DHL launches new US route optimization program
DHL, the world's leading express delivery and logistics company, today announced the launch of a new route optimization initiative which will help DHL facilities map out optimum delivery routes, streamline sorting processes, and balance daily loads more efficiently. When complete, the program will provide company operations nationwide with even greater operational efficiencies, and DHL customers with an enhanced customer service experience.
The program will be implemented in approximately 340 DHL facilities across the U.S. over the next nine months. The route optimization initiative will balance workload capacity across the entire fleet, decrease drive time, route length and fuel consumption, enable more rapid processing of shipments and increase efficiency at each facility, which in turn will benefit DHL's customers across the U.S.
"DHL is committed to our customers. With the continued growth of our business, this latest investment in our U.S. network, is part of our ongoing focus on a superior DHL customer experience while enhancing DHL's operations to both yield greater efficiency over the next several years and directly improve our bottom line," said Fred Beljaars, executive vice president for operations at DHL Americas. "We are continually looking for ways to provide enhanced service and exceed the expectations of our customers."
Leveraging a customized software solution, the route optimization initiative will enable DHL facility managers to assess and develop optimized routes that will allow the composition of the courier's delivery areas to be more consistent. The software will also provide DHL managers with information to evaluate each facility's day-to-day schedule and reduce planning time, leading to the improvements throughout the network.
In addition to the route optimization program, DHL is also implementing a fleet renewal initiative that will result in the phased replacement of older, smaller delivery vehicles with new, larger capacity and more fuel efficient step vans. The new step vans offer more than twice the capacity, allowing easier and more efficient loading, greater flexibility for pick-ups, and more room for couriers to maneuver and access shipments.
The installation of the new technology, which began in January 2006, will be fully operational by September 2006.
The route optimization and fleet renewal initiatives are among many projects DHL has undertaken to bring "customer service back in shipping" and improve U.S. network efficiencies and connectivity system-wide. Last month, DHL announced the expansion of its foot courier facilities in New York City. In January of this year, DHL announced plans to build its largest U.S. service center facility in New York City, as well as a new service center in Salt lake City, Utah. In 2004, DHL Express announced a $1.2 billion network investment program in the U.S. market which has resulted in a newly expanded primary air and ground hub in Wilmington, Ohio, seven new Regional Sort Centers, and a recently completed West Coast distribution facility.
About DHL
At DHL, customer service is back in shipping. Our mission is to provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the shipping industry for our customers.
With annual revenues over $32 billion in 2004, DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.
DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport and logistics solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. Over 170,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. For more information on DHL, please visit http://www.dhl.com.
