Data center logistics “a strategic growth area for DHL”
DHL Supply Chain (DHL) is expanding its logistics services for data centers in the Asia-Pacific region. This strengthens the company’s role as a strategic partner for hyperscalers and data center operators, while investments in artificial intelligence are increasing and large projects are entering the implementation phase.
This includes more than 30,000 square meters of purpose-built warehouse space, which is already in operation in Asia-Pacific. In addition, DHL is planning a further 130,000 square meters of expansion as well as customized newbuildings in Malaysia and Thailand, which are to start in the next two years. In total, DHL will operate more than 160,000 square meters of logistics infrastructure for data centers in key markets in the region.
With this step, DHL is responding directly to the rapid growth of data centers in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also a complement to the investment in North America announced in March. DHL is planning to build ten warehouses for data center logistics there – also to meet the increasing demand of hyperscalers. Driven by growing demand for AI applications, cloud services and digital networking, data center operators are under increasing pressure: They have to meet tighter schedules, manage complex international supply chains and integrate high-priced equipment into ongoing construction projects. The market for data center logistics is growing from 23 billion US dollars (around 21 billion euros) in 2025 to about 35 billion US dollars (around 32 billion euros) by 2030. These demanding environments require speed, security and specialized handling – areas where DHL can support the entire data center lifecycle.
“Market forecasts show that the Asia-Pacific region will become the world’s most important region for data centers. By 2030, we expect investments of around 800 billion US dollars (around 730 billion euros),” says Javier Bilbao, CEO Asia Pacific, DHL Supply Chain. “In this phase of large-scale implementation, our customers need more than just capacity – they need reliable implementation. Our investments in specialized infrastructure and advanced white-glove capabilities aim to deliver just that reliability by combining precision, consistency and speed in some of the region’s most demanding environments.”
DHL is responding to these challenges by combining highly secure, purpose-built warehouse solutions with specialized logistics services. These support complex rollouts that take place in several phases.
A key component is that DHL provides its employees with targeted further training in advanced white-glove handling and at the same time expands specialized technical services. This allows teams to move critical preparation and integration work from ongoing construction sites to controlled logistics environments.
White-glove handling ensures that servers, equipment and critical systems are transported under controlled conditions to avoid damage and delays. These services cover the entire delivery process – from site analyses and route assessments to on-site preparation, such as soil protection measures, cage management and part number verification. Installation and follow-up include rack assembly, component testing, work area cleaning, and final documentation.
Specialized technical services also cover the special requirements of data center logistics. The teams assemble server rack frames, attach components, cable the racks and carry out functional tests. In addition, it ensures that the sensitive server technology is protected during transport by appropriate packaging solutions. DHL bundles these tasks in specialized teams and relocates the work to specially equipped logistics centers. In this way, the company relieves construction sites, reduces installation risks and helps its customers to meet construction deadlines – even if the infrastructure is becoming denser and processes are becoming increasingly complex.
“Data center logistics is a strategic growth area for DHL, driven by the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure and AI,” said Amanda Rasmussen, Chief Commercial Officer at DHL Global Forwarding and Head of DHL Group’s Data Center Logistics Taskforce. “Following our recent investments in North America, we are now further expanding our activities in Asia-Pacific. In doing so, we are pooling expertise across the Group to provide integrated end-to-end solutions for all phases of the data center lifecycle. With our global network and specialized expertise, we enable our customers to grow rapidly while ensuring the availability, resilience and precision that these complex processes require.”
These measures underscore the strategic importance of data centers for DHL and ensure that the Group can support customers worldwide with integrated end-to-end logistics solutions as the digital infrastructure grows in various regions around the world.
