DHL expands Import Express Online service
DHL today announced that its Import Express Online service continues to increase its scope, now serving 95 countries worldwide, including the top 30 U.S. trade lanes. Import Express Online is a web-based tool that provides importers with full control over their import or third-party (country-to-country) shipments.
Import Express Online gives customers the ability to ship with ease, providing them with full visibility and control during the shipment process. With a few simple clicks online, the importer can specify all instructions for their shipment – including terms of sale, pickup schedule, service levels, and amount of insurance desired – eliminating the time and expense of filling out forms manually. All waybill numbers for tracking are easily accessible in the system during the entire shipment process, with automatic shipment status notifications sent via e-mail throughout the shipment lifecycle.
Since DHL Import Express Online was launched in Fall of 2006, usage has achieved double-digit growth rates as new and current DHL customers leverage DHL’s global reach and import expertise with a web interface that emphasizes superior customer service and ease of use.
Countries added in the last year since the Import Express Online launch include: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Morocco, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
“Importing customers working with suppliers off-shore need to coordinate communications effectively to ensure cross-border shipments meet their expectations,” said Lindsay Birley, Executive Vice President, International, for DHL. “We expanded Import Express Online to ensure DHL’s global eCommerce product can add even more value for customers seeking to simplify the entire importing process. With an excellent customer interface, importers find the product extremely easy to use,” added Birley.
As DHL has expanded its network both globally and in the US with more flights and increased handling capacity, next-day service is now available through Import Express from select cities in Europe, as well as major cities in Mexico and Canada. Depending on the final destination, one or two day service to the U.S. is available from Hong Kong and major cities in China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
DHL Import Express Online is also the only web-based importing tool developed by an express carrier that keeps a customer’s account number private for improved security. All charges are on one account number, on one invoice, and in one predetermined currency. Responding to importers’ need for flexibility, DHL does not limit size or weight for Import Express shipments.
