DHL expands secure road transportation
- DHL Freight steps up international service for less-than-truckload transportation of high-value goods
- High Value service guarantees high security standards
With immediate effect, DHL Freight is offering shippers of high-value high-tech products or other valuable goods a secure transportation solution for Europe-wide road transportation of freight. In future, the new DHL High Value service will expand the current high-value transportation service offerings by extending the required security standards to less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as major corporate clients now have the option of theft-proof overland transport for high-value shipments weighing up to 2,500 kg.
According to the European Union, businesses incur damages in the order of 8 billion Euros every year due to theft of their shipments. Thomas George CEO, DHL Freight, explains why the company is expanding its high-value services: "We expect that the demands for the transport of high-value products in terms of security, transparency and pro-active information management will continue to increase." DHL High Value has been available in countries such as Germany, Hungary or the Netherlands for some time.
Up to now, however, it only comprised FTL or LTL shipments for specific clients. In the next few months, it will become a standard service offering for LTL shipments and will be made available across Europe in a step-by-step approach. The first step will cover a total of 10 countries. In addition to Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands, it will include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and the UK, with full coverage of all European countries envisaged for 2012.
Clearly defined security measures
The security standards comprise clearly defined security measures with regard to the equipment of vehicles such as mobile radio communication devices to ensure permanent communication or the use of swap trailers and box trailers. Moreover, shipments are registered during turnaround of goods, terminals are monitored by CCTV, and goods are stored in security cages. In addition, swap trailers and trailers are sealed prior to departure and can even be optionally equipped with GPS for permanent tracking. Specially trained terminal staff and drivers and a dedicated customer service are available to DHL High Value service clients.
Everything is centered on pro-active information management during the entire process. The shipper receives immediate feedback in case of irregularities or upon delivery of the shipment to the recipient. Moreover, information on shipment status is available online at any time. The drivers take breaks at secure and pre-defined parking lots en route. DHL is a member of TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) and maintains a continuous dialog with leading security experts and continuously keeps enhancing its own security standards.
DHL High Value is primarily based on the experience of DHL Freight's core industries: technology, consumer goods, retail and fashion, life sciences and engineering. Depending on the specific logistical needs of the customers, DHL Freight either offers standardized security concepts or develops tailor-made solutions, which can then also be applied to other sectors and other types of goods.
