DHL Launches LCL Service from Hong Kong to South and Central America

DHL has launched of its direct Less than container Load (LCL) weekly service from Hong Kong to Guatemala, Central America. The move will enhance connectivity and trade from Hong Kong’s port to one of the busiest ports of Central America, as well as the trade flows between Asia Pacific and Central and South America.

The company currently offers more than 700 weekly point pairs from 24 North Pacific terminals sailing to 30 destinations in Central America. According to the International Trade Statistics Report 2009 issued by the World Trade Organization, trade from Asia to Central and South America in 2008 amounted to US$127.3 billion, 2.9 percent of total trade flows in the region’s total merchandise exports. Currently, Central and South America account for 1.4 percent of Hong Kong’s exports of services, and may rise as trade between both regions continues to grow.

Kelvin Leung, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, North Asia Pacific, said, “A number of prominent trends are affecting the freight forwarding industry – globalization of the supply chain, shortening of product lifecycles and low inventory. In the face of these trends, our customers are sourcing for the most cost effective yet reliable freight forwarding solution for their own customers’ needs. The link from Hong Kong to Guatemala enhances our existing robust LCL global portfolio and service network.”

Edward Hui, MD, DHL Global Forwarding, Hong Kong, Macau and South China, said, “By establishing an additional route to Central America, we are offering customers in Hong Kong as well as South China access to an important emerging market.”

The service enhances efficiency by reducing transit time to within 27 days from Hong Kong to Guatemala. The launch of the route is an addition to the company’s existing direct LCL services from Hong Kong to Central and South America – Hong Kong to Paranagua, Brazil launched late last year.

The newly launched service comes with local expertise which ensures customs clearance of customers’ freight is conducted in a controlled and timely manner. A smooth transition from freight collection through to delivery is also ensured by outstanding assembly and distribution networks at both origin and destination.

DHL, www.dhl.com