DHL Express opens $20m hub replacement in Miami

DHL Express has opened a newly expanded hub and airline facility at Miami International Airport, after a $20m refurbishment. The company said yesterday the new 140,000 square foot facility will help meet growing demand for shipping to and from Latin America.

DHL said US trade with Latin America has grown 82% over the last decade.

The new hub has moved to a new, larger space at the airport, with a state-of-the art facility to “significantly” improve shipment handling times, the company said.

Along with new conveyor systems and extra space for handling and storage, including for dry and perishable goods, the new facility includes upgraded shipment scanning technology to boost turnaround time and shipment visibility.

The new hub will connect to the 220 countries and territories DHL serves, and provide air cargo and charter services to all of Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Ian Clough, the DHL Express US chief executive, said expanding the facility at Miami International Airport was part of his company’s long-term strategy to support growth in the US to Latin America trade lane.

“This investment, which surpasses $20m, will bring immediate benefits for our customers, who will experience increased speed, reliability, capacity and connectivity for their international shipments,” said Clough.

The company is also close to completing a $47m expansion of its hub at the Cinncinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport.

GBI

DHL recently signed up to a new Global Buyer Initiative with the US government to help American small businesses to reach new foreign markets.

The initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s National Export Initiative, a multi-year programme to create jobs by increasing the number of businesses in the US selling abroad.

DHL said its initiative would initially launch into Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Canada.