DHL reveal goals to become e-commerce global leader

DHL has recently revealed its ambitions to be the leading global company in logistics for e-commerce, as claimed by CEO Frank Appel.

Appel said: "We have big plans for this year and beyond. We are laying the foundation for the future: with our Strategy 2020 we have set our priorities for the coming years." He continued: "We want to be the global market leader in logistics for e-commerce."

In the bid to successfully reach this goal, the company is due to export its model of DHL Parcel in Germany to other markets. The group has aimed to set its target at an increased operating profit to between 3.05 billion Euros and 3.2 billion Euros for 2015.

Appel also added: "Our Strategy 2020 gives us a roadmap for our further improvement and organic growth. When people think logistics, we want them to think of Deutsche Post DHL.

DHL land five-year contract with Volvo Cars

DHL Supply Chain has recently been awarded with a five-year long contract with one of the world's most renown automotive brands, Volvo Cars. The parcel delivery company it due to handle its aftermarket parts warehousing and distribution to more than 120 dealers throughout the UK.

The parcel delivery company is expected to manage four shared use local distribution centres to place deliveries through the night using DHL's Auto Alliance collaborative platform. The service is to incorporate flexible driver departure times to remote areas, enhancing the efficiency of its delivery service across the nation.

DHL will deploy a new fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles as part of the contract with Volvo Cars.

Michael Martin, VP Business Development, Automotive for DHL Supply Chain has said: "DHL is delighted to be working with one of the world's leading automotive companies to drive forward innovative approaches for exceptional customer service. This new contact heralds a new partnership between DHL and Volvo Cars, which will see us deliver an innovative service-level delivery network, resulting in increased efficiencies." Martin also added: "Volvo Cars commitment to its customers is outstanding - and at DHL we adopt a matching approach to service quality in all of our collaborative partnerships."

Deutsche Post DHL reaches its GoGreen target

Deutsche Post DHL has recently reached a milestone in regards to its environmental protection program, GoGreen. The parcel delivery company has reported more than 60% of its global electricity demand is now generated from renewable energy sources.

Throughout the past 20 years, Deutsche Post DHL has increased its green electricity share by half, from 42% in 2012, to over 60% by 2014. The parcel company currently utilises its green electricity of over 99% in locations including Germany, the USA, the UK, Ireland and France.

Deutsche Post DHL currently utilises its GoGreen programe
throughout the UK, USA and Germany.

The improvements are part of a plan for the company to reduce its environmental impact. Its GoGreen program introduces technologies specifically designed to reduce energy consumption, in addition to reducing carbon emissions by transferring to using sustainable energy sources.

Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications and Responsibility at Deutsche Post DHL, Christof Ehrhart, has commented: "Environmental sustainability is an integral part of our company strategy. Our efforts and the progress we make towards becoming an environmentally friendly company are...a sign of respect for the world we live in and...this also supports our customers' needs. We are...pleased to achieve yet another target on our GoGreen agenda by increasing our use of green electricity Group-wide to over 60%."

DHL to assist in nationwide harvest transportation

Leading logistics provider, DHL Supply Chain is due to collaborate with over 300 TASCC approved third party road haulage companies to organise the movement of grain across the UK to coincide with the preparation of the agricultural industry for the coming harvest season.

DHL has relationships with a complete network of nationally known providers which will enable it to complete the movement coordination successfully. This includes a Logistics Control Room in Hertfordshire, a dedicated team who provide a point of entry into the network to offer its customers access to cost-effective hauliers.

Vice President, Control Towers and Transport Servicse at DHL Supply Chain, Ian Hartley, has said: "We understand the success of many UK agricultural businesses depends on their ability to deliver a profitable harvest. Maintaining product quality is of paramount importance to cereal farmers, merchants and processors and often replies on the timely movement of product at short notice, so having a robust transportation solution is critical."

DHL help relocate Jengo the giraffe to his new safari home

DHL Global Forwarding has recently helped transport a giraffe from Liege, Belgium, to its new home in Tel Aviv, Israel, at the Ramat Gan Safari as part of a new relocation for the creature. Jengo, the male giraffe, was moved between the locations via DHL's International Cargo network which saw him arrive safely at his new home on the 22nd of May. The move for the giraffe will see him become part of a new breeding program at the Zoological Centre in Tel Aviv.

Jengo will join seven other giraffes at his new home

DHL used the help of Ramat Gan Safari in using a specially designed crate to move Jengo, flying him aboard a Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft via the Israeli airline, El Al. Jengo was accompanied by a "safety team" at all times, comprising of animal keepers and veterinary physicians who obtained a daily amount of food supply of over 100 kilograms in weight.

CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for Israel, Rafi Rozalis, has said, as a company, DHL is "committed to supporting conservation and environmental causes around the world." Rozalis described Jengo's movement as a "further opportunity" for the company to become involved in environmental issues, with the CEO adding they are "glad to have helped Ramat Gan Safari in their mission." "Having in mind the requirements for transporting the tallest terrestrial animal on earth, it also gives us the chance to show that we can handle even the most unusual cargo transport," added Rozalis.

DHL used a Boeing 747-400 to relocate the creature to his
 new home

Jengo is to join seven other giraffes at his new safari home, becoming part of a new program aimed at some of the endangered subspecies of giraffes. Ramat Gan Safari provides public access for visitors to its modernised, outdoor zoo, while serving home to the largest collection of wildlife within the Middle East.

DHL to expand its Packstation system throughout Europe

Deutsche Post DHL has recently announced its plans for expansion of its network of parcel locker terminals, referred to as Packstations. The parcel delivery company has been offering an alternative delivery point for parcels throughout Germany since 2001 in the form of its Packstations. The company is now looking to expand its distributions of the delivery stations throughout Italy and the Netherlands.

DHL is currently using 2,650 of the Packstations which are in operation across a total of 1,600 town and cities within Germany, which equals to approximately 250,000 individual lockers. DHL has reported that 90% of German residents live within 10 minutes of a DHL Packstation.

DHL will be introducing a new look Packstation
in the near future

It is expected for a further 300 Packstations will be added to DHL's German network by the end of 2014. While Austrian firm, KEBA, has been responsible for providing the current parcel terminals, DHL is said to be sourcing new input from design agency Polygon. The new designs by Polygon will supposedly provide various compartment sizes, as well as the "latest security standards."

Deutsche Post DHL's Board Member for Parcels and E-Commerce, Jürgen Gerdes, has commented: "We have decided to bundle the know-how we have acquired during our more than 10 years in the market in Germany to an even greater degree and continuously refine and improve the lockers ourselves." Gerdes also added: "The expansion of our network in Germany is an important part of our strategy to be the clear leader in terms of market share and innovation in the German parcel market."

The firms sees its next step will be to export its German business model to foreign parcel markets that offer "similar market structures and comparable growth rates." Gerdes explained: "The Packstation is an important pillar in our market success in Germany. We will examine the use of these automats in European markets very closely and selectively use them to establish our..operations in other countries."

Logistics can benefit from smartphone and PC tablet use, reports DHL

DHL has reported a trend that shows technologies initially designed for consumer use can also be incorporated into logistics. A study conducted by the Trend Research team at DHL has shown that low-cost sensor technology, such as Microsoft’s video-game camera Kinect and smart watches, can be used in logistics.

Logistics could see a future involving lost-cost technologies

Dr. Markus Kuckelhaus, Director of Trend Research at DHL Customer Solution and Innovation, explains “The success of Smartphones and tablet PCs has created a situation in which employees have better technology for personal use than they do for [their] business needs.” Kuckelhaus also goes on to say: “But they expect to have the same standard of technology at work. For this reason, we think companies have to step up and put Smartphone sensors in particular to work in logistics.”

The introduction in the use of Smartphones and PC tablets in the logistics industry could prove highly beneficial to logistics. The technologies involved could help aid in the processes of delivery. It has been possible for aspects such as acceleration, position and light to be monitored using these types of devices. These technologies could be applied to include the recording the arrival time of a shipment for example, as well as being used as a tracking or tracing feature, with the results then being uploaded onto an on-line viewable platform.

DHL has also invested time into testing several other application areas. Concepts have been developed to measure pallet volumes. The testing proved that measurements made by technologies that have the ability to detect depth were 50% faster when compared to using older technologies. Further to this, other benefits include the fill measurements of containers and trucks, in addition to the monitoring and tracking of damaged freight.

In terms of costs, sensibly priced technologies bear particular appeal within the logistics industry. While network development investments are usually accompanied with high costs, the mass production of sensor technologies could counterbalance this theory.

Customers are due to advantage from this new method as volume measurement will utilise networks of transport. Additionally, the emissions of CO2 would lower as a result.

FedEx is ranked at 8th place in business magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" list

Fortune, a popular business magazine, has recently published the results of a survey titled the “World’s Most Admired Companies”, with FedEx being ranked at number 8. The results of the survey portray a comprised list of the most prestigious and well thought of businesses.

Being featured in this list is not a first for FedEx, with the Memphis founded company having being highlighting on previous years editions. Since 2001, FedEx has been positioned among the top 20 companies as decided by Fortune magazine.

Fortune's edition including the "World's Most
Admired Companies" list

The survey takes into account nine separate characteristics and elements with regards to both financial performance and corporate reputation of companies when deciding the position of each within the list. Before arriving at their top 50, both Fortune, and consulting company, Hay Group is forced to eliminate from the starting from approximately 1,400 companies. After much elimination, the two deciders create an industry list of 57 companies. Analysis is given to rate the companies on nine separate criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. To make it successfully onto the list, a company must score within the top half of its industry.

To arrive to their top 50, the Hay Group asked approximately 3,800 respondents to choose the ten companies they admired and respected the most. The list at this stage is made up of the companies that ranked in the top 25% from the previous year’s survey.

The finalised list shows other similar parcel delivery companies, such as UPS, narrowly missing out, with them coming in at position 32. DHL did not make it into the top fifty, but can be seen as being considered for it.

FedEx Corp.’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fredrick W. Smith, has said: “We are honoured to be included on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies List. This recognition is possible because of our 300,000 team members who strive to make every FedEx experience outstanding.”

DHL teams up to make music with German orchestra

DHL have joined together with the German symphony orchestra, Gewandhausorchestra, as their official support and logistics partner during their tour across Asia this year. Having been Gewandhausorchestra’s logistics partner since 2005, DHL will be responsible for the transport of the orchestra’s 115 musical instrument and complete orchestral equipment shipment, including music stands and stools, as well as the conductor’s rostrum and wardrobe, with the shipment having an estimated value of about 2.5 million Euros.

The tour will see the orchestra commence on March the 14th in the Chinese city of Shanghai, with the tour then moving on to Japan. The orchestra’s director Andreas Schulz has said “We have been touring Asia regularly since 1961. This is already our third Asian tour together with DHL. The cooperation has stood its test and we know that we can rely on our equipment being transported in a punctual and secure manner. We look forward to being able to focus fully on our music.” The concerts are to take place over a span of ten days with the tour due to conclude on March the 23rd in Tokyo.

DHL will be responsible for the safe and secure transport for the highly fragile instruments, with some of them even being irreplaceable. DHL have ensured that special, shock absorbent packaging materials are to be used that can also monitor the temperature of the instruments. DHL are aware of the duty they have been given, with DHL’s Trade Fairs and Events Managing Director Vincenzo Scrudato describing that “this calls for a very stringent schedule” that needs to be followed in great detail. Having planned the logistics surrounding the concert tour for approximately two years, DHL will face challenges in the short time gaps between the concerts themselves.

The opening concerts in Shanghai will be broadcast live on the 14th and 15th March for fans to watch online from all over the world. The concerts will be viewable from DHL’s website  from 12:30pm (CET) on both days.

DHL transports two giant pandas from Chengdu, China to Belgium

International courier and worldwide freight forwarding company DHL has recently supported the relocation of two four year old giant pandas from a Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu, China to their new home in Brugelette, Belgium.

The two creatures – Hao Hao, a female and Xing Hui, a male – made the 8,000 kilometre journey last week on a DHL Boeing 767, accompanied by two animal handlers, a veterinary physician and over 100 kilograms of bamboo. They left China on 22nd February and arrived in Belgium a day later. The pandas are expected to spend 15 years at Pairi Daiza, a 55 acre garden in Brugelette, where they will live in their own specially designed Chinese garden. A special breeding and research programme for the bears, initiated by Pairi Daiza and the University of Ghent, aims to avert the future extinction of this much loved endangered species.

"DHL jumped at the chance to support the delivery of our two Very Important Pandas - Hao Hao and Xing Hui - from China to Belgium," said Charlie Dobbie, Executive Vice President, Global Network Operations, DHL Express, "We have supported a number of conservation projects in recent years, including the return of nine silverback gorillas from the UK to the wild in Gabon and the delivery of two rare Sumatran tigers from the Australia and the US to ZSL London Zoo for a breeding program. Safely transporting these beautiful but endangered animals furthers our own commitment to supporting conservation and environmental causes around the world..”

DHL donates $250,000 to build 100 houses in Latin America and the Caribbean

Deutsche Post DHL has recently made a donation of $250,000 to non-profit housing organisation TECHO. The donation is intended to fund the construction of 100 new homes for families living in deprived areas of both Latin America and the Caribbean.

The corporate social responsibility agenda is of increasing importance to most multinationals and DHL is no exception. As well as donating money to TECHO, DHL provides logistics support and has been actively assisting the construction of the new homes since 2010.

Deutsche Post DHL CEO Frank Appel said, "For years now, our employees in the Americas donate their time and talent to help build urgently-needed housing with TECHO and the beneficiary families. With our donation, we want to further support the important work this non-profit organization is doing, and at the same time recognize the efforts of our own people". 

DHL introduces new reporting standards for GoGreen services

Deutsche Post DHL demonstrated its increased commitment to environmentally accountable shipping by announcing more in depth reporting of its GoGreen programme earlier this month.

While the German logistics giant previously measured the amount of CO2 produced by its transport services, it will now capture and publish data on other relevant greenhouse gases including methane and nitrous oxide. DHL has stated this will enable greater transparency for customers wishing to ensure that their shipping has the lowest possible impact on the environment.

As of this year, a "climate neutral" service" is available for all DHL customers whereby the carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions precipitated by their shipping are offset through recognised climate protection projects.

DHL also provide a "Green Optimization" service which involves consultation about the entire supply chain of business customers.

DHL, UPS and TNT release third quarter results

The biggest door-to-door couriers have recently published their financial results for the third quarter. Highlights include: Deutsche Post DHL saw a 2.5% year-on-year fall in revenue but a 5.8% rise in profit and basic earnings per share; UPS increased revenue by 3.4% and package volume by 4.6% and TNT Express continues to see falls in its revenues and operating profit but gives positive reports of the progress of its Deliver!  improvement strategy.

UPS saw an impressive 3.4% increase in revenue and 4.6%
increase in package volume in the third quarter of 2013

DHL's strongest divisions were Mail and Express, which saw respective rises in operating profit of 6.1% and a massive 13.9%. Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL said the successful performance overall was owing to the company's "highly qualified, dedicated workforce.. excellent market position in global growth markets and ... unique global network."

UPS' strong Q3 performance was owing largely to the US domestic market, which saw significant increases in both revenue and profit. The International parcel delivery division saw revenue increase by 2.5% to $3 billion and daily package volume increase by 6.5%. Profits for the division nevertheless fell by $32 million year-on-year, which UPS said was due to a $75 million negative impact from currency and fuel.

TNT reported that the Americas and Europe Other performed well in the third quarter while Europe Main and Pacific regions experienced problems due to yield pressure and decline in weight per consignment. Overall, revenues fell by 6.6% to EUR 1.6 billion and adjusted operating income plunged 15.6% year-on-year. Commenting on the developments of the quarter, CEO Tex Gunning said "While some segments are showing better performance, overall trading conditions remain demanding and visibility limited. Our ultimate goal is to make TNT Express robust for the long term. We are therefore developing further initiatives to reinforce our market and operational positions.

DHL launches new Logistics Academy

Demonstrating a commitment to building capacity in the logistics sector, DHL Global Forwarding has recently launched a training program for the automotive industry aimed at the company's manufacturers, suppliers and customers. The Corporate Automotive Logistics Academy (CALA) was launched on 24th October 2013 and will roll out a modular training programme worldwide from next year.

 Each module on the programme entails a day of classes and workshops, complemented by additional opportunities for learning online, via a Virtual Learning Environment. There are currently two modules available, with an additional six planned for development in 2014. Current trends and strategies in automotive logistics is the subject of the first course.

Christiane Beimel, of  DHL Global Forwarding said that the programme is "an important component in the development of our Automotive Competence Centres."  Commenting on the nature of the new courses, she explained, "the systematic approach of the academy as well as the high practical relevance in combination with science is unique."

The programme was developed in partnership with BVL campus, the educational branch of German logistics association BVL. Thomas Whilmmer, Chairman of BVL's Executive Board said he was "firmly convinced that CALA .. will develop into an innovation platform for automotive logistics."

DHL kicks of Global "United Trophy Tour" with Manchester United FC

This Wednesday in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, twenty-times Premier League champions Manchester United FC commenced a global five month trophy tour. As the team's official logistics partner, German logistics giant DHL is responsible for the safe delivery of the trophy across the globe until February 2014. The coveted league trophy, pictured below with United's Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Robin Van Persie, will be transported to over 30 destination over 25 countries including Ecuador, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Russia and the UAE. As well as transporting the trophy, DHL will also be delivering artifacts from the Old Trafford Museum to United fans worldwide.  

Group Managing Director for Manchester United, Richard Arnold commented: 'The 20th league title was a huge milestone in the history of the Club and the United Trophy Tour, delivered to the world by DHL, presents a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this achievement on a global scale."

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express Europe said that the tour: 'provides us with an opportunity to showcase DHL's partnership with Manchester United to our customers and staff in each location and to celebrate the common factors that drive success in both sport and business. This tour builds on the success of the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour in the 2011/12 season, something DHL was incredibly proud to be part of.

DHL has long prided itself on its support of sport and of football in rugby in particular. As well as being the official logistics partner of MUFC, it recently announced it would have the same logistics responsibility for the Rugby World Cup 2015. 

DHL subsidiary opens largest parcel sorting hub in Czech Republic

Professional Party Logistics (PPL), a subsidiary of DHL Freight, has opened a new parcel sorting in hub the Czech Republic . The facility, the product of a 24.7 million Euro investment, is the largest of its kind in the country and is expected to make parcel delivery in the Eastern European country faster and more flexible than ever.

The new hub has increased sorting capacity drastically: it is capable of handling up to 18,000 parcels per hour, compared to the former hub’s 4000 an hour capacity. The new facility also comprises 190 loading and unloading ramps for trucks and vans and houses a rolling conveyor of almost 3km in length which can travel up to 3 meters a second.

Stefano Arganese, CEO of DHL Freight in Eastern Europe said "The need for a bigger and better parcel hub was driven by a continuous growth of B2B and B2C parcel shipments in recent years. The new capacity and the cutting edge sorting technology allow us to cope with the growing volume of shipments and strengthen our position as a market leader for fast shipments in the Czech Republic".

DHL publishes latest research into fashion production and retail

A recent report into trends in fashion retail carried out by Lisa Harrington (President of the Iharrington group LLC),   in collaboration with German logistics firm DHL urges retailers to transform their supply chains in response to the increasing demands and greater sophistication of customers. 

The new report, entitled, “Fashion Unleashed: supply chain innovation is everything” was composed following interviews and roundtable discussions with global brands.  It relates how the big fashion retailers and manufacturers are rethinking their supply chain management in response to changing and unpredictable consumer buying behaviour. 

According to the report, changes enabled by the Internet and mobile communications have made volatility and complexity an industry norm, so speed, flexibility and responsiveness in the supply chain are imperative. 

Pressures currently facing fashion production and distribution include: fragmented sales channels, escalated service demands, shortened product lifecycles, ratcheted up cost and margin pressures, changing demographics, rapid growth in emerging markets, and the rise of the global middle class. 

The report outlines how the industry can meet the challenges represented by all of these changes, explaining how best to service markets around the world with a supply chain that is agile, flexible and efficient

DHL sponsors Bonn's 2013 Beethoven Fest

Getting parcels and freight from A to B is not necessarily the type of business you might associate with classical music and culture, but DHL have defied such expectations by once again announcing their sponsorship of classical music festival Beethoven Fest. The festival takes place in Bonn, where Deutsche Post DHL is headquarted, and runs from the beginning of September to beginning of October. 

As well as the ticket-only larger concerts that make up the bulk of the festival programme, DHL is also supporting a free fringe programme to be held in its Post Tower Lounge. 

Christof Ehrhart, Head of Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility, commented of DHL's continued support of the festival, whose theme this year is 'metamorphses': "In our ever more complex world, we concentrate on continuity while continuously undergoing a process of 'metamorphosis' created by innovations. Both of these elements are reflected in our support of the Beethovenfest: in our continuity as a main sponsor and in the innovative side program in the Post Tower Lounge. The Beethovenfest is a cultural highlight on the calendar of events in Bonn and is well known far beyond the local region. We are proud to be a part of this festival."  

DHL pilots crowdsourcing app for deliveries in Stockholm

DHL announced yesterday that it is to pilot an innovative crowdsourcing platform for parcel deliveries in Stockholm. While crowdsourcing has been an increasingly popular practice for some time, this is the first example of such an initiative by one of the giants of the express parcel delivery industry, and, if successful,  it could have huge implications for the sector. 

The new platform, named "My Ways",  is enabled by a specially developed mobile app which connects shippers seeking flexible delivery with individuals willing to transport parcels along their daily routes for a small fee. Peter Hesslin, CEO of DHL Freight in Sweden explained: "MyWays is not only a service for those requesting flexible deliveries; it is also a service for those who would consider delivering a package and earning a little extra money. This is what makes the platform so unique. As soon as the package arrives at one of DHL's collection locations, the recipient and the deliverer confirm the fee and delivery details, all within the mobile app."

The app has been developed by DHL's innovation unit Solutions and Innovation, which researches current  and future trends in the industry. The pilot is due to run until the end of the year and DHL are yet to make any announcements relating to potential further roll-out if it proves successful. 

Source: DHL

Will surcharges apply to my parcel delivery? | Tips to ensure that the price you see is the price you pay

If you're thinking of booking a courier service to send a parcel within the UK or abroad, the first thing you'll want to do is get a quote for how much it will cost. Once you've found a service and a price you're happy with, you'll want to make sure that the price you see is the price you pay! Follow this quick guide to ensure you can anticipate and - where possible - avoid any surcharges on your parcel delivery.

Why are surcharges applied?

The most common reasons for the application of surcharges are:

• Parcels that exceed weight or size restrictions, or that the carrier deems to be heavier or larger than originally stated by the shipper
• Parcels that are insufficiently packaged and therefore entail an additional handling charge. 
• Parcels with a collection or delivery address deemed to be "remote" by the carrier. 

How can I avoid them?

In order to avoid surcharges you should:

• Make sure you weigh and measure your parcels as accurately as possible and always after it has been packaged.
• Check in advance that you are not exceeding any carrier or country specific restrictions with regard to parcel size or weight. Our customer service team will be happy to advise you in this regard.
• Ensure you package your parcel appropriately by following quality packaging guidelines such as those available on our website. 

Of course, there are some surcharges that cannot be avoided: if your delivery destination is remote, there is nothing you can do to change that! It's a good idea, however, to get a variety of different quotes from different carriers from resellers such as Transglobal Express, since different carriers will have different criteria as to what defines a "remote" location. DHL, for example, do not administer remote area surcharges for any US addresses- that's a potential saving of £16 per shipment! 

For further information on surcharges, please contact our customer services team on 0845 145 1212 Monday-Friday 9:00-5:50pm or visit the surcharges section of our website.