DHL to streamline cross-border service in North America

DHL to streamline cross-border service in North America DHL on Tuesday announced a five-year initiative to facilitate cross-border ground and express shipments in North America. The express package and logistics company said it is adding and expanding freight processing centers near the border and improving customer service capabilities.
   DHL said it would hire more customer service representatives to help customers develop optimal shipping plans, and use more bilingual customer service representatives to answer regulatory questions.
   The new border operations will combine consolidation, inspection, customs and other functions under one roof. DHL in early 2007 will open a new facility in Tijuana, Mexico, to serve the U.S. trade lane.
   The North American Trade Lanes Initiative is part of DHL's effort to build out its ground network in North America, which started with the 2003 acquisition of Loomis in Canada and the 2004 purchase of Airborne Express. DHL has invested more than $1.2 billion in U.S. ground operations in the past two years.