How to Schedule DHL Pickup: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

• 11 min read

Getting a package from your door into the hands of a courier shouldn’t be complicated. To schedule a DHL pickup, you can book the service online using the MyDHL+ portal or call customer service directly; you will just need your 10-digit waybill number to begin. Learning how to schedule a DHL pickup is the most convenient way to get your items on their way without leaving home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to schedule a DHL pickup, from using DHL’s online tools to avoiding common hiccups.

Before you book a courier, it’s always a smart move to make sure you’re not overpaying for shipping. You can use a free tool like an online shipping calculator to compare rates from different carriers and find the best price for your package. If you’re new to rate shopping, see how to calculate shipping costs.

What Does it Mean to Schedule a DHL Pickup?

How to schedule a DHL pickup simply means you are arranging for a DHL courier to come to your home or office to collect a package you need to send. Instead of you driving to a drop off location, the service comes directly to you. You can book this service online or over the phone.

To get started, you’ll need a shipping label, also known as a waybill. A 10 digit DHL Air Waybill number is required to arrange a shipment pickup. You typically don’t need a formal DHL account for a one off shipment, making it accessible for everyone. Pickups are generally available Monday through Friday during business hours, usually from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Using MyDHL+ to Schedule a Pickup

MyDHL+ is DHL’s main online platform for managing all your shipping tasks. It’s a powerful tool that brings the functions of 13 different DHL applications into one user friendly portal. Both account holders and guest users can use it to create labels, track packages, and of course, it’s the main portal for how to schedule a DHL pickup. If you don’t have negotiated carrier rates, learn how to access shipping discounts online.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to use it:

  1. Start the Process: Go to the MyDHL+ website. You can log in or continue as a guest.
  2. Navigate to Pickups: Look for the option to “Schedule a Pickup”. If you just created your label on the platform, this option will likely be presented to you automatically.
  3. Enter Your Waybill Number: The system will ask if you already have a shipping label. Select “Yes” and enter your 10 digit DHL Waybill number.
  4. Fill Out the Details: The form will guide you through entering your pickup details and shipment information.
  5. Confirm: Once you review and submit the request, DHL’s local dispatch receives the information in real time, and a courier is assigned to your pickup.

Providing Key Information for Your Pickup

Accuracy is everything when you’re figuring out how to schedule a DHL pickup. Providing clear and correct details ensures the courier finds you without any trouble. The online form will ask for two main categories of information.

Pickup Details

This is all about the where and the who. You’ll need to provide:

  • Contact Person: The name of the person the courier should ask for.
  • Pickup Address: The full and exact street address, including any apartment, suite, or unit numbers.
  • Contact Info: A valid phone number and email address are crucial in case the driver needs to reach you.
  • Package Location: You can add specific notes like “leave with receptionist” or “package is on the front porch.”

Shipment Details

This section is about the what. You need to describe the package or packages being collected. This includes:

  • Number of Packages: How many boxes are you shipping?
  • Total Weight: The combined weight of all your packages.
  • Dimensions: The length, width, and height of your parcel.

This information helps DHL assign the right vehicle for the pickup and verify shipping costs. Be honest with these details, as couriers may refuse to collect packages that are significantly overweight or larger than declared.

Selecting Your Pickup Date and Time

The MyDHL+ platform will present you with a calendar and time slots. You can select a pickup date and a convenient time window for the courier to arrive. DHL typically offers time frames (for example, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) rather than an exact appointment time, as drivers have many stops on their routes. This flexibility is a key part of how to schedule a DHL pickup to fit your needs.

Standard pickups occur on weekdays, and you generally cannot schedule a DHL pickup for a weekend or public holiday. If you’re flexible on carrier, you can also schedule a USPS pickup. Some areas may offer same day pickup if you book early enough, but scheduling at least one day in advance is a safe bet.

Your Pickup Confirmation

After you complete the booking, you’ll receive a pickup confirmation. This is your proof that the request was successful. It will appear as a confirmation screen and will also be sent to the email address you provided.

Always double check the confirmation to make sure the address, date, and contact information are correct. This is a critical step in the process of how to schedule a DHL pickup successfully. The confirmation will also remind you to have your shipment ready and list any necessary paperwork, like copies of the commercial invoice for international shipments.

How to Prepare for the Courier’s Arrival

Knowing how to schedule a DHL pickup is the first step, but preparing your package is just as important. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth handover. DHL drivers are on a tight schedule, often with hundreds of stops a day, so they can’t wait if your package isn’t ready.

Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Pack Securely: Your item should be fully packed and the box sealed shut well before the pickup window begins.
  • Attach the Label: Print your shipping label (waybill) and attach it securely to a flat surface on the box. Need gear? See the best shipping label printers.
  • Prepare Paperwork: For international shipments, you must have printed copies of the commercial invoice ready to hand to the courier. The only exception is if you used DHL’s Paperless Trade service to submit documents electronically. If this is your first cross‑border shipment, read how to ship internationally.
  • Be Accessible: Place the package in an easy to reach location. If you live in a building with a front desk, let them know to expect a DHL courier.

Avoiding Common Pickup Issues

Most pickup problems are preventable, especially when you understand how to schedule a DHL pickup correctly. By paying attention to a few key areas, you can significantly reduce the chances of a failed attempt.

Incorrect or Incomplete Address Details

An incorrect address is a primary reason for missed pickups. A simple typo in the street name or a missing apartment number can prevent the courier from finding you. Studies have shown that address errors can cause significant delays. Always triple check the address details before you confirm the booking.

Package Not Ready at Pickup Time

If your package isn’t sealed, labeled, and ready to go when the driver arrives, they will most likely leave without it. Couriers cannot wait for you to finish packing. If this happens, you will have to reschedule the pickup for another day, which can cause delays and may even result in a fee for the failed attempt.

Missing or Incorrect Paperwork

For international shipping, the right paperwork is non negotiable. A DHL courier cannot accept an international shipment without the required commercial invoices. If your documents are missing or incorrect, the package will be left behind until you can provide the correct paperwork. This is a common but easily avoidable cause for a delayed shipment.

Lack of Contact Information

Providing a valid phone number and email is more than just a formality. If a driver has trouble finding your location or is running ahead of schedule, a quick phone call can be the difference between a successful pickup and a missed one. The contact information fields in the booking form are there for a reason, so always fill them out accurately.

What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Even with the best preparation, issues can sometimes arise. Here’s how to handle them.

Dealing with a Missed Pickup

A missed pickup happens when the courier doesn’t collect your package as scheduled. This could be because you weren’t ready, or it could be due to an operational issue on DHL’s end. If your pickup window passes and no one has arrived, the first step is to contact DHL customer service. They can check the driver’s status and help you reschedule the pickup, often for the next business day. If you can’t be home for pickups or don’t have a vehicle, here’s how to return a package without a car.

How to Cancel or Reschedule a Pickup

If your plans change, you can cancel or reschedule a DHL pickup by contacting customer service as soon as possible. Knowing how to schedule a DHL pickup also includes knowing how to cancel one if needed. Acting quickly ensures the driver’s trip isn’t wasted. If you need to make a significant change, like altering the pickup address, DHL may ask you to cancel the original booking and create a new one to ensure all the labels and details match. If this pickup is for a customer return, you can create a prepaid return label.

Tracking Your Shipment After Pickup

Once the courier scans your package, it officially enters the DHL network. You can monitor its journey using the 10 digit tracking number from your waybill. Simply enter this number on the DHL website’s tracking page.

DHL Express online tracking is the fastest way to see where your shipment is in real time. You will see updates like “Shipment picked up,” “In transit,” and eventually, “Delivered.” This transparency allows both you and the recipient to stay informed every step of the way.

Shipping with confidence comes from understanding the entire process, from how to schedule a DHL pickup to tracking its delivery. By following these steps, you can schedule a DHL pickup smoothly and efficiently. And for your next shipment, remember to compare shipping rates online to ensure you’re getting the best deal before you buy a label.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a DHL account to schedule a pickup?

No, you typically do not need a formal DHL account to schedule a pickup for a single shipment. You can book as a guest using your 10 digit waybill number.

2. Can I schedule a DHL pickup for the same day?

In some locations, yes. DHL may offer same day pickup if you book the request early enough in the day, but availability varies. To be safe, it’s best to schedule it at least one day in advance.

3. What happens if I miss the DHL courier?

If the courier arrives and you are not available or the package isn’t ready, it will be considered a missed pickup. You will need to contact DHL customer service to reschedule the collection for a future date.

4. Can I schedule a DHL pickup on a Saturday or Sunday?

Standard DHL Express pickups are not available on weekends or public holidays. Pickups are typically scheduled for Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

5. Does the DHL courier bring shipping boxes or envelopes?

No, the courier does not automatically bring packaging materials. You are expected to have your item already packed and ready for shipment. If you need DHL packaging, you must specifically request it in the “special instructions” or “pickup note” section when you schedule the pickup so the driver knows to bring it.

6. Is there a fee to schedule a DHL pickup?

Generally, there is no extra fee to schedule a pickup for a shipment you are sending with DHL Express. The cost is part of the overall shipping service. However, a fee may be charged for a failed pickup attempt if the fault was on the shipper’s end (e.g., the package was not ready).