DHL launches next generation shipping software designed for small businesses

DHL today announced the latest version of its EasyShip PC-based shipping solution.

Featuring a convenient, downloadable installation, EasyShip® Connect 8.0 permits customers to access shipping functions to both U.S. and international destinations via an easy-to-use PC-based application.

EasyShip Connect is the only shipping software of its kind that is compatible with the Windows Vista operating system, expanding access to more PC users.

EasyShip Connect is a software-only shipping solution that communicates with DHL servers via the internet to perform all shipping functions, from printing waybills to tracking shipments and shipment management reporting. Designed for customers shipping up to 50 packages per day, EasyShip Connect automates the entire shipping process.

Expanding its shipping capabilities for exporters, EasyShip Connect can now accept a pre-filed ITN for compliance with U.S Department of Commerce Electronic Export Information (EEI) requirements. EEI filing is required for most international shipments valued over $2500.00, and for specific commodities and destinations.

Additionally, a designated "administrator" of EasyShip Connect within an office can set parameters for shipment processing, such as the ability to select specific service levels or value-added services, thereby providing greater control of expenses.

"This new PC-based software responds to our small business customers' need for convenience and speed in the shipping process," said Charles Brewer, EVP of Commercial, for DHL. "DHL is continually developing new and innovative ways to provide industry-leading service to our customers, and the EasyShip Connect solution makes shipping faster, easier, and more accessible to small businesspeople that want to ship from the convenience of their PC."

New DHL EasyShip Connect features also include:

• Multi-piece air shipping on a single waybill
• Dry ice shipping functionality
• Connectivity with USB scales for automated weighting
• Enhanced Domestic shipping services to Puerto Rico
• Improved export documentation tools
• Both one-way and two-way return label processing for distribution to customers
• Enhancements to increase speed and performance

EasyShip Connect 8.0 is DHL's first software release available entirely in a downloadable format from DHL's website and is compatible for users of Windows Vista, XP and Windows 2000.

DHL offers several shipping software platforms in addition to EasyShip Connect, including EasyShip Professional, a software-only shipping application for a customers' PC designed for medium-volume shippers who prefer to process shipments without a constant internet connection; EasyShip Professional Plus, a fully functional PC shipping station provided by DHL for medium-to-high volume customers; and, EasyShip Enterprise, a high-performance server-based shipping solution that supports multiple shipping stations.