If you’re expecting a package from abroad and have got this “the item is processed at PostNL sorting center” update and might be wondering what it means then you are at the right place.
There is nothing to worry about if you have got this update. In this article, we will be discussing every related to this update you just need to read on to know more about it.
What’s the Meaning of “The Item is Processed at the PostNL Sorting Center: Meaning, What To Do”?
If you have got this update “the item is processed at the PostNL sorting center” it means Your package has been received by the PostNL, where it will processed in their sorting facilities. PostNL is a package delivery company based in the Netherlands.
If you’re staying in the Netherlands and expecting an international package then firstly it will go through the PostNL sorting centres before going out for delivery to the final recipient. In these sorting centers, the packages are processed and sorted based on their delivery locations. As the processing is done, they are finally released to make delivery to the final recipient.
Den Haag, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Zwolle are some of the locations where the main PostNL sorting facilities are located. If you are expecting a package then it might be processed in one of these facilities.
Even if you are from any other nation sometimes these packages need to pass through a transit country while they are on their way to reach the destination country. If that’s the case with your package then there is nothing to worry about it’s just a standard procedure and your package will be delivered to you within a few days you just need to wait for a while.
Why do Packages go through the PostNL Sorting Centers?
It doesn’t matter whether you are living in the Netherlands or not, if you are expecting an international package then it might need to go through a transit country before reaching the destination country and that country can be the Netherlands.
In such scenarios, the packages pass through PostNL facilities where they are processed and sorted for further transportation to the destination country. These scams are also important to let the recipient know that their packages are moving and within a short time they will be reaching their final destination.
If you are a resident of the Netherlands and expecting an international package then the process will be exactly the same. But your package needs to get a customs clearance before it is delivered to your address.
How long does it take for PostNL to process a Package?
In normal scenarios, a package takes less than 2 days at a PostNL sorting center before it is released back to its normal journey. Keep in mind that there are a lot of factors that can easily influence the processing time of a package in the facility. Here we have listed a few factors that can increase the processing time of packages with PostNL:
Peak Season: During the peak seasons like holidays or some online sales PostNL may experience a high volume of packages which in turn increases the processing time. So if you have ordered your package between these time frames then chances are there that you may receive your package a bit late.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, transportation disruptions, or technical issues in the postal system may cause delays in processing packages. PostNL strives to minimize such delays, but they are beyond their control so can’t really do much about it.
Shortage of Working Staff: Although it happens very rarely if the PostNL facility is facing a shortage of working staff. If that’s the case with your package then it can also be one of the reasons why your package is getting delayed.
What happens during the processing of a package at the PostNL sorting facility?
During the processing of the package at the PostNL sorting facility it undergoes various stages like unloading; scanning, labeling, Quality check, and a lot more. Here, we have provided you with a brief overview of the whole process.
Unloading: It’s ideally the first stage when the package arrives at the facility where they are unloaded from the vehicles and brought into the facility for further processing.
Scanning: All the packages are scanned into the PostNL system to have a record that they arrive at the sorting facility. During the scanning, the system stores the tracking number, origin, and destination details of the packages.
Sorting: During this stage, packages are sorted based on their destination postal codes, delivery routes, and shipping methods. PostNL uses both automated and manual sorting processes to organize packages into different categories for more efficient transportation.
Labelling & Routing: After the packages are sorted, the process of labeling the routing information begins which includes the destination address and expected delivery date of the package. This label ensures that the package is routed to the correct transportation route so the packages don’t go to the wrong routes which cause delay in the whole process of delivering it.
Final Check: All the packages undergo the final cheque procedures to verify that all the packages are correctly labeled and are in good condition for the final delivery. If any issue is noticed during the final cheque they are resolved immediately to prevent any further delay.
Loading: Once the package processing is complete then they are finally loaded up in a vehicle such as a truck or a van so it can be transported to the next destination. Large sorting facilities often use conveyor belts to make the process of loading easier for the staff.
Departure: It’s the last phase of packages in the sorting facility where they are finally departed to reach the final destination i.e. recipient address.
How long do packages take for delivery after the processing at PostNL?
Once your packages have left the sorting facility of PostNL it usually takes up to a week to reach the required destination address and it does depend upon where you live. If you are living in an urban area or a city center then it may arrive to you the very next day but if you are living in a far remote area it can take up to a week or more to reach the required address.
Take it like this if you have received the update on the first day of the week then be prepared till the last day as your package might get delivered in between these days.