PLANTATION, FL - March 22, 2007 - DHL, the world's leading global express delivery and logistics company, today announced the opening of a new gateway in Merida, Mexico to enhance service quality and meet the growing needs of DHL customers shipping across the US-Mexico border.
The recently installed international gateway operation will increase DHL handling capacity by more than 87 percent in the region, enabling the transport of more than 38,000 additional shipments per year. The investment is part of a strategic DHL development plan for Mexico's Southeastern Region. The strategy will enable DHL to increase its routes and capacity, as well as expand service coverage and provide enhanced customer service.
"The decision to establish the gateway in Merida came after DHL conducted several studies that highlighted the city's industrial potential and economic importance. This operation will have a significant impact in the entire Mexico Southeastern Region," said Jesus Rosano, director of Operations Planning, DHL Mexico.
The new Merida Gateway provides both U.S. and businesses based throughout the region (including those located in Cancun, Ciudad del Carmen, Villahermosa, Tuxtla Gutierrez, and Minatitlan), with a new facility for the transshipment of goods across the US-Mexico border. DHL's Merida gateway has been authorized by the Mexico national customs authority to operate as a customs facility for the consolidation of the area's imports and exports.
With the establishment of the Merida gateway, DHL will manage the customs clearance process through a local agent from start to finish, which will reduce average international delivery service times into the cities of Merida, Cancun, Ciudad del Carmen and Campeche from two days to one. DHL customers will receive specialized service by contracting with the agent of their choice.
Before the Merida gateway, shipments bound to the area from the U.S were processed by Customs in Mexico City. "By having a Merida-based customs agent process shipments, U.S. businesses benefit because DHL can move shipments through customs without intermediate delays," said Rosano.
Mexico is the second largest importer of U.S. exports and the third country of destination of U.S. imports. As a cross-border service provider, DHL is committed to responding to the demands of globalization, which is an intricate part of the logistics chain that importers and exporters require in this area. Industries that will most directly benefit with the introduction of the new facility include maquilas, jewelry, oil, printing, auto parts, electronic cards, hardware and software.
DHL Express Mexico operates over 34 domestic and international flights daily, and maintains four major ground hubs and three additional international gateways in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
About DHL
At DHL, Customer Service is back in shipping. Our 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
About DHL Mexico
In Mexico, DHL has been operating for over 25 years and currently operates through more than 400 points of sale nationwide. DHL is in charge of operations for 57 stations and has close to 3,000 employees, including 1,300 messengers to guarantee on-time deliveries and the most extensive coverage in the industry. In addition, the company owns a ground network with more than 1,400 units and a total of 12 domestic and eight international flights, in addition to maintaining various agreements with commercial airlines. DHL has the largest, most sophisticated Customer Care Center in Latin America, available 24x7, 365 days of the year. Call 01 800 SOLO DHL (7656 345) or visit www.dhl.com.mx.
