DHL is expanding its customs operations to help importers navigate shifting US tariff policies, hiring hundreds of specialists as it braces for a subdued peak shipping season, reports American Shipper.
dhl Express has added over 680 customs, finance and customer service staff this year to support small businesses facing new compliance burdens following the May cancellation of the de minimis rule. CEO Greg Hewitt said the company is helping clients manage duty timing, inventory positioning and customs documentation.
The Express division has seen volumes from China and Hong Kong to the US fall 30 per cent year over year, offset by growth from Vietnam, India, Malaysia and Mexico. DHL has reduced daily ground delivery routes and will scale back seasonal hiring.
Peak season volumes typically rise 40 to 50 per cent, but DHL now expects only a 20 to 25 per cent lift. Hewitt said strong customs brokerage is a competitive edge in today's volatile trade environment.
DHL Global Forwarding is expanding customs clearance capacity by 40 per cent, hiring over 200 agents and entry writers in the US. CEO Tim Robertson said a new AI customs agent will launch later this year to assist with classification and tariff decisions.
Ocean freight volumes from Asia to North America are down 7 per cent year over year, with China exports especially weak. The National Retail Federation projects August and September container volumes down 1.7 and 6.8 per cent respectively, with full-year volume off 3.4 per cent.
DHL demand from Vietnam to the US and from Asia to Latin America, the Middle East and Africa is up double digits. Charter flights from Hanoi and Taiwan to major US cities began in September to support high-tech and e-commerce sectors.
DHL is also offering hybrid sea-air routes, US warehouse services and bonded logistics to help importers manage costs and defer tariffs. CEO Mark Kunar said foreign trade zones are gaining interest as firms diversify sourcing beyond China.
FedEx and UPS face similar challenges. FedEx reported a $150 million earnings hit and expects $300 million in added customs costs. UPS said tariffs caused a 35 per cent volume drop in May and June, prompting over 100 flight cancellations.
DHL also promoted Greg Nichols to senior vice president, global customs for DHL Global Forwarding and Freight.
SeaNews Turkey
dhl Express has added over 680 customs, finance and customer service staff this year to support small businesses facing new compliance burdens following the May cancellation of the de minimis rule. CEO Greg Hewitt said the company is helping clients manage duty timing, inventory positioning and customs documentation.
The Express division has seen volumes from China and Hong Kong to the US fall 30 per cent year over year, offset by growth from Vietnam, India, Malaysia and Mexico. DHL has reduced daily ground delivery routes and will scale back seasonal hiring.
Peak season volumes typically rise 40 to 50 per cent, but DHL now expects only a 20 to 25 per cent lift. Hewitt said strong customs brokerage is a competitive edge in today's volatile trade environment.
DHL Global Forwarding is expanding customs clearance capacity by 40 per cent, hiring over 200 agents and entry writers in the US. CEO Tim Robertson said a new AI customs agent will launch later this year to assist with classification and tariff decisions.
Ocean freight volumes from Asia to North America are down 7 per cent year over year, with China exports especially weak. The National Retail Federation projects August and September container volumes down 1.7 and 6.8 per cent respectively, with full-year volume off 3.4 per cent.
DHL demand from Vietnam to the US and from Asia to Latin America, the Middle East and Africa is up double digits. Charter flights from Hanoi and Taiwan to major US cities began in September to support high-tech and e-commerce sectors.
DHL is also offering hybrid sea-air routes, US warehouse services and bonded logistics to help importers manage costs and defer tariffs. CEO Mark Kunar said foreign trade zones are gaining interest as firms diversify sourcing beyond China.
FedEx and UPS face similar challenges. FedEx reported a $150 million earnings hit and expects $300 million in added customs costs. UPS said tariffs caused a 35 per cent volume drop in May and June, prompting over 100 flight cancellations.
DHL also promoted Greg Nichols to senior vice president, global customs for DHL Global Forwarding and Freight.
SeaNews Turkey
