DHL Enhances Direct LCL Services

• New LCL services from Tokyo and Yokohama direct to Chicago, U.S.
• Bolsters position as global market leader by reducing transit times, enhancing security

DHL, the world's leading logistics company, will enhance its Less than Container Load (LCL) services with the launch of direct LCL services connecting Tokyo and Yokohama to Chicago, U.S. The introduction of these weekly guaranteed services reduces transit times by at least 3 days compared to current services, while enhancing security and increasing both business efficiency and competitiveness.

LCL freight bound for Chicago from Tokyo and Yokohama is usually shipped by sea to Los Angeles where it will be unloaded from its consolidation container. In Los Angeles, it will be combined with other freight that has reached the US west coast seaport for its onward journey to Chicago. DHL's new direct consolidation service from Tokyo and Yokohama bypasses the re-handling in Los Angeles and the consolidation containers are instead transferred directly to the railway station, thereby reducing transit time by at least 3 days. The elimination of re-handling in Los Angeles also reduces the risk of damage, loss and other contingencies, resulting in enhanced security for our customers' shipments.

Commenting on this service enhancement, Charles Kaufmann, Representative Director/President of DHL Global Forwarding Japan said: "DHL's ongoing quest for better services in our continuous commitment to be the customers' first choice led to this achievement of shorter transit times. DHL will continue to deliver fast, cost-efficient and reliable services to customers in Japan, and further strengthen its Ocean Freight business and market leading position when it comes to LCL services."

These new services join DHL Global Forwarding's portfolio of direct LCL services in Japan. In Tokyo, export customers can enjoy direct LCL services to over 10 cities, including Antwerp, Belgium; Barcelona, Spain; Shanghai, China; and Hong Kong. Direct LCL services are also available in Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.

Clas Thorell, Head of LCL, Asia Pacific, said: "DHL has the world's largest LCL network and the new direct service from Tokyo and Yokohama to Chicago signals our commitment to continually expand our own operated, weekly guaranteed LCL services globally. As Ocean Freight remains a viable transport option, the new service not only offers customers with greater efficiencies and reliability but also further bolster our service offerings as we strengthen our market leading position in in-house LCL services."

As a global leader in LCL, DHL carries more than 97% of its total volumes in-house. The in-house systems and strong global network enables the control of cargo flow, information flow, speed, accuracy, cost efficiency and reliability. Going beyond port to port, DHL LCL service also offers a complete end-to-end supply chain management that includes pick-up at origin, consolidation and deconsolidation, delivery at destination and customs clearance. All LCL services are accompanied by DHL's first-class IT solutions such as DHL Track & Trace and other tools to allow full visibility of its customers' cargo throughout the supply chain.

About DHL – The Logistics company for the world
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and 310,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 54 billion euros in 2008.

SOURCE: DHL