DHL expands its multi-modal services

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight has announced its plans for new developments in regards to its routes between Asia and Europe for intermodal shipments. DHL’s newly scheduled block train service will offer an average transit time of 14 days from Suzhou to Warsaw along the trans-Siberian North Corridor.

Roger Cook, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight has commented: “Suzhou is a strategic departure point for Jiangsu and it is a high benefit for our customers to have direct access to inter-continental rail links rather than having to go via Chengdu.” Cook also added: “Being able to offer multiple loading points across China creates many opportunities for our customers, which is why we are seeing so much interest in multi-modal services.”

The expansion accompanies the existing daily wagon service from Shanghai to Europe, which also travels along the North Corridor, in addition to the weekly block train service Chengdu to Europe along China’s West Corridor rail line through Kazakhstan to Europe.

CEO of DHL Freight, Amadou Diallo, has explained: “As a flexible solution, this service offers the option of booking variable capacity – ranging from a single container to a whole train. Our customers in both continents benefit from reduced door-to-door lead times and CO2 emissions via an effective transport route that seamlessly connects both our groupage network in Europe and DHL Global Forwarding, Freight’s Asian network.

Customers of DHL’s multi-modal rail solution can expect delivery time reductions of between 10 and 21 days, depending on origin and destination. Additionally, those customers seeking environmentally friendly shipping can expect a fall of up to 90% in CO2 emission compared to those produced via air freight.

The parcel delivery company’s road/rail service between Asia and Europe combines rail and rail transportation methods to provide a link between the two continents via its intermodal hub in Malaszewicze, Poland.

European customers are soon to enjoy an even more improved access to the Asian market. DHL is currently researching ways to expand its network further to include destinations such as Japan and Korea.