PLANTATION, Fla. January 16, 2007/ DHL, the worlds leading express delivery and logistics company, today announced it is adopting the latest new generation scanning technology, deploying a single system across the entire DHL US network to provide enhanced shipment visibility for DHL customers. The new scanning devices, used to capture shipment information by couriers and other operations personnel and utilizing a Wi-Fi (wireless local area network connectivity) communications system, will be deployed nationwide by third quarter 2007.

 

The new generation technology will provide immediate visibility and real-time tracking for customers, and increase the speed in which personnel can process shipments at both customer locations and DHL facilities, providing timely, accurate, and up-to-the-minute status of packages.

 

The adoption of this new technology will allow us to provide enhanced service, and yield greater efficiencies, said Jose Eiras, Chief Information Officer for DHL Express USA. Leveraging the latest technology platforms to best-serve our customers is a key element in delivering a superior customer experience.

 

Unlike many systems used throughout the transportation industry, the DHL wireless scanners leverage the latest GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technologies, which will enable DHL to transmit customer shipment information automatically from pickup to final delivery without the need to wait and place a device within a transmission cradle.  The information will be immediately fed into DHL back-end systems, providing instant visibility to customers looking for shipment status through calls to customer service, the DHL web site, or DHL shipping systems.

 

The new handheld (Motorola HC 700) system will provide the same functionality as current DHL scanning devices -- such as electronic signature capture, barcode scanning, and instant communication links to dispatchers but has expandable memory to allow for future applications such as image-capturing to ensure DHL continues to be responsive to customer needs.

 

In addition, the new DHL scanning technology is RFID-ready (Radio Frequency Identification), affording DHL the ability to integrate the new technology with future RFID products already in development.  DHL is committed to bringing the benefits of RFID to the U.S. market and worldwide, and has taken a leadership position to support further development and international standardization of RFID technology.  RFID is used to read and store data without the need for contact or direct line of sight and promises improvements in supply chain management for industries worldwide. 

 

DHL will be integrating its Microsoft Windows-based courier application within the Motorola HC 700 device.  Over 20,000 of the new scanners will be placed into operation throughout the DHL US network over the next 9 months.

 

DHL Express International Americas also announced the implementation of the wireless technology to be used throughout Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, with plans for completion by the second quarter of 2007.

  

About DHL

DHL's mission is to provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the shipping industry for our customers. DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, and contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide with over 285,000 employees dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.com

 

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