DHL`s LCL Shanghai-Atlanta LA bypass `cuts transit 7 days`

DHL has launched a weekly direct less-than-container-load (LCL) service from Shanghai to Atlanta, operated by its in-house carrier Danmar Lines that claims to cut transit up to seven days.

At present, Atlanta-bound LCL freight from Shanghai is shipped by sea to Los Angeles where it is de-consolidated, then combined with other freight before making its way to Atlanta. DHL`s new direct service bypasses LA de- and re-consolidation by moving containers directly to rail, reducing transit time as a result.


According to a company statement, the shortened transit time not only offers higher efficiency and lower risk of damage, delays and losses, but also increases carbon efficiency by some 16.73 per cent.


"This year alone, we have launched five LCL services from Shanghai, which demonstrates our strong support for the Shanghai government`s long-term goal to develop the city into a global shipping centre," DHL Global Forwarding, North Asia Pacific CEO Kelvin Leung said.


DHL China CEO Steve Huang said there was a notable increase among small and medium enterprises turning to ocean freight for greater cost efficiencies. "This growing trend is reflected by the fact that in the past three quarters, Shanghai Port handled 21.6 million TEU, surpassing Singapore to become the world`s busiest port in terms of container throughput," he said.


DHL currently operates the world`s largest LCL network, with close to 2,000,000 cubic metres of LCL freight handled annually.