DHL and Fedex providing service in Iraq
Two of the world’s biggest express transport companies, FedEx and DHL, opened in Iraq months after Saddam Hussein’s regime fell. DHL began operations here in May 2003, and FedEx followed in August of that year.
Both companies serve much of Iraq with drop-off locations in most major cities, and home or office delivery.
Much of their business comes from international shipments in and out of U.S. military bases in Iraq, but drivers make local deliveries as well.
Ahmad Mahmoud, a contractor who runs FedEx’s small desk in a central Baghdad hotel, says he or one of the local FedEx drivers tries to deliver most packages to people’s homes or offices, but they won’t go to certain neighborhoods.
According to FedEx’s website, the Memphis-based company relies on Falcon Express, a cargo carrier, to fly packages into Iraq as well as to other Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
FedEx boasts 33 pickup locations in Iraq, about half of them at U.S. bases, according to its website, which also lists Iraq’s import prohibitions on liquor, jewelry, political material, vitamins, Viagra and other items.
DHL has 13 package drop-off sites throughout Iraq, mostly at airports, according to its website.
