DHL Express delivers thousands of international shipments every single day. We do our very best to ensure that every shipment is delivered promptly so we can continuously handle large amounts of shipments.
While we improve our internal performance and maximize our operational resources, there are many circumstances where our couriers are unable to fulfill the last-mile delivery due to receiver unavailability. Understanding the importance of a reliable and consistent courier service, we continue to invest and develop logistics solutions to improve your DHL international shipping experience.
Introducing DHL Express’s On-Demand Delivery (ODD) – an online portal created to make receiving shipments more flexible while not compromising on the safety and security. In recent years, Hong Kong’s e‑commerce has grown rapidly. According to Statrys, cross‑border e‑commerce consumption accounts for around 70% of the overall market, highlighting the importance of flexible delivery. ODD leverages advanced technology to provide real‑time, flexible last‑mile solutions that meet customers’ expectations for fast receipt. ODD offers 6 alternate delivery options to suit your preference.
SIX ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY OPTIONS
Change Delivery Date
Receivers can reschedule their delivery date if the originally scheduled date is not convenient for them
Pick up at Service Point or Locker
Recipients can collect their shipment at a nearby DHL Service Point or locker. When plans change or greater privacy is preferred, they can pick up at a convenient time; we will keep the parcel securely stored until collection.
Leave with Neighbor, Concierge or Guard
Recipients can authorise DHL to hand the shipment to a trusted neighbour, building management or security staff. This helps ensure secure receipt when you are temporarily away and reduces re‑delivery.
Change an Alternate Address
Receivers can request us to deliver the shipment to a different address (for example, their workplace). If you have moved, are travelling for business or need delivery at another location, redirect the parcel to a more suitable address (such as a workplace or temporary residence) for greater flexibility.
Vacation Hold
If on holiday, Receivers can change the delivery date up to 30 calendar days from the originally scheduled date
Leave in Safe Place (No signature)
Recipients can authorise DHL to leave the parcel in a designated safe place without a face‑to‑face signature—useful for health and safety considerations and to simplify receipt.
HOW IT WORKS?
When the shipper indicates the recipient’s mobile number or e-mail when creating the DHL air waybill (AWB), ODD will automatically be activated to alert the recipient when the shipment is successfully in our care. The message will indicate the estimated delivery date with a link to ODD, where you can click to select one of the six alternate delivery solutions in the event that you are unavailable to receive the shipment on the estimated delivery date.
Selecting an option will immediately send a memo to our operations team and they will take the necessary actions as per your request. For example, if you select vacation hold, they will put the shipment in a temporary storage area within our facility until the date you have indicated.
DIDN’T GET AN ODD MESSAGE?
If you are expecting a parcel but did not receive an ODD message via e-mail or SMS, don’t worry. In some cases, the automatic message may fail to generate meaning that you did not get a link to access ODD.
You can either visit https://ondemand.dhl.com, select the destination country (the country where the shipment is to be delivered) and key in your 10-digit AWB number to access the ODD feature. Alternatively, you can contact our 24/7 customer service via live chat and inform them which ODD service you would like to engage.
WHAT ELSE CAN ODD DO FOR YOU?
1. Beneficial for your business
If you are a shipper sending your products to your customers around the world, ODD is applicable as well. You can send your parcels knowing your recipients can make flexible arrangements to receive their shipments. Speak to your account manager and inform them that you would like your end receivers to have access to ODD and they will on-board your account accordingly.
2. Improving our last-mile deliveries
ODD plays an important part in our last-mile delivery operations. While we have many DHL Express vans collecting and delivering shipments daily, ODD helps our couriers plan their load and route, therefore maintaining or even improving our delivery speed and avoiding failed deliveries.
OTHER NOTES
- If you have submitted two or more ODD requests, our operations team will only take the latest request and void the previous entry.
- You may be contacted by our operations team if your ODD message is unclear.
- DHL Express does not use automated voice messages for ODD or any other form of notification. Please be wary and vigilant of non-authenticated sources claiming to be DHL Express.
Choose DHL Express as your international logistics partner
Customers can choose the most suitable ODD delivery options based on recipient preferences, time sensitivity and budget to improve efficiency and ensure secure delivery. To enjoy more shipping benefits and professional services, apply to open a DHL Express corporate account to make your business operations more efficient and convenient.
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