What is a postal number at DHL?
The postal number is a personal customer number assigned by Deutsche Post and DHL. It consists of six to ten digits and is automatically assigned to every registered customer.
- The postal number is primarily used to clearly assign incoming parcels to a user account, regardless of whether the delivery is made to a Packstation, a parcel box, or your own address.
- If you have a postal number with DHL, you can have parcels delivered to a Packstation. To do this, you must enter the number in the “Address supplement” field of the delivery address. This DHL number also allows you to be notified of the arrival and possible delivery time of a parcel.
- The postal number offers additional services that you can take advantage of. For example, you can specify an exact day for delivery.
- If you are not at home, you can also give the postman a drop-off location (such as your own terrace) where he can leave the parcel. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, you can designate a preferred neighbor to receive your deliveries.
How the postal number works
The postal number serves as a unique identifier in the DHL system. When the sender enters this number when placing an order, it is digitally recorded and the parcel is automatically assigned to the relevant user account.
- This enables DHL to provide up-to-date information on delivery, pickup, or parcel status, which appears in real time in the app or customer account.
- The postal number is mandatory for deliveries to a Packstation. The name, postal number, Packstation number, and postal code must be entered correctly so that the parcel is assigned to the correct compartment.
- An example of a correct address is: John Doe, postal number 12345678, Packstation 123, 12345 Sample City
- The postal number is also used when using a parcel box. This allows the delivery person to immediately identify which customer the box belongs to and place the parcel directly inside. At the same time, the recipient receives a push notification that the parcel has been delivered.
Request a postal code and save it in your DHL customer card
To obtain a postal number, all you need to do is register free of charge on the provider’s website or in the DHL Parcel app. You will find your personal postal number when you log in with your access data. If you have a Packstation customer card, the number is also printed on it.
- Open the DHL website or the DHL Parcel app.
- Register with your personal data, including your email address and password.
- Once you have completed the registration process, your individual postal number will be generated automatically.
- You can find the number directly in your customer account or in the app.
- The postal number is also stored in the digital DHL customer card, which is saved in the app. It serves as an identification feature when picking up your parcel at the Packstation.
Postal number: Typical problems and solutions
If an incorrect postal number is provided, the shipment cannot be correctly assigned. In this case, the package will be returned to the sender or stored at a branch.
- Therefore, before placing an order, check that the number has been entered correctly and corresponds to the current customer account.
- If the postal number is not recognized during delivery, this may indicate a system error. In this case, check the spelling, avoid spaces, and use only the sequence of numbers. If the problem persists, DHL customer service will be happy to help.
- If the postal number is missing for a delivery to a Packstation, automatic assignment cannot take place. The parcel will then usually be deposited at a nearby branch, and you will receive a notification.
- Entering the postal code incorrectly—for example, in the first address line instead of in the “additional address” field—often leads to delays. Therefore, when filling out online order forms, make sure you use the correct form field.
