DHL Express has been present in Germany for 45 years

The launch of the world’s most international company was initiated by the three founders of DHL, Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn, in 1969 in San Francisco with their revolutionary business idea of international express shipping. In June 1977, the success story of DHL Express in Germany began. After starting in living rooms, retail stores, and the first station near Frankfurt, there were already additional locations in Düsseldorf, Munich, Cologne, and Hamburg a year later. Today, DHL Express operates 33 branches in Germany with over 2,000 employees.

“Enthusiasm and a spirit of innovation have made our company unique and successful in Germany since 1977, and continue to shape and support us to this day,” says Markus Reckling, Managing Director of DHL Express Germany. “Just as it was then, DHL Express is the company that makes global and cross-border goods transport safe, fast, and easy. We now connect people and markets in over 220 countries and territories. We are particularly proud that since early 2021, we have distributed over 450 million COVID-19 vaccine doses worldwide from Germany, thus fulfilling our commitment to ‘connect people, improve lives’ in an impressive way.”

1983 Introduction of Shipment Tracking

The path to success in Germany is based on many national and international milestones. For instance, DHL Express introduced shipment tracking in 1983, which is now standard across the industry. In Germany, the “Same Day Service” was launched in 1991, allowing for delivery in the shortest possible time. Since 2000, DHL has been part of Deutsche Post, which consolidated its entire express and logistics business under the DHL brand starting in 2003. In 2016, DHL Express became the market leader in Germany for international express shipments for the first time and has continuously expanded this position since then.

Motivated Employees as a Guarantee of Success

The people at DHL Express are the key to success. Motivation and in-depth knowledge primarily arise from company-specific training and development programs. For example, all employees worldwide are certified as “International Specialists.” “Every year in June, we honor the efforts of all employees during our so-called ‘Appreciation Week’ with special activities,” explains Markus Reckling. “This year, we are, of course, excited to be able to conduct activities in person again. Our success as a company would not be possible without the knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment of our employees.”

Environmental Protection and Sustainability

In addition to economic success, the company is also particularly committed to environmental protection and sustainability. The infrastructure program of the German express network includes a total investment volume of 160 million euros for five new construction projects from 2020 to 2023. The building standards today include LED lighting, photovoltaic systems, and charging options for electric vehicles. Currently, new state-of-the-art buildings are being constructed in Bremen and at Munich Airport. The current deployment of over 60 electric vehicles in Berlin and Dortmund will soon be supplemented by additional vehicles at other locations. By 2025, DHL Express in Germany will have well over 1,000 electric vehicles in operation.

Anniversary T-Shirt with Proceeds for Ozeankind e.V.

To celebrate the 45th birthday and as a continuation of the DHL 1 sneakers, DHL Express Germany is launching a limited edition retro T-shirt, sustainable in every respect, with only 300 pieces available. Interested parties can register for purchase under this link until June 22. After this deadline, buyers will be drawn. The net proceeds of the campaign will benefit the organization Ozeankind e.V., which is committed to environmental protection and the reduction of plastic waste.

Photo: © DHL Express