DHL’s new 'break-bulk-express' service means faster, more convenient shipping across U.S.-Mexican border

New Service Consolidates Multiple Customer Packages into One Customs Clearance;
Provides Simpler, Faster, More Convenient Multi-Package Shipping

DHL, the world’s leading global express delivery and logistics company, today introduced “Break Bulk Express” (BBX) service to customers shipping multiple packages in one day from Mexico to the U.S. BBX consolidates customers’ multiple express shipments into single large bundles that substantially reduce customs clearances, delivery times, tracking and related costs.

DHL’s Northbound BBX is a key capability in the company’s recently-announced North America Trade Lane initiative, a five-year, USD100-million investment and build-out of infrastructure and service in North America. With the introduction of Northbound Break Bulk Express, DHL customers shipping into the U.S. from Mexico can combine individual packages into one large shipment to speed and simplify customs clearance. DHL then “breaks” the bundled shipment back into its individual package components and delivers each to its separate destination.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the market for BBX-type services in North America is currently about USD375 million a year, with air shipments representing approximately 30 percent of the total. Northbound shipments from Mexico include, in rank order, automotive parts, high-tech products, consumer electronic goods, and agricultural goods such as flowers, fruits and vegetables.

“DHL’s Northbound BBX service adds value for companies in these and other industries because it not only reduces shipment transit times and associated costs, but also reduces customs clearance and minimizes the time products are stored in warehouses,” said Lindsay Birley, DHL executive vice president of international products and services.

BBX also provides a way for manufacturers to send individually labeled products directly to store shelves. Finally, because DHL un-bundles the shipments for direct delivery to each recipient, customers avoid the time, worry and expense of storing products before delivery is made. DHL’s “Easy Ship” software makes it easy for customers to track each bundle’s location, as well as each of the individual shipments making up the bundle.

Break Bulk Express is currently available for customers shipping into the U.S. from more than thirty countries worldwide.