DHL eCommerce relocates distribution center from Maryland to Virginia

Earlier this month, DHL eCommerce, a subsidiary of global logistics services provider, Deutsche Post DHL Group, announced that it opened the doors to a new “state-of-the-art” Manassas, Va.-based distribution center, whose operations were formerly in Elkridge, Md.

The company said that the new 138,500 square-foot facility will enable DHL eCommerce to process more B2C (business-to-consumer) domestic volume, supported by around 130 staffers, for customers in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. And it added that the new facility is roughly 30 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and is comprised of 41 dock doors and combines warehouse, meeting rooms, training, and office spaces. It also includes four EV charging stations, Building Management System, clear story windows and electric HVAC. In addition, it houses two large line sorters that can each process 14,000 parcels and packages per hour.

“We anticipate that the demand for e-commerce will continue to grow, and as a result, we have expanded our U.S. footprint and Manassas is an important part of DHL eCommerce’s five-year growth plan,” said Lee Spratt, CEO of DHL eCommerce, Americas, in a statement.

A DHL spokesperson told LM that DHL eCommerce outgrew its facility in Elkridge, MD and needed more space to handle greater capacity.

“Our Manassas facility is the perfect location for us to have a larger distribution center to accommodate more volume and two line sorters,” she said. “This larger location will allow us to take on more of our customers’ volume. With our state-of-the-art automation, we will be more efficient by processing a total of 28,000 parcels and packages per hour, thus improving service for end consumers.”

Looking ahead, she said DHL eCommerce has built this facility to handle its projected capacity through 2030 and can add more if needed. And in terms of immediate next steps, she noted that the company will continue to train employees in both of its shifts and work on optimizing its automation.

Services provided by DHL out of this facility include domestic B2C shipping of small parcels and packages via three product offerings: Expedited Max (2-3 days “day-definite”); Expedited (2- to 5 days “range definite “delivery), and Ground (3-to-8 days “range definite” delivery).

This move is the most recent example of DHL eCommerce relocating to larger facilities in 2023, in Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; Orlando, FL; Hebron, KY and also the opening of wholly owned distribution centers in Stow, OH; Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL.