Online shopping and the effects of Covid-19 will, according to DHL, result in higher volumes and an earlier start to the peak season.
DHL Express is bracing for an all-time high in e-commerce trade around the world.
The transport and logistics company has experienced e-commerce volume growth of around 35 per cent in 2020. The upcoming peak season will further accelerate this and result in increased shipment quantities above 50 per cent compared to last year’s peak season.
“Megatrends such as globalisation and digitalisation have an enormous impact on global trade,” said DHL Express CEO, John Pearson.
“In recent decades, we have seen how globalisation, increased trade and interaction have raised prosperity and choice, reduced poverty, cultivated diversity and enriched lives. At DHL Express it is our mission to enable global trade and support our customers during the most important days for their business. We make sure that goods are delivered as fast as possible – and Christmas gifts are being delivered to households all over the globe in time. We are proud of the strong commitment of our employees and couriers who are out there to fulfil our mission of connecting people and improving their lives. In times when the coronavirus hits both economy and private lives, their efforts are outstanding.”
DHL Express, with more than 100,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories, has taken numerous measures, including social distancing, face masks and disinfection, to combat the spread of Covid-19.
The company has also developed safe delivery procedures for receivers, without the need for customers to sign for their shipments. All of this secures the continuity of business for DHL’s customers and for global trade.
Michiel Greeven, EVP Global Sales at DHL Express, said coronavirus and its associated impacts including curfews has led to changes in the retail sector worldwide.
“As a consequence, the buying behaviour of consumers, but also B2B buyers, changed significantly and shifted more and more into the online world,” said Greeven.
“From an e-commerce perspective some might even say that Covid-19 brought 2030 to 2020, with online shopping and the necessary shipping as the new normal.
“And this not only counts for B2C retailers but also in the light of B2B e-commerce. Particularly in current days of uncertainty many giant stores will be going online with their sales promotion.
“This will have its effect on peak season as well and shoppers will be mainly going online to get the best deals instead of going to physical stores. With the result of fast shipping needs as well.”
DHL Express is prepared to provide fast and reliable services
Facing such increasing volumes, and in parallel Covid-19 spreading around the globe, the challenges for logistics providers are tremendous. In addition to the consistent observation of the situation and flexible management of precaution measures to keep employees safe, the unprecedented peak of shipments poses an additional challenge for logistics.
DHL Express has hired more than 10,000 new employees. Annual investment in infrastructure, vehicles and state-of-the-art technology means the company can multiply the capacity of its operations and manage upcoming volumes.
