DHL, the world's leading logistics company, has enhanced its ocean freight transportation network out of Auckland by launching a new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) weekly service to Singapore.
Operated by Danmar Lines, DHL Global Forwarding’s in-house carrier, the new weekly service will enhance connectivity for New Zealand businesses with key markets in North and South Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Europe via DHL’s multinational gateway in Singapore.
Customers will also benefit from shorter transit times and enhanced security and monitoring of cargo for safer and more secure transportation, the company said in a release.
Amadou Diallo, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Africa and South Asia Pacific, said: “Demand for global logistics services is high in South Asia Pacific. The launch of our new direct LCL services out of Auckland, one of the key ports in the region, will further boost our capabilities and help New Zealand businesses extend their footprint into Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East in a cost-effective manner. By operating the world’s largest LCL network, DHL continues to meet the transportation needs of all customers in the Asia Pacific region.”
Asian markets continue to be key for both importers and exporters, with particular growth in DHL Global Forwarding New Zealand’s service to Southeast Asia over the past five years.
Thailand is now New Zealand’s 12th largest bilateral trading partner, with total trade of more than NZ$1.5 billion in the year ending 2009, while Vietnam is now ranked 28th, with total trade of nearly NZ$500 million for the same period.
There has also been an increase in trade to Latin America, predominantly in the agricultural sector. Venezuela is now New Zealand’s second largest dairy market (worth $NZ619 million as of the year June 2007-June 2008), with Mexico our sixth-largest.
Brian Broom, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding New Zealand, said: “The new direct LCL services allow us to offer our customers enhanced convenience, cost efficiency and shorter transit times to all destinations across the world, particularly to destinations in North and South Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. China remains a very strong market, and we’re seeing particular growth in Vietnam and Thailand. Indonesia remains a significant import lane for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and other commodities, including furniture and apparel.”
Clas Thorell, Head of LCL Management Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding, said: “We are continuing to expand our DHL-operated LCL direct routes to better connect New Zealand to major cities throughout the world. By strengthening services between New Zealand and high-growth trade lanes in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, we are further solidifying our leadership position in in-house LCL services, which remain an important transportation option.”
A global leader in LCL, DHL carries more than 97% of its total volume in-house. With its in-house systems and a strong global network that handles close to 2,000,000 cubic meters of LCL freight annually via 45,000 point-pairs, DHL is able to effectively manage cargo flow, information flow, speed, accuracy, cost efficiency and reliability.
DHL’s LCL services extend beyond port-to-port-only transport. It offers complete end-to-end supply chain management, including pick-up at origin; consolidation and deconsolidation; and delivery at destination and customs clearance. All LCL services are supported with DHL Track & Trace and other first-class IT solutions that keep cargo fully visible throughout the supply chain.