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.

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 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."

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 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."  

Deutsche Post DHL enhances online marketing strategy with acquisition of Optivo

In a move which demonstrates the increasing importance of online advertising to international courier companies, German-based mail and logistics giant Deutsche Post DHL has announced plans to take over Optivo, the email marketing provider. DHL Spokesperson Juergen Gerdes commented that DHL have consciously been building an Online Marketing business unit since 2010 with the aim of becoming a "neutral technology service and the first choice for the advertising industry."

Optivo's technology enables companies to send up to an impressive 20 million emails per hour The software integrates social media, text messaging, mobile email web and fax in addition to traditional email, and has built in capacity to monitor the impact of communications. 

DHL revealed that a number of test cross-media marketing campaigns proved email marketing to be vital, and that cross media approaches are much more successful than so-called "mono-media" campaigns. Gerdes commented, "The future of dialogue marketing lies in intelligently integrated campaigns that combine the strengths of both online and offline media. optivo allows us to build another bridge between traditional dialogue solutions and the digital world".

Optivo are also likely to benefit from the move; CEO Ulf Richter commented, "Deutsche Post is an established and major player in the online advertising market and is therefore the ideal partner for positioning our innovative technology on an even wider scale. In addition, we benefit from the company's international presence".

DHL celebrates fifth anniversary of 'Go Green' launch

Yesterday marked the five year anniversary of the launch of Deutcshe Post DHL's Go Green programme. DHL were the first international courier company to set a measurable climate target and, as part of the Deutsche Post DHL group, are on their way to achieving a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020 based on a 2007 base level. 

Over 8000 vehicles in the company's fleet use alternative drive systems
or have undergone aerodynamic or electrical-motor-related modifications

As well as working towards this goal via fuel efficiency initiatives and reduction of energy and fuel consumption, DHL also offers customers a variety of environmentally conscious shipment options. Demand for such green products has increased steadily over recent years. According to DHL, “more than 2.4 billion GOGREEN shipments were sent and about 180,000 tons of CO2 were offset for customers - this is about 30 percent more than 2011 and over three times as much as 2009, when the total was 704 million shipments.”

Christof Ehrhart, the group’s Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility, affirmed that GoGreen has been a real success so far. He commented: “ "Since its beginnings, we have continuously improved our own carbon footprint and are already halfway to meeting our goal of reducing our emissions by 30 percent by 2020. Environmental protection has a permanent place in our strategy and is reflected in Group-wide guidelines regarding such issues as paper, procurement and investments. Our employees also practice sustainability throughout the year. As part of this effort, 20,000 of them around the world have already attended the 'GoGreen' e-learning course. Today's World Environment Day is a great opportunity to increase their awareness even more."  

DHL are by no means the only courier company to be concerned with environmental issues: FedEx's recently published 2012 Global Citizenship report  revealed the US courier has already achieved its 2020 target to improve fuel efficiency by 20%. UPS have won numerous awards for their environmental responsibility and is continually seeking to optimise its fleet, and invest in alternative energies, as we reported last month.  

Deutsche Post DHL vote on EUR 0.70 earnings per share at Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting of German logistics giant Duetsche Post DHL took place today in Frankfurt. Members are expected to approve an earnings per share of EUR 0.70. 

CEO Frank Appel

In spite of a 5.9% drop in profit for the first quarter compared to 2012, DHL insist they are in a good financial position and are responding well to the challenges of the current economic climate. 

CEO Frank Appel told shareholders, "Strategy 2015 has given our company a clear compass that has made it possible for us to confidently navigate the financial and economic crisis. It will help us remain on track even without any economic tailwind. At the same time, we continue to benefit from our ongoing efficiency gains. Only streamlined, flexible structures and continuous cost optimization will enable us to have the necessary financial strength to invest in the future and thus generate long-term profitable growth."

The group anticipate moderate growth for the rest of the year, and the DHL divisions are expected to contribute most to this forecast. Appel also expounded upon the group's mid-term strategy: "As 'The Postal Service for Germany' and 'The Logistics Company for the World,' we intend to become the provider, employer and investment of choice," the CEO said. "By taking this comprehensive company approach, we plan to fully unlock the huge potential of our company."

Source: DHL

Deutsche Post DHL to roll out new electric vehicle fleet in Bonn

By 2016, around 141 electric vehicles will be on the road in and around Bonn, Germany, resulting in decreased CO2 emissions of over 500 tons per year, according to a presentation made this morning by Deutsche Post DHL's CEO, Frank Appel.

The "street scooter": one of the electric vehicles to be rolled out.

The project, whose initial phase will see 79 electric vehicles in service by the end of the current year, will introduce Germany's first "carbon-free vehicle concept" and will support both mail and parcel delivery in the city and its surrounding areas, Deutsche Post DHL have stated.  

"This pilot project is unique worldwide and can serve as a role model for other cities and regions,"  Frank Appel commented. "We operate one of the world's largest vehicle fleets. And because we see the effects of global trade on the environment, we accept responsibility: Alternative drive systems have already been in use in our fleet for years. With about 8,500 vehicles with environmentally friendly drive systems across our operations, we have one of the most efficient fleets in the sector."

DHL Express strongest division of Deutsche Post DHL according to first quarter figures

Deutsche Post DHL released their results for the first quarter of 2013 yesterday morning. Revenue amounted to  €13.44 billion - a small increase of 0.6% compared to the same period last year - but consolidated net profit fell 5.9% to  €498m compared to  €529 in 2012. 

 

Image c/o Sergey Kustov

Chief Financial Officer Larry Rosen commented in an interview, "The first quarter of 2013 was a really good quarter for us. We've got off to a very solid start for the year in what is a very difficult macroeconomic environment. Cash-flow performance was much improved compared to the first quarter of last year and we are very confident about our short term and mid term goals... DHL is doing well, especially the Express business."

Read our full report on our website. 

DHL offers 2,160 apprenticeships in 2013

Deutsche Post DHL is giving away 2,160 apprenticeships to young people across Germany this year. 

Image c/o DHL

The global logistics and courier company has announced that all apprentice positions will be offered across 22 vocational fields and 17 specialties, providing young professionals with the opportunity to expand their skill set.

Angela Titzrath, Board Member for Personnel at Deutsche Post DHL justified the decision as follows: 

"Our most important resource for the future is qualified young people. This is why we invest in vocational training and, in doing so, set an example for the promotion and professional advancement of young people."

Getting into a Deutsche Post DHL division

As one of the largest international courier services providers, Deutsche Post DHL will offer most of the apprenticeships in its mail division. 

• More than 600 applicants will be given the chance to apply for a placement in DHL's freight forwarding, engineering, administration, real estate and warehouse logistics departments. 
• An additional 160 youngsters will be allowed to participate in a work-study programme, combining university studies with work experience.

Any formal and practical training will be carried out in a location close to the applicants residence.

Further information about the programmes, eligibility criteria and salaries can be found on DHL.com/Career.

Source: DHL

DHL forced to reduce stake in Indian courier company Blue Dart

A change in rules by the Securities and Exchange Board of India have required DHL to reduce its ownership share in Blue Dart Express, one of the South Asia’s leading courier companies delivering parcels to India.

Image c/o topnews.in

DHL currently owns a 81.03 percent stake in Blue Dart which it will decrease since the Indian state is now required to own at least 25 percent in every public company.

Yasmin Aladad Khan, DHL Express Senior Vice-President for Southeast Asia, said that she remained confident about future business contracts between the two companies.

“There is strong trust between the Deutsche Post DHl and Blue Dart Express management teams and the relationship between the two companies will not be affected by the proposed reduction in Deutsche Post DHL’s stake in Blue Dart Express Ltd as the primary aim for such reduction is to ensure Blue Dart Express Ltd to comply with Indian regulations.”

Blue currently delivers parcels to 36,637 locations in India.

Sources: Post & Parcel / Blue Dart Express

  

Deutsche Post DHL Invites German Public to the Beethovenfest 2012

Once again the Deutsche Post DHL fully engages in musical festivities. For this year’s Beethovenfest, Germany’s best-known courier service provider decided on “a mind of its own” as a slogan.

From 9^th September until 7^th October 2012, the Bonn’s general public will be able to enjoy a musical mix comprising elements from genres such as chamber music, chanson, film, video and jazz. The event will be hosted at the Post Tower Lounge in Bonn.

“(…) Our long-standing support as the main sponsor of the Beethovenfest sends a strong message about our on-going commitment and educational endeavours at Deutsche Post DHL’s main headquarters. This is why we renew with verve our engagement for this major cultural event in our city”,  said Christof Ehrhart, Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Post DHL.

DHL’s main objectives with this event is to support young musicians and raise awareness for classic music. Maybe even motivate outsiders who may not listen to this genre very often to come along and join in.

Ticket reservations for “a mind of its own” can be made by phoning 0049-228-502010 and online at www.bonnticket.de.

Source & images: Deutsche Post DHL

DHL transports 1.9 billion shipments via carbon neutral services

• Deutsche Post DHL’s carbon neutral service GoGreen has grown by 1.9 billion shipments, offsetting 270,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Following yesterday’s presentation of DHL’s Corporate Responsibility Report 2011, the world’s leading parcel delivery company confirmed plans to improve its CO2 efficiency amongst all DHL parcel services and its partners by another 30 percent until 2020.

Last year Deutsche Post DHL transported approximately 1.86 billion shipments via “green” parcel services including letters, packages and express parcels. Frank Appel, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Post DHL confirmed: 

“One of our central tasks as a globally operating, stock-market-listed company’s environmental balance between economic success on the one hand and social objectives on the other hand.”

Indeed, the express courier deployed its own employees in order to help with the recovery of countries affected by natural disasters such as New Zealand and El Salvator. A further 60,000 employees from 120 countries participated in the “Global Volunteer Day” last September dedicating their time to social and environmental initiatives. 

Source: Deutsche Post DHL

Denmark’s EU Presidency GOGREEN with DHL

Image c/o DHL

The international logistics and parcel services provider, DHL, is going to become the official partner of Denmark’s EU presidency supplying all ministers with GOGREEN services and sustainable products.

As part of its initiative “Sustainable Products and CleanTech solutions”, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs was looking for a partner who could

• firstly,  help it reduce any environmental impacts cause by meeting activities
• and secondly, support its socio-economic engagement.

By joining forces with the parcel delivery service, DHL, and using not only GOGREEN, DHL Express but also DHL Freight services, the Danish government also hopes to implement the ISO20121 standard.

Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL, described the partnership as a “great honour for [DHL] to provide environmentally friendly services to the Danish Ministries. [DHL would be] convinced that [their] GOGREEN products are a perfect match to support the presidency to reach their sustainability goals.”

Source: DHL

Related articles

• DHL CEO Frank Appel & the readiness to learn from the Eurozone Crisis 
• Deutsche Post DHL and Teach First Deutschland appoint 18 new fellows to teach in German schools 
• DHL gets into bed with Nokia Siemens Network over new distribution system in Saudi Arabia 

DHL introduces changes to export regulations for Saudi Arabia

According to DHL, changes to export regulations for shipments going to Saudi Arabia are going to take effect on 1st January 2012.

You can find a checklist on Transglobal Express. 

Related articles

• DHL gets into bed with Nokia Siemens Network over new distribution system in Saudi Arabia (transglobalexpress.blogspot.com)

DHL increases US prices by 5.9%

The staggering global economic crisis also seems to have taken a hit on the international logistics and express parcel delivery giant, DHL Express.

Yesterday, the carrier announced an increase of their US prices by 5.9%. The rate change is set to take place on 1st January 2012.

DHL Express, which is owned by the Deutsche Post DHL, justified the price increase due to account inflation and dramatically rising network costs.

By doing so, DHL joins other courier companies and parcel services including UPS or FedEx which were also forced to increase their - primarily air and freight - rates by 5,9 to 6.9%.

Related articles

• DHL gets into bed with Nokia Siemens Network over new distribution system in Saudi Arabia (transglobalexpress.blogspot.com)
• Track your Parcel with DHL & UPS (transglobalexpress.blogspot.com)
• UK ranks 6th amongst World's Most Connected Countries (transglobalexpress.blogspot.com)

Source: PostAndParcel.info / DHL Express