Strengthened US Network Results in Earlier International Deliveries

DHL has announced a major service upgrade for international express shipments to the United States. US importers and international customers that use DHL's International Express services to the US will now receive 12:00 noon delivery - an upgrade from the previous end of business day transit time.

The newly upgraded service will benefit customers of DHL Import Express, an all-inclusive, door-to-door service for expediting imports to the United States. With Import Express, shipments are handled by DHL from pickup outside the US to delivery in the US, with all tracking, invoicing and single-currency payment through DHL. International customers using DHL's Worldwide Priority Express and International Document Service will also benefit from faster transit times to the US market.

International Express shipments destined for US locations that are within DHL's AM delivery area footprint (which serves 77% of all US businesses) qualify for the new service upgrade. All International Express shipments that are cleared and delivered to U.S. service centers by 9:00 AM will be delivered by 12:00 noon to AM delivery areas.

A newly expanded primary air and ground hub in Wilmington, Ohio, state-of-the-art letter and package automation, optimized inbound flight routings, as well as an initiative which dramatically improved pickup and delivery efficiency have contributed to service enhancements across the United States.

"With earlier transit times to the US market, customers can be more competitive in any industry where speed-to-market is critical," said John Cameron, executive vice president of operations, for DHL. "DHL in the U.S. will continue delivering on the company's promise of a superior customer service experience through continued investments in our network, and the commitment of our people."

DHL's enhanced International Express service to the US market is the latest in a series of service enhancements and upgrades to DHL's international network. DHL recently announced enhanced service along the transatlantic route, providing next day delivery to the U.S. from major European cities; a new international gateway in Southern California to enhance the shipping service to and from Asia-Pacific and the Western US; a new gateway in Merida, Mexico to enhance service quality and meet the growing needs of DHL customers shipping across the US-Mexico border; and a North America Trade Lane initiative launched late last year to speed and expedite cross-border shipments for U.S., Canadian and Mexican companies.

DHL operates international gateways for import, export, and clearance of international express shipments in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Wilmington, Ohio and Riverside, California.