DHL still expects UPS deal

DHL has indicated a strong preference to have competitor UPS handle the international component of its US business.

DHL has indicated a strong preference to have competitor UPS handle the international component of its U.S. business.

Although both DHL and United Parcel Service (UPS) had hoped to reach a deal before the new year, there’s no cause to draw a conclusion from the fact the hoped-for time frame has elapsed, a DHL spokesman said Monday.
“We continue to talk to them. We expect to be able to reach an agreement,” said Jonathan Baker, director of corporate communications for the U.S. unit of DHL Express Global.

While DHL will exit the U.S. domestic shipping market on Jan. 30, the company will continue its international express shipping within the United States for DHL’s international shipments.. It is this air freight of DHL shipments that is the subject of the ongoing negotiations between DHL and UPS. DHL wants UPS to be the air carrier for DHL’s shipments within the U.S..

Local and state officials have expressed hope the Wilmington Air Park and Wilmington-based airlines, rather than UPS aircraft, could be utilized for DHL’s international operations in the United States. If that were to happen, it would mean hundreds — but not thousands — of air park based jobs could be saved.

Baker was asked whether there is any reason to think DHL’s strong preference for UPS has changed. He replied there is no change in status and no change in approach.