they enter their destination country.
It processes the packages or shipments in the regional facilities and thereafter releases them to the local post office from where they will make their way to the recipient’s address.
There have been numerous instances where the package gets delivered to the recipient’s address after weeks while the tracking status remains stuck on the same update scanned into sack containers.
In case, you want to check out the true status of your package or shipment, then you need to use the 3rd party tracking service because DHL may not provide any update once the shipment reaches the destination country.
Shortage of Cargo Planes
If the DHL is experiencing a shortage of cargo planes then your package might have to wait until the next plane arrives and all the shipments containing your package get loaded up into that plane.
In such scenarios, your package might remain in the facility of DHL for weeks until there is an available plane to send your shipment along with others to the destination country. Although it happens very rarely still it has the potential to cause delays in the delivery time of the package.
Weather Conditions
Operating in bad weather conditions like thunderstorms, heavy rains, or hurricanes can be dangerous. In all these conditions, DHL halts the entire process of delivering the packages in the affected areas until the weather clears up and all the normal operations of day-to-day life resume.
The thing that frustrates the most is that DHL doesn’t provide the exact reason why the package is being delayed if situations like bad weather conditions occur.
Customs Clearance Delay
If your package is an international shipment, then it needs to go through the customs clearance process where your package or shipment will be examined, to verify the content of the package complies with the customs laws of the destination country or not.
If everything goes right your package will be clear in less than 24 hours. But if the official finds anything suspicious, then your package might be held up until you provide all the documentation that proves that the content of the package is not illegal or prohibited.
Difference between the “Close Bag” update and “Scanned Into Sack/Container”
If your tracking status shows a “Close Bag” update, then it means your package has been put inside a larger bag so that it can easily be transported to the required regional facility of the DHL without any fear of getting lost.
If your tracking status shows “Scanned into a Sack/Container” then it means that your package has been put inside a sack or a container from where it will make its way to the plane, and then will reach the required destination country and thereafter it will be delivered to the recipient’s address.
What to do When your package remains stuck on the “Scanned into sack/Container” update?
Be Patient
If the issue is caused by some temporary delay then you just need to wait for a few extra working days. Your package might get delivered to your address within that time frame. If your estimated delivery date has passed, then wait for at least two to four working days. And if still, the package still doesn’t make its way to your address then you need to contact DHL customer care.
Contact the Shipper
In case more than two weeks have passed, then you need to contact the shipper, even before contacting the DHL. Because it’s the responsibility of the shipper that the package makes its way safely to the recipient’s address and DHL also pays more attention to the shipper as compared to the customer when they have a complaint.
They can contact the DHL on your behalf and can know the real status of your package.
Use a 3rd party tracking system
Generally, in every single case, DHL doesn’t provide any update once the package has been released from the origin country for the destination.
There have been numerous instances where the Package has directly made its way to the recipient’s address While they are tracking status remains stuck on the same “Scanned into Sack/Container”.
So the best thing here you can do is use a 3rd party tracking system to track the real status of your package. Some of the most common and reliable tracking partners are 17 track and parcel apps Which can help you to know the true status of your package.