Slower U.S. economy may affect DHL targets-exec

DHL’s operations in the United States are dwarfed by those of rivals Atlanta-based United Parcel Service Inc. and Memphis-based FedEx Corp. Hans Hickler, CEO of DHL USA, said DHL aims to compete with these companies using improved technology and customer service.

While DHL has some room to maneuver on price with its air package delivery service, which is linked to its international network, the company’s smaller ground delivery network has little leverage against FedEx and UPS, he said.

But he added that DHL does “not want to destabilize the market” with dramatic price reductions.

Hickler also said DHL is not interested in following UPS and FedEx in acquiring companies in the less-than-truckload market. Less-than-truckload operators consolidate small loads into a single truck.