DHL links NYC and Durban via LCL service
DHL has expanded its connectivity in South Africa by offering a new Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) service from New York to Durban. It will allow US exporters and Southern African importers to ship cargo to and from New York City directly, rather than routing via Europe. This weekly service will reduce transit times, freight costs and carbon footprint.
“With a considerable amount of freight coming from the Midwest to the East Coast, this service allows DHL to be a conduit for expanding trade between Africa and the entire US,” said Tara Caputo, director LCL Services North America. “Customers will benefit from this service not only through accelerated transit times, but also added services such as IT management systems that control shipping transactions and DHL’s Track & Trace offering full tracking visibility.”
New York has the largest port on the East Coast of North America and in 2010 had a 16% increase in cargo volumes. Since 2000, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has invested $2bn to prepare for the Port’s future growth.
The Port of Durban handled over 74m tons of cargo during the 2008/2009 fiscal year, with some of its main commodities including corn, metals, minerals, and oil and petroleum products, among others.
“With the expansion of direct LCL service out of the U.S. and into Africa, DHL has further strengthened its ocean freight business and market leading position,” said Joseph Oguta, director of Ocean Freight and head of LCL Management Africa. “US customers will have the opportunity to connect more easily with trading partners in Africa; while at the same time increasing their business efficiency and competitiveness.”
DHL handles close to two million cubic metres of LCL freight annually.
