Delivery according to your preferences – always

Frequently asked questions: delivery preferences

What are “delivery preferences”?

Delivery preferences mean your parcel will be delivered the way you prefer. Simply enter your delivery preferences in the My DHL app, and we’ll try to deliver according to your preferences. This can be at a DHL ServicePoint in your area, if you’re away from home often. Or even in your garden shed, if that works for you. If you prefer another location for a delivery, simply change your delivery preferences in the My DHL app.

When do my delivery preferences take effect?

Your delivery preferences take effect from the moment you submit them. You can still submit any changes in My DHL or via track and trace.

Why should I specify my delivery preferences?

Once you specify your delivery preferences, we’ll take them into account each time we deliver. That way, you’ll minimize the chances of missing a delivery and receive your parcel as soon as possible. Of course, you’ll still receive a notification before we pass by, so you can see whether we’re delivering according to your preferences. If you don’t want us to deliver according to your preference for a parcel, you can change your delivery preference for just that parcel or set a new preferred location – the choice is yours.

Why did DHL eCommerce develop this service?

Because lots of people want it! Recipients told us they needed a standard yet personal delivery method with clear rules, so they could be sure that parcels would be safely delivered to the preferred location that suits them best. And another good thing: If we only have to visit once, we reduce our CO2 emissions!

How do I specify my standard delivery preferences?

To set your delivery preferences, go to your profile (top right-hand corner of in My DHL). Remember to add your address to your profile first, otherwise we won’t be able to find you. You can always change your preferences in your profile and even specify multiple preferences, such as for your work and home address. If you’re happy with your preferences, we’ll do everything to comply to your delivery preferences. 

First time right
Simply indicate when you will be home or choose an alternative delivery address, such as a DHL Locker or DHL ServicePoint. This way your package will be delivered in one hit. And together we can deliver your packages more efficiently, save fuel and reduce carbon emissions.

Which delivery preferences can I choose?

Currently you can choose between “delivery to a DHL ServicePoint” or “delivery to a agreed place around the home”. We aim to add new options soon.

How do I know if my parcel will be delivered according to delivery preferences?

Before delivery, we will always email you an announcement for you parcel. It states whether we will deliver according to your preference in that particular case. Missed your email? You can always check the latest status in the app or using track and trace.

My regular DHL ServicePoint is closed. What should I do?

A DHL ServicePoint may be closed on a particular day, or it might be permanently shut. We’ll let you know immediately if we’re unable to deliver your parcel because of circumstances like this, so you can set a different preference. If you haven’t already changed your preference, we’ll deliver your parcels to your home.

Why is my parcel sometimes not delivered to my favorite DHL ServicePoint or locker?

In some cases, we may not be able to deliver your package to your favorite DHL point or locker. This happens, for example, if the package is too large, an age check must take place or if someone has to sign for receipt. We will then deliver it to your home.

We also do this if delivery to your home can take place a day faster than delivery to your DHL ServicePoint or locker. This way your order will not be unnecessarily delayed. By the way, you can always adjust this manually in My DHL or on track and trace.

A third possibility is that your favorite locker is full. We will then deliver your parcel to a DHL point nearby.

Finally, we really want to be sure that shipments go the right destination. That is why we check every delivery based on address and email details. If we have not received your e-mail address from the sender, we cannot guarantee that we will deliver your package to your DHL point.

Why is my parcel sometimes not delivered to my home, while I have set this option as my preference?

This happens with parcels that have been sent directly to a DHL ServicePoint. We cannot change the delivery of these for you. We do not deliver these parcels to your home, even if that is your set preference.

Why is my parcel sometimes not delivered to my Agreed Place?

Sometimes we cannot deliver your parcel at your Agreed Place. This happens, for example, if an age check has to take place or if someone has to sign for receipt.

In addition, we really want to be sure that shipments go to the right destination. That is why we check every delivery based on address and email details. If we have not received your email address from the sender, we cannot guarantee that we will deliver your parcel to the Agreed Place.

Also check the conditions for Agreed Place.