PostNL Update: The Item Is Processed at the Sorting Center

Are you eagerly waiting for an international package, perhaps from a distant country like China?

You might have seen the update, “The item is processed at the PostNL sorting center.” This message can be unclear about your package’s current status and its expected delivery time.

This guide covers typical shipping durations and offers practical advice for monitoring your shipment every step of the way.

Whether you’re receiving an international package for the first time or are experienced in global shipping, our guide ensures you stay well-informed about your package’s progress.

The Item Is Proceed At The PostNL Sorting Center: What Does It Mean?

What exactly does this mean? Has your package arrived in your country, or is it still in transit? What steps should you take if your tracking remains on this alert?

Let’s explore this further…

Understanding the PostNL Sorting Center

When your package from China, the US, or other countries arrives in the Netherlands, it’s a sign that your eagerly awaited item is one step closer to its final destination.

But why does it stop at the PostNL Sorting Center, and what happens there? Let me share some insights from my experience and knowledge on the subject.

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, international mail and parcels are handed over to PostNL, the leading postal operator in the country.

This handover marks the beginning of the final leg of your package’s journey. The sorting centers play a pivotal role in this process.

Here, PostNL sorts the mail by destination postcode. This meticulous sorting ensures that each item can be swiftly dispatched to the correct local delivery offices around the Netherlands.

The main sorting centers are strategically located in Den Haag, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Zwolle.

If your package is from China, for instance, it will likely pass through one or more of these hubs.

Seeing the “sorted at PostNL facility” scan on your tracking information is a positive indication.

It means your item has not only arrived in the country but is also navigating through the PostNL network to reach your address.

This behind-the-scenes look at the journey of your package through PostNL’s infrastructure highlights the complexity and efficiency of modern postal services, ensuring that your awaited items arrive safely at your doorstep.

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How Long Does Processing at PostNL’s Sorting Center Take?

When you order items from abroad, the anticipation of tracking your package’s journey can be pretty thrilling.

Seeing your parcel’s status update to “processed at the PostNL sorting center” marks a critical phase in its transit. But what does this mean in terms of timing, and when can you expect your package to arrive?

The exact time a parcel spends at a sorting center can vary. Several factors influence this duration.

For instance, the arrival time of your package plays a significant role. Packages received late in the day may sit overnight before sorting begins.

Additionally, the workload at different facilities can affect processing times; some centers are busier than others.

If your package is destined for a remote address, it might take longer to sort out due to the logistics involved in ensuring it reaches the correct destination efficiently.

On average, you can expect your parcel to spend about 24 hours at the PostNL sorting facility once it arrives in the country.

However, this timeframe can be less if you are near a central hub like Rotterdam, where packages are processed more quickly due to better resources and logistics.

Understanding these nuances can help set realistic expectations for delivery times and provide reassurance that the moving-on process of your item is underway, ensuring it reaches you as swiftly as possible.

What Happens During Processing at the PostNL Sorting Center?

When your package arrives from overseas, it embarks on a crucial journey within the PostNL sorting center. This journey is pivotal in ensuring that your item reaches you efficiently. 

The first step in this process involves Unloading. PostNL workers meticulously unload the trucks, planes, or other forms of transportation that carry foreign mail and packages into the facility. 

This initial stage is crucial for setting the stage for the next steps.

Following unloading, the Scanning phase begins, where each item is scanned into the PostNL system. This step is essential for tracking purposes, permitting both the sender and recipient to monitor the parcel’s progress. 

Next comes the Sorting process. During this phase, workers sort parcels by destination postcode into different bins, bags, or containers.

This meticulous sorting ensures that each parcel is directed towards the correct region and local delivery offices around the Netherlands. 

Finally, the Transport phase sees the sorted mail making its way to various destinations. The use of Advanced sorting machines, capable of processing over 40,000 items per hour, significantly expedites this process.

Once sorted, your package gets one step closer to your home, making this entire operation a testament to the efficiency and dedication of PostNL’s logistical capabilities.

Read Also: How Long Does Brandy Melville Take to Ship an Order

Where is My Package When I Receive this Update?

When you receive the update “The Item is Processed at the PostNL Sorting Center,” it’s natural to wonder about the current whereabouts of your package.

This status indicates that your package has reached a crucial stage in its journey and is now undergoing processing at the PostNL sorting center.

However, the question remains: Where exactly is your package at this point? Here’s what you need to know:

Origin Country

If you get this notification soon after receiving an “Item has been pre-advised to PostNL” alert, it probably indicates that your package is still in its country of origin.

This stage marks the beginning of the shipping process, and your package has yet to leave its country of origin.

Transit Country

In case you receive this notification after your package has left the country of origin and is on its way to the final destination, it means that your package is presently in the transit country.

It has already left its origin but has not yet arrived in the destination country.

Destination Country

Finally, if you receive this update after your package has arrived in the destination country, it means that your package has reached the PostNL sorting center within the destination country.

At this stage, your package is one step closer to reaching its intended recipient, and final delivery preparations are underway.

How to Track Your Item Through PostNL Sorting Centers

To monitor the progress of your package through PostNL’s network, leveraging the tracking number provided by your seller is crucial.

This unique identifier is your gateway to understanding where your item is at any given moment.

Upon entering this number into PostNL’s tracking system, you’ll encounter various key tracking statuses that inform you of your package’s journey.

Initially, you may see “Handed over to PostNL,” indicating your item has arrived in the Netherlands. This is the first sign that your package is under PostNL’s care.

As it moves through the system, the status will update to “Processed at PostNL sorting center,” showing that your parcel has reached one of the main hubs for sorting.

Following this, “Sorted at distribution center” signifies that your item is organized for regional delivery.

The final leg of the journey is highlighted by “Out for delivery,” meaning your parcel is on a van for final delivery.

For those whose packages were initially handled by major delivery companies like DHL, it’s important to note that you might have to track your package on both DHL and PostNL’s websites to get a comprehensive view of its transit.

This dual-tracking approach ensures you stay informed at every step until the package arrives at your doorstep.

Further Reading : UPS Severe Weather Conditions Have Delayed Delivery

How Long After Processing Until Delivery?

The anticipation for its arrival grows once your package leaves the sorting center. PostNL has streamlined its delivery process, ensuring that most deliveries take between 1 and 3 days to reach their destination address.

This timeframe largely depends on where you live. The wait might be as short as the next day for those residing in urban areas.

However, patience is key for parcels destined for remote addresses, as it can take up to 3 days for your item to arrive.

So, if you notice your package was “Processed at PostNL facility” on a Monday, you can generally expect it to arrive sometime between Tuesday and Thursday, depending on your location.

This quick turnaround is part of PostNL’s commitment to efficient service, ensuring your waiting time is minimized, and your package arrives safely and promptly.

My Tracking is Stuck on “The Item is Processed at the PostNL Sorting Center”

Managing Expectations and Understanding Delays

When your tracking update shows “The Item is Processed at the PostNL Sorting Center” and doesn’t change, it’s essential to manage expectations.

This status often occurs with orders from eCommerce platforms like AliExpress and Shein, where deliveries can span several weeks.

The delay can become particularly pronounced if your shipments pass through key transit points such as the Liege Linehaul in Belgium, a common bottleneck for parcels heading to their destination country.

Utilizing Tracking Tools and PostNL Support

In case of prolonged tracking updates, employing a Universal Tracking App might shed some light.

Apps like ParcelsApp and 17Track through various carrier databases, which is useful when PostNL might have passed your package onto a third-party carrier, and where new tracking data might be generated.

Additionally, reaching out to PostNL directly can provide reassurance; their customer service can often confirm the location of your parcel and the normalcy of the delay, particularly if an economy service speed was used.

Don’t forget the Buyer Guarantee Period if you’re shopping from platforms like AliExpress.

This safeguard is crucial as it protects your purchase, allowing you to open a dispute and either get your money back or a replacement should your order fail to arrive.

Get Scoop on this : Inside the YHT Shenzhen Sorting Center

Key Factors That Impact Time in Transit

Understanding the key factors that can either speed up or slow down your PostNL delivery time is crucial for setting realistic expectations.

One significant aspect is the Destination; Major cities often receive faster service compared to rural areas. This is due to the streamlined logistics and infrastructure in urban locations, which facilitate quicker handling and delivery.

Another determinant is the chosen Shipping method. Opting for Express shipping naturally results in a faster delivery timeline than economy shipping, catering to those who need their parcels urgently.

Furthermore, the Weight and size of your parcel play a pivotal role. Bulkier or heavier parcels necessitate more time for processing, as they may require special handling or transportation arrangements. 

Additionally, Backlogs during peak seasons can introduce Temporary delays. It’s during these times that Patience becomes key.

While PostNL efficiently handles millions of parcels, delays of a few days are not uncommon.

However, it’s reassuring to know that items rarely get stuck or lost in the PostNL network, assuring that your parcel will arrive at its destination, albeit sometimes with a slight delay.

Expedite Your Delivery

Express Shipping

Upgrade to DHL, UPS, or other express carriers for prioritized handling and faster delivery, which is especially beneficial for urgent shipments.

Live Tracking Updates

Utilize PostNL’s app or website to monitor delivery progress in real-time, allowing you to plan for your package’s arrival and promptly address any delays.

Contact Customer Service

If you encounter delays or issues with your parcel, don’t hesitate to reach out to PostNL’s customer service for investigation and potential solutions.

Pick-Up Option

Opt for picking up your item at a designated location to bypass potential delays associated with standard delivery routes, ensuring quicker receipt of your package.

Stay Informed

Check PostNL’s website or app using your tracking number to keep updated on your package’s journey. Contact PostNL if your parcel is delayed for more than a few days to resolve any issues.

Patience and Tracking Vigilance

Be patient and vigilant in tracking your package’s journey. Understanding the process behind the scenes helps set proper expectations, allowing you to await your order with peace of mind.

Read Also: What Does USLAXA Mean on USPS Tracking

Conclusion 

In summary, understanding your package’s journey after it’s processed at a PostNL sorting center is vital for managing expectations and ensuring smooth delivery.

Opt for express shipping, use live tracking, and consider alternative pickup options to speed up delivery. Stay informed by communicating with PostNL and tracking your package via their app or website.

Although the process involves multiple steps, PostNL’s efficient service ensures most packages move through swiftly. By following these strategies, you can anticipate timely deliveries with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long does it take for a package to come from a sorting center?

24 to 48 hours

Q2. What does received at sorting center mean?

It indicates that your package has reached one of the several distribution centers across the country.

Q3. What does arrival at transit sorting center mean?

A “parcel sorting center” is a facility where parcels are received to be sorted and dispatched to their respective destinations.

Q4. Does in transit mean my package is moving?

“In transit” indicates that your package is en route to the recipient’s address.

However, this does not necessarily imply that your package is currently in a moving delivery vehicle. It could be at any of the courier company’s depots, awaiting the next scan.