DHL aids Japanese relief effort

DHL is aiding the relief effort in Japan by providing pro-bono domestic delivery of relief supplies. Following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami on March 11, the company has been handling the inventory, sorting and delivery of relief supplies at it’s warehouse at Narita International Airport.

Relief supplies from international governments have been arriving at Narita International Airport more than a month after the disaster. DHL has been storing the goods temporarily at its warehouse and coordinating delivery with the Japanese government to locations affected by the disaster, a company statement said.

DHL Japan president and representative director Taketo Yamakawa said: “As Japan comes together in various capacities to recover from the earthquake and tsunami, DHL is committed to deploying its expertise the best way we know how – by efficiently managing the logistics during relief efforts. We are honored to be able to contribute to the country’s reconstruction efforts.”

Rainer Wend, executive vice president of politics and corporate responsibility at Deutsche Post DHL added: “We want to take responsibility and support Japan in this difficult situation. So far, our employees at Narita Airport have handled and delivered five tons of food, water and flashlights.”

Following the disaster, Deutsche Post DHL activated various support activities under the GoHelp pillar of its corporate responsibility programme. It has already donated 20 tons of drinking water, food and baby supplies via local governments to areas affected by the disaster.

Furthermore, it has delivered 30 tons of relief goods from the European Commission to Sendai City, and provided transportation for relief supplies collected by domestic NGOs and schools at no cost. In addition, monetary donations collected from employees globally have been matched by corporate donations from DHL’s headquarters in Bonn, and transferred to the Red Cross Japan Disaster Relief Fund.