Schenker tracking

What is Schenker?

Schenker, more commonly known under the DB Schenker brand, is one of the world's leading providers of transport and logistics services. Founded in 1872 by Gottfried Schenker in Vienna, Austria, the company has established itself over the decades as an essential player in the international logistics sector. Initially specialized in rail freight transport, the company has evolved and diversified its activities to cover all modes of transport today: road, air, maritime and rail.

Schenker's history is marked by a major innovation from its origins. Gottfried Schenker introduced the principle of groupage, a technique consisting of combining several small lots of goods into a single rail shipment. This innovative approach significantly reduces transport costs and opens the international market to a greater number of shippers. This philosophy of logistics optimization remains at the heart of the company's DNA more than 150 years after its creation.

Historically based in Essen, Germany, Schenker experienced a decisive turning point in the early 2000s. In 2002, Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway company, acquired Schenker. This strategic merger resulted in the creation of the DB Schenker brand, which brings together all the logistics activities of the German railway group internationally. This integration strengthened Schenker's position in the global market while offering it new synergies with the European rail network.

• Date of creation: 1872, in Vienna, Austria, by Gottfried Schenker who revolutionized rail freight transport with the concept of groupage
• Headquarters: Neuss, Germany, where the company's strategic operations are centralized
• Workforce: Approximately 76,600 employees worldwide, forming one of the largest logistics teams in the world
• Global presence: More than 1,850 sites in over 130 countries, offering exceptional geographic coverage
• Local presence: Thousands of employees and hundreds of agencies in major European markets, including France, Germany, Spain and Italy

A major event transformed the company's landscape in 2025. Danish group DSV finalized the acquisition of DB Schenker from Deutsche Bahn for more than 14 billion euros. This historic transaction, the largest in DSV's history, created a global transport and logistics giant. The combined company now reports several tens of billions of euros in revenue and employs more than 150,000 employees in over 90 countries. Schenker's activities are now integrated into DSV's operations, while preserving the expertise and service quality that have made the brand's reputation.

Schenker's market positioning is based on an integrated logistics offering covering the entire supply chain. From simple parcel delivery to complete logistics management for a company, the carrier offers solutions adapted to all needs. This ability to support customers end-to-end, combined with a global presence and specialized sectoral expertise, makes Schenker a preferred partner for companies of all sizes and sectors.

Which countries does Schenker deliver to?

Schenker has exceptional geographic coverage that allows it to organize shipments to virtually all destinations worldwide. With a global network comprising over 2,000 logistics facilities in over 130 countries, the carrier ensures reliable connections between the world's major economic centers. This international presence allows Schenker to offer transport solutions adapted to the most complex commercial flows.

In Europe, Schenker's road network is particularly dense and efficient. The company operates 430 agencies spread across 38 European countries, constituting one of the most extensive logistics networks on the continent. Daily connections link the main European economic centers, enabling fast and regular deliveries between all major cities. This solid infrastructure makes Schenker the number one in land transport in Europe.

• Germany: Country of origin of DB Schenker where the company has its densest network with hundreds of logistics sites and daily connections to all regions
• France: Major presence with 124 agencies and 6,300 employees, ensuring complete coverage of metropolitan territory
• United Kingdom: Developed network to support commercial exchanges, particularly post-Brexit with enhanced customs expertise
• Spain, Italy, Portugal: Extended coverage of southern European markets with regular connections to the Iberian peninsula and Italian peninsula
• Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg: Strategic position at the heart of the Benelux, logistics hub of Europe
• Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary: Strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe to support the region's economic dynamism
• Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland served with services adapted to Nordic specificities

Beyond Europe, Schenker ensures connections to all continents. In North America, the company has a solid network in the United States and Canada, making it possible to connect European companies with North American markets. In the Asia-Pacific region, Schenker is present in major logistics hubs such as China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia, supporting growing commercial flows between Asia and the rest of the world.

The Middle East and Africa are also covered by the Schenker network, with facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and other key countries in these regions. Latin America is no exception, with presence in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and several other countries on the continent. This worldwide coverage allows Schenker to organize end-to-end shipments to virtually any destination.

For the most remote destinations or those not directly served, Schenker relies on a network of carefully selected local partners. These collaborations extend geographic coverage beyond the company's own facilities while maintaining the quality and traceability standards expected by customers. This approach combining owned network and strategic partnerships offers maximum flexibility to meet all international shipping needs.

What are Schenker's services and delivery times?

Schenker offers a complete range of transport services adapted to all logistics needs, from the most urgent shipments to economical shipments of large volumes. This diversity of offerings allows shippers to choose the solution best suited to their time constraints, budgets and the nature of the goods. The company covers all modes of transport: road, air, maritime and rail.

In terms of road transport, Schenker has developed a range of particularly efficient courier services on the European market. These offerings respond to different levels of shipping urgency, from standard delivery within 48 hours to express services guaranteeing same-day or next-morning delivery.

• MESSAGERIE laser: National courier service for delivery in 24 to 48 hours, offering excellent value for regular non-urgent shipments
• JOYAU top: National courier service with guaranteed delivery times within a single day, ideal for urgent shipments requiring priority handling
• EXPRESS laser: National express courier service guaranteeing delivery the next day before 1 p.m., perfect for critical shipments
• DB SCHENKER system premium: Priority service allowing savings of up to two days compared to standard service, with guaranteed reimbursement in case of time breach
• Premium 10: Delivery option guaranteed before 10:00 a.m., for shippers needing very early morning delivery
• Premium 13: Delivery option guaranteed before 1:00 p.m., potentially covering the entire European road network of 430 sites in 38 countries

Delivery times naturally vary depending on the destination and mode of transport chosen. For domestic deliveries, most shipments are made within 24 to 48 working hours depending on the country. For intra-European deliveries, delivery times generally range from 3 to 10 working days depending on distance and service selected. Fix day options allow precise determination of the desired delivery date, with Fix day 10 for delivery before 10:00 a.m. and Fix day 13 for delivery before 1:00 p.m.

Beyond courier services, Schenker offers freight services for larger shipments. The DB SCHENKER direct service offers road transport solutions in partial loads (LTL) or full truck loads (FTL), adapted to shipments of pallets or bulky goods. These services benefit from the same quality of traceability and reliability as courier offerings.

For long-distance international shipments, Schenker deploys its air and sea freight capabilities. Air transport allows rapid shipment of urgent goods to any worldwide destination, with delivery times of a few days depending on routes. Sea freight, more economical, suits shipments of large non-urgent volumes, with delivery times potentially reaching several weeks for the most remote destinations. In all cases, Schenker coordinates the entire logistics chain to ensure seamless end-to-end handling.

What are Schenker's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Schenker's pricing policy is based on a calculation taking into account several parameters to determine the price most suited to each shipment. Like most professional carriers, the company bases its rates on the principle of taxable weight, that is, the higher weight between the actual weight of the goods and its volumetric weight calculated from the dimensions of the parcel.

The calculation of volumetric weight varies depending on the type of packaging. For palletized shipments, the formula applied is as follows: length x width x height (in meters) = volume in m³, then volume x 250 kg = volumetric weight. For palletized shipments exceeding 2,500 kg, 2 linear meters of floor or 10 m³, the calculation is done in linear meters of floor (LDM). For bulk parcels under 25 kg, standard volumetric calculation applies, while for heavier parcels, LDM calculation is used.

• Maximum weight per parcel or pallet: 1,000 kg as a general rule, limited to 800 kg for certain countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland and Sweden
• Maximum length: 2.40 meters per item, beyond which a minimum 25% surcharge (with a floor of 50 euros) applies
• Maximum width: 1.80 meters per item
• Maximum height: 2.20 meters per item
• Maximum volume: 5 m³ per item
• Oversized shipments (over 3 meters): Pricing on quote after study by Schenker

Several surcharges may be added to the base rate depending on shipment characteristics and requested services. A fuel surcharge, indexed to fuel price variations, is systematically applied. Toll charges are invoiced for transport transiting through certain countries such as Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria. Shipments exceeding standard dimensions (length greater than 2.40 m) are subject to a 25% freight surcharge with a minimum of 50 euros.

Transports are generally carried out with semi-trailers loaded and unloaded from the rear. Delivery with a tail lift is included in the standard service, at no additional charge, which facilitates merchandise receipt for recipients without a loading dock. For dangerous goods, it is advisable to contact Schenker directly as the company does not transport all classes of regulated products.

To obtain a precise rate adapted to a specific need, Schenker provides its customers with a personalized quote service. Companies regularly shipping merchandise can also negotiate rate agreements taking into account their volumes and shipping habits. Schenker Goods Insurance is offered from 7.50 euros to secure shipments against the risks of loss or damage during transport.

What are Schenker's delivery options?

Schenker has developed a range of delivery options designed to offer maximum flexibility to recipients and shippers. These complementary services allow adapting the conditions of merchandise delivery to the specific constraints of each situation, whether professional B2B deliveries or B2C deliveries to individuals.

Delivery to home or business is the standard delivery method. Transports are carried out on weekdays, generally between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. depending on the country, by professional drivers equipped to handle parcel and pallet handling. Delivery with a tail lift is included in the standard service, allowing merchandise to be unloaded even when the recipient does not have a loading dock.

• Appointment delivery: The carrier contacts the recipient by telephone to set a delivery slot adapted to their availability
• Time slot choice: The shipper can request morning delivery (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) or afternoon delivery (1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.) depending on recipient needs
• Fix day 10: Delivery guaranteed on a chosen date, before 10:00 a.m., within a maximum of 3 days after the standard planned delivery time
• Fix day 13: Delivery guaranteed on a chosen date, before 1:00 p.m., offering maximum flexibility to plan receipt
• DB SCHENKER system home: Service dedicated to deliveries to individuals (B2C) allowing the recipient to choose the delivery date and time themselves

For recipients unable to be at their address, several alternatives are offered. Pickup at Schenker agency allows you to collect your parcel directly from one of the carrier's facilities. This option is particularly suitable for pallet shipments or bulky parcels. The Flex Delivery service offers the possibility to choose between agency pickup and home or parcel point delivery.

For orders under 20 kg transiting through certain partners, parcel point delivery is accessible among a vast network of local shops and automated lockers. This option offers great freedom in choosing the pickup location: near your home, workplace or on a daily route. The recipient is automatically notified by email or SMS as soon as their parcel is available, and has 5 days to collect it.

Shipment tracking is a service in its own right at Schenker. The online tracking system allows you to monitor the progress of each shipment in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By entering the tracking number on the Schenker website or via the eSchenker platform, the shipper and recipient access the complete history of shipment statuses: pickup, transit, customs clearance, out for delivery and delivery confirmation.

Proactive notifications can be configured to automatically inform stakeholders of key transport stages. These alerts allow anticipating merchandise receipt and organizing accordingly. For professional customers managing many shipments, reporting and analysis tools are available to effectively manage their logistics activities.

What should I do if my Schenker parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of a problem with a Schenker shipment, whether loss, damage or delay, clear procedures are in place to allow customers to assert their rights. The speed of reporting is essential to maximize the chances of obtaining satisfactory compensation.

Upon receipt of a shipment showing visible damage or missing items, the recipient must immediately issue precise and detailed reservations on the delivery receipt. These reservations must clearly describe the nature of the problem found: torn packaging, broken merchandise, damaged pallet, missing parcel, etc. It is crucial not to settle for vague mentions like "subject to unpacking" which have no legal value.

• Deadline for confirming reservations: Reservations issued at delivery must generally be confirmed by registered letter within a few days depending on applicable local legislation for transport
• Retention of evidence: Do not discard any packaging or damaged merchandise before obtaining agreement from your insurer or full resolution of the dispute
• Separation of merchandise: Immediately isolate damaged products from other merchandise to prevent further damage and facilitate assessment
• Photographic documentation: Take detailed photos of damages, packaging and labeling to build a compelling file

To file an official claim, Schenker provides the eClaims service accessible via the eSchenker portal. This online tool allows you to declare and track all disputes for loss or damage to merchandise. The procedure takes place in three steps: identification of the claimant, details of the transport concerned, and precise description of the damage or loss. The service is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with secure access codes.

The documents to provide to constitute a complete claims file include: the commercial invoice for the entire shipment, the delivery receipt signed in person with reservations issued, photos of the damaged parcel or failed packaging, as well as all documents containing shipment information (waybill, tracking number, etc.).

With regard to compensation, the limits of liability are governed by regulations and Schenker's general conditions. For shipments under 3 tons, compensation cannot exceed 33 euros per kilogram of gross weight of missing or damaged merchandise, without exceeding 1,000 euros per lost, incomplete or damaged parcel. Only direct, material and foreseeable damages are eligible for compensation. Schenker's liability is excluded in case of inherent vice of the merchandise, fault of the shipper or recipient, act of a third party or case of force majeure.

For valuable merchandise or critical shipments, it is strongly recommended to subscribe to Schenker Goods Insurance (SEV - Schenker Expedition Insurance) or Cargo Insurance for a specific shipment. These guarantees offer maximum protection covering all risks of physical loss or damage to goods due to external causes during transport, subject to insurer AXA XL's agreement. Insurance is offered from 7.50 euros.

In case of persistent dispute or disagreement over the proposed compensation, it is possible to send a written claim by mail to the following address: DB SCHENKER, 35 rue Paul-Henri Goulet, 85600 Montaigu-Vendée, France. This formal step allows you to maintain a written record of exchanges and can be useful in case of subsequent proceedings.

Does Schenker handle international shipments and customs procedures?

As a leading global freight forwarder, Schenker has recognized expertise in international shipments and customs procedures management. The company's specialized teams cover 34 countries in Europe and handle millions of import, export and transit customs declarations each year. This mastery of regulatory procedures allows the company to support customers in their commercial exchanges across borders.

For any exchange of goods with countries outside the European Union, establishing a customs declaration is mandatory. Schenker offers comprehensive support in these procedures, whether goods are transported by its own services or by another logistics provider. The company's customs specialists manage the complexities of documentation and data processing, offering services adapted to specific needs and the size of each company.

• EORI number: Mandatory identifier for any company carrying out import/export operations with third countries to the EU
• Intra-community VAT number: Required for exchanges within the European Union and certain customs procedures
• Customs nomenclature: Classification of goods according to the international harmonized system, determining applicable customs duties
• Commercial invoice: Mandatory accounting document attesting to sales conditions and serving as the basis for determining customs value
• Packing list: Detail of the contents of each parcel making up the shipment
• Customs representation mandate: Authorization allowing Schenker to act on the customer's behalf with customs authorities
• Export or import licenses: Specific documents required for certain categories of regulated merchandise
• Certificates of conformity: Mandatory for importing toys, childcare accessories, electrical equipment or protective equipment from third countries

Schenker can represent its customers with customs administrations within the framework of direct representation, in accordance with the European Union Customs Code. This representation covers the signing of all import and export customs declarations, representation with other administrations (health, phytosanitary, veterinary, excise), as well as execution of operations under special arrangements. A customs representation mandate must be established to formalize this delegation.

For experienced and low-risk importers, Schenker can support the obtaining of preferential statuses facilitating procedures. Commercial partnership programs such as Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in Europe, or their equivalents in other regions, allow benefiting from accelerated access to customs procedures. These certifications value companies that have demonstrated their reliability and compliance with customs regulations.

With regard to customs duties and import taxes, responsibility generally falls on the goods recipient, unless agreed otherwise between the parties. Schenker can inform its customers of the duties and taxes applicable to their goods according to their customs classification and country of origin. The company also offers advisory services to optimize duty savings, particularly through free trade agreements and special customs arrangements.

The additional lead times related to customs procedures vary depending on the nature of the goods, the quality of documentation provided and any controls possibly carried out by authorities. Complete and compliant documentation generally allows for quick customs clearance, while missing or incorrect information can result in significant delays and additional charges. This is why Schenker insists on the importance of providing accurate and complete information from the start of shipment.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Schenker parcel online, different statuses may appear as your shipment progresses. These indications allow you to know in real time the progress of your merchandise from pickup to final delivery. Here are the main statuses you may encounter and their meanings: