DHL, the global leader in international express shipping services, has bolstered its presence in Norfolk with a strategic move to a facility that is more than double its previous size. This significant expansion transforms the facility into a comprehensive operation equipped for processing shipments and directly serving customers through its newly established retail ServicePoint counter.
With a substantial investment of $7.3 million, DHL has significantly enhanced its shipment capacity and streamlined processing capabilities. As a result, shippers in the eastern Virginia region can now benefit from later pickup cutoff times, facilitating smoother logistics operations and improved efficiency throughout the supply chain.
DHL boats impressive capacity
With a workforce comprising over 30 operations and management professionals, the newly inaugurated service center boasts an impressive capacity, capable of processing up to 2,000 pieces per hour. This facility serves as a pivotal hub for managing both U.S. domestic shipments and time-sensitive international deliveries spanning across 225 countries and territories serviced by DHL Express.
The surge in local package delivery can be attributed to the thriving B2B and B2C e-commerce sectors, alongside the demand from businesses servicing federal contractors and other entities affiliated with the U.S. government.
Fully electric pickup and delivery vehicles
In a move towards sustainability, the facility has integrated charging stations in anticipation of the imminent introduction of fully electric pickup and delivery vehicles. This initiative aligns with DHL Group’s ambitious sustainability roadmap, aiming to transition 60% of its global delivery fleet to electric power by 2030.”
Nemer Abohasen, vice president at DHL Express says: “Through this new facility, DHL is thrilled to expand and improve its capabilities for international shippers within one of the nation’s largest export markets and continue to help customers – both large and small – capitalize on business growth opportunities beyond our borders.”
DHL’s innovation in logistics
In recent months, DHL has put on its innovation hat and is looking at ways to make shipping more convenient for customers. Last month the company announced it is testing a new way to make shipping parcels without labels more convenient for its customers.
In January, DHL Express UK announced a £16 million investment in electric ground handling equipment at East Midlands Airport. This latest investment will see 100 new electric ground equipment introduced at the airport as the company looks to make cargo handling fully electric by 2032.
Global freight and logistics market
Market Research Future reports the global freight and logistics market is projected to grow at an annual compound annual growth rate of 4% in the next six years.“Fast delivery is one which created a drastic change in the freight and logistics market growth. But later on, the rise of e-commerce also created changes in the market value of freight and logistics.”
The report adds that the improvement in e-commerce and digital marketing has created some changes to grow their market value. “Those changes were done by considering the consumer’s needs and expectations. They are fast, have free shipping, and have competitive pricing. All these paved the way for the growth of the freight and logistics market.”
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
