DHL to open 350 service points in Netherlands 2006

Global express and logistics company DHL, a unit of German postal services group Deutsche Post AG, will open 350 service points in the Netherlands in January 2006.

These are manned counters, mainly in supermarkets, train stations and shops, where private clients and companies can bring and take packages.

DHL signed already a contract with Dutch video chain Videoland for the placement of service points. Furthermore, agreements will be reached with retailers such as bakers, animal shops and other small companies. DHL has service points in seven European countries, including England, Sweden, Spain and Italy. DHL plans to invest over 1.0 bln euro (USD1.2 bln) over the coming years in Europe, including in infrastructure, IT development and customer services. DHL plans to expand its network to 30,000 customer contact points by the end of 2008. A year before that, there will be some 20,000 contact points.

DHL already offers more customer contact points in Europe than any other express and parcel service provider.