Mike King, Special Correspondent | Jan 09, 2012 8:58AM EST
DHL Global Forwarding this week launched a less-than-container load service between Italy and Kuwait, as the German carrier adds ocean connections to its growing Middle East hub.
DHL said the service will improve security and the transit time on the lane from 32 to 27 days by avoiding transshipment at Dubai.
Many third-party logistics providers, including CEVA and Panalpina, in recent months have boosted their LCL services in response to shippers send out smaller shipment amid economic uncertainty. DHL said its forwarding division offer roughly 45,000 LCL options and ships nearly 6.6 million cubic square feet of consolidated loads annually.
Rising demand from Kuwait for Italian imports, such as mechanical machinery, construction materials, apparel, food and consumer goods, spurred the creation of the new service, said Thomas Nieszner, CEO for DHL Global Forwarding, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“Demand for these products is set to rise further as Kuwait continues to emerge as a key player in the region and, as a result, we expect the improved transit times from Italy to have a real and immediate impact on our customers in Kuwait,” Neiszner said.
-- Contact Mike King at michael@borderline.eu.com