DHL Express Launches New Calgary-Edmonton Route to Meet Increased Customer Demand in Western Canada

• Provides customer service improvement and faster delivery times
• Expands logistics network and increases access to Alberta's oil and gas sector
• Connects SMEs with international markets; represents increased growth in e-commerce

EDMONTON, Sept. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - DHL, the world's leading international express services provider, has launched a new commercial route to Calgary and Edmonton, offering Canadian customers faster shipping to Alberta and Western Canada overall. Launching with a first inbound flight on Sunday, September 7, 2014, this milestone represents a €1.46 million investment and is one of several new investments DHL Express Canada is making to support the important Alberta-based economic hub. 

The new route will operate between the DHL Americas hub in Cincinnati and the Alberta metropolitan areas of Calgary and Edmonton, and will improve delivery times to customers in the area.

"Providing world-class service through capacity and capability improvements is a key part of our aviation strategy globally. Having experienced 15 percent year-over-year growth of inbound shipping volume in both Calgary and Edmonton for more than three consecutive years, we know this investment is the right step for us and our customers," said Darryl Wettlaufer, Vice President of Operations, DHL Express Canada. "Considering the economic strength of the Alberta market and the continuing importance of Western Canada's economy, optimizing delivery times through this new route will allow us to support the growth of our business in key sectors such as e-commerce."

The focus on the Alberta market is in part driven by the unique logistics needs of Canada's energy sector—an industry of critical importance to DHL Express in Canada and around the world.

"Whether it is the exploration of oil sands, oceanic petroleum, or gas exploration, we know that Canada's energy sector companies face unique logistics and shipping challenges, ones that DHL Express is ideally positioned to meet," said Wettlaufer. "With a significant focus on providing solutions to the global energy sector, DHL Express has the expertise and resources to help these customers optimize logistics and reduce costs, while increasing productivity."  

For DHL Express, the expansion of its network through the introduction of these new investments is also a part of its ongoing commitment to SMEs in Canada and across the globe. There are currently over one million small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Canada, employing over 64 per cent of the workforce in this country. With such a large portion of the Canadian workforce working in smaller enterprises, their contribution to international trade is significant. Shipping outside of Canada involves complex logistics as well as a myriad of customs and regulatory factors small businesses need to consider. These new investments help connect Canadian small businesses with international markets, and enable them to grow in a competitive economy.

DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and "The logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, national and international parcel delivery, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation as well as contract and e-commerce related solutions along the entire supply chain. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and around 315,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their shipping and supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenues of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.

SOURCE: DHL Express Canada

Media Contact: Argyle Communications, Tasneem Dasoo, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]