Ocean cargo/global logistics: DHL rolls out new LCL service

DHL Global Forwarding announced this week that it has rolled out a new Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) Expedited services which will connect 19 European origins to the United States.

Company officials said that though a partnership with Danmar Lines, its in-house carrier, this new service, which will offer service from 19 ports throughout Eastern and Western Europe, will combine LCL ocean and Less-than-Truckload (LTL) truck service, which will provide options for shippers to move products faster to U.S. markets.

And she added that the recent volcano in Iceland and the resulting air freight back-up made the need more apparent and also noted that the product has been in development for approximately six months.

With this new service, LCL Expedited shipments will arrive in New York from all major ports in Eastern and Western Europe, according to DHL Global Forwarding.  And upon arrival and availability, freight is then expedited in exclusive trucks direct to the customer’s door within three to four business days depending upon destination.  They added that while traditional LCL ocean services could take anywhere from 5 to over 16 days longer, to destinations within the United States upon arrival in New York.

“There are two primary customer benefits from this service,” said Caputo. “The first is a greatly reduced transit time for LCL Ocean freight from Europe to the West Coast.  We can shave over 10 days from standard transit times by using Expedited trucking.  The second benefit for customers is our pricing.  We offer one simple per kilogram all inclusive rate that is easy to understand.”

Caputo said that DHL Global Forwarding has at least five customers that are ready to begin trials within the next few weeks, with a goal is to expand to more than 20 new customers within the next three months.

This is not DHL Global Forwarding’s first foray into LCL service. In 2007, it rolled out an LCL expedited service from Asia—in Hong Kong and Shanghai. This service now covers all major Asian ports and two India-based ports.