DHL launched a major strategic initiative focused on DHL Import Express, a unique, all-inclusive,door-to-door service for expediting imports to the United States and between third countries.
Import Express enables customers to send or receive documents and packages of any size, weight orvalue to and from over 210 countries – packaged in one simple solution using just one company, onecurrency and one invoice.“Import Express represents a key business initiative to serve our U.S. customers with themost comprehensive international capabilities,” said John Mullen, Joint Chief Executive for DHLExpress. “DHL understands that, whether you are a multinational or a small business, importinggoods can be a complicated process that may result in costly delays. Import Express allowscustomers of any size to have their importing needs managed by a single source all the way throughthe shipping process.” Market demand is driving the need for more efficient handling of importedgoods. U.S. imports are presently valued at $1.5 trillion annually. In addition to being China’slargest trading partner, U.S. imports from South and Central America and the European Union were atrecord highs in March, and imports from Japan and Mexico were the highest since 2000, according tothe U.S. Census Bureau.
Using Import Express, customers can – with one phone call – move goods from China to theU.S., or from London to Hong Kong (known as the “third country” option), for example, and pay fordelivery in the U.S. on one invoice and in one currency. Shipments stay within the DHL system fromorigin to destination allowing for easy tracking, anytime. To utilize Import Express, customersneed only to establish an Import Express account number, which provides all routing orderinstructions. DHL is the exclusive partner for each Import Express shipment and takes completeresponsibility from pickup to delivery, all for one pre-quoted transportation charge. Once theshipment is underway, easy track and trace is available from pickup through final delivery. Forbilling purposes, the customer receives one invoice per billing cycle in the customer’s currencyallowing them to easily budget for and audit all import shipments.
“The import market in the U.S. is not only immense but also, at times, can be a source ofgreat frustration among companies who regularly import high-value product samples and parts,” saidJohn Pearson, Executive Vice President for DHL’s Commercial organization. “Those who previouslyhave been frustrated by the involvement of multiple carriers and difficulties in tracking theirshipments will truly appreciate the convenience and speed of Import Express. Import Express wasdesigned as the one-source solution for this prevalent need.”
Industries that DHL is targeting include manufacturing, automotive, textile, electronics,pharmaceutical, aerospace and financial services.
DHL is supporting the Import Express program with a 360 degree marketing campaign involvingdirect marketing, print and online advertising, internal and external microsites and more. The toneof the advertising is consistent with that of DHL’s highly successful brand campaign – friendly,responsive, fun and customer-oriented. Phase I of the direct mail campaign in mid-June features theheadline, “Cross Borders, Not Fingers” highlighting the reliability of Import Express. The directresponse print campaign, which will break in July, features advertisements in industry-specific andgeneral business publications as well as select newspapers.
The launch of Import Express is another example of DHL’s continued commitment to leading theinternational express delivery and logistics industry. The company recently introduced two newdirect overnight express services between Shanghai and the U.S. and between Beijing and Hong Kong.The daily Shanghai-U.S. flight will be operated by Northwest Airlines with a Boeing 747-200freighter aircraft, while the four times weekly Beijing service will utilize a Cathay PacificA330-200 passenger aircraft from DHL’s Central Asia hub in Hong Kong. These new flights underscoreDHL’s commitment to provide the most extensive air network possible for customers in the Chinamarket.
More aircraft serving the Asia Pacific Market – DHL has invested $400 million in a jointventure with Cathay Pacific and Air Hong Kong (DHL owns a 40 per cent stake in the joint venture).Air Hong Kong is purchasing eight new A300-600F freighters, thus increasing DHL’s payload capacityin the region.
