Basic Information
Identifier | VHL |
API Endpoint | ship.vhleurope.com/api |
Required Credentials
Field Name | Description |
API Key | API key for accessing the VHL API |
How to Access the VHL API
To access the VHL API, contact the VHL Europe business department on their website at vhleurope.com and request an API key for tracking shipments.
VHL Tracking Specifications
VHL acts as a shipment tracking aggregator for various carriers. This means that via the VHL API, you can track shipments delivered by various partner carriers, such as:
DPD
PPL
GLS (various countries)
InPost
Foxpost
DHL
Packeta
and other European carriers
Tracking Number Format
VHL tracking numbers can have two formats:
VHL-123456789 - with a hyphen
VHL123456789 - without a hyphen
The actual tracking number of the final carrier delivering the shipment follows the VHL prefix.
Important for Shipment Import: Since VHL does not use its own tracking numbers but only takes numbers from the final carriers, it is necessary to always add the prefix "VHL-" or "VHL" before the original tracking number when importing shipments into the Retino Returns system. For example, if you have a shipment with the DPD number 123456789, you must enter it into the system as VHL-123456789 or VHL123456789. Without this prefix, the system will not be able to recognize that the shipment is tracked via the VHL API.
Automatic Carrier Detection
The Retino Returns system automatically recognizes which carrier actually delivers the shipment and correctly interprets the shipment statuses accordingly. In the shipment details, you will see both VHL as the main carrier and the actual carrier physically delivering the shipment.
Note: The VHL API only allows tracking of shipments created through your VHL account. Ensure you are using the correct API key assigned to your account.