DHL is offering a new express freight trucking service across the Middle East under the name XLExpress. The new product broadens its traditional air express services in the region and is being
marketed as a cross-border “one country” service.The service means that customers can now ship heavyweight goods in the same way as smaller,lighter packages, DHL said. The benefits include day definite transit times and no hidden charges.This demonstrates DHL’s expertise in managing customers’ requirements, irrespective of size orvolume, with the minimum amount of paperwork and a one all-inclusive dollar per kilo pricedinvoice. With XL Express, DHL guarantees reliable shipment transportation through its vast overlandroad network, with an efficient customs cleared service that allows customers to track and tracetheir shipments online 24/7.
“Effectively we are treating the region as one country with XL Express,” said Phil Couchman,Regional Director, DHL Middle East. ‘Our customers now view the Middle East as a ‘One Country’entity and thus want a transparent, cost effective and seamless distribution service for theirdistribution needs, this is where the DHL XL Express service fits with the expectation that ourcustomers have today’.
The XL Express service utilises the great expansion in DHL’s road freight network. The company’sJebel Ali hub, which handles over 60% of all Middle East imports, acts as a catalyst for itsgrowth, alongside other distribution centres spread across the region including Amman and theregional hub in Bahrain.
The XL Express service is available at 100 DHL offices across the region. New routes to Europeand North Africa through Istanbul and Cairo have been recently introduced and future routedevelopments include Iran, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Russia.
Currently, DHL has access to a dedicated fleet of 250 vehicles for the XL service, a largenumber of which are owned. Much of the fleet is also top of the range with air ride suspension andGPS tracking facilities fitted as standard specifically for the DHL fleet. This huge fleet operatesdaily within the Middle East and Europe, transporting shipment weights ranging from 45kgs to18,000kgs.
“With plans for rail freight still far away road remains king in this region for the logisticsindustry. Challenges exist such as pressure on infrastructure, ease of customs clearance andtraffic congestion. However, with no alternative the strategic development of road transport andefficient trucking services is vital. Our customers are demanding this and we have responded withthis enhanced service,” explained Couchman.
