DPD and Forward Group launch cooperation in China

DPD is strengthening its presence in China through a cooperation agreement with Hong Kong-based Forward Group that is also targeted at export volumes for Europe and other intercontinental destinations. Direct flights have been launched to Frankfurt to support the new service.

DPD is strengthening its presence in China through a cooperation agreement with Hong Kong-based Forward Group (FWG) that is also targeted at export volumes for Europe and other intercontinental destinations.

Direct flights have been launched to Frankfurt to support the new service.

After a successful trial run last year, DPD China and FWG have concluded a cooperation agreement. The aim of the two companies is to set up joint operations on the Chinese express parcels market, where they plan to combine their forces, build up additional market share and further reinforce the DPD brand in China.

The main aim of the cooperation is to provide a wider range of Chinese shippers with access to DPD’s worldwide network. The partners intend to concentrate on solutions for customers who produce in China and wish to distribute their wares in Europe by parcel service, DPD announced.

Under the partnership, Chinese export volumes are flown to Paris, the main hub for intercontinental parcels. DPD uses Air France/KLM as its strategic partner for intercontinental traffic, while the Paris sorting centre is operated by Sodexi, a joint venture between the airline and GeoPost. In addition, DPD is using other airlines to set up direct injections of Chinese parcels into key national networks through Frankfurt and London.

The gateway for imports to Germany from China will be the DPD location in Raunheim near Frankfurt. “Raunheim has always been the main consolidation point for all of DPD’s intercontinental shipments from and to Germany”, confirmed Arnold Schroven, CEO of DPD. “Thanks to this import solution with FWG these volumes are now so large that shipments from China will arrive in Frankfurt by direct flight and will then be distributed throughout Germany from here.” DPD offers its customers an all-round solution, which also includes customs clearance of shipments.

According to information on the FWG’s website, the DPD Europe Line service offers distribution to 22 European countries and to India. The DPD Germany Express service is based on FWG’s linehaul from Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing, using Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Frankfurt, to provide next-day delivery to major German cities. The ‘Forward-Sodexi Express Service’ offers worldwide coverage of 121 countries from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.