DHL has announced a new less-than-container-load (LCL) expedited service connecting 19 European origins to the U.S. Through Danmar Lines, DHL Global Forwarding’s in-house carrier, the new service combines LCL ocean and LTL truck service to provide another option for businesses to deliver product faster to U.S. markets. It is also a good cost alternative in a competitive transportation environment, said Tara Caputo, director of LCL services for North America at DHL Global Forwarding.
“In the highly competitive business landscape, companies are faced with the challenge of responding faster to market and customer demands,” Caputo noted. “Our direct LCL services offer cost-efficient solutions that meet customers’ needs, and support healthy trade to the U.S.”
LCL Expedited shipments will arrive in New York from all major ports in Eastern and Western Europe. Freight is expedited in exclusive trucks direct to the customer’s door within three to four business days depending upon destination.
By comparison, traditional LCL ocean services can take anywhere from 5 to over 16 days longer to reach destinations within the U.S. upon arrival in New York. The new service provides an all-inclusive per kilo rate from origin to the door with the exception of customs brokerage and duty fees.
With the advantage of cost lower than air freight, shorter lead time than traditional ocean freight, and an extensive network, the expedited solution has its competitive edge on the market for customers seeking for better a combination of cost and lead time for their logistics needs, Caputo noted.
“Launching these expedited LCL services to the U.S. is part of our on-going enhancement to DHL’s overall LCL service capabilities,” Caputo added. “Customers will greatly benefit from the shorter transit times and reliable and seamless door-to-door service complete with full track and trace capabilities.”
