DP World further expands its own global freight forwarding network

Dubai, UAE-based logistics giant DP World has opened the latest branch in a network of more than 100 freight forwarding offices across the world.

The latest branch to open its doors is in Miami, Florida.

It has launched no less than 100 offices over the last eight months as it seeks to expand its freight forwarding network.

And it has confirmed that many more branches will open for business in the future.

The new offices are timely, part of what DP World describes as “a bold initiative to bolster its commitment to its customers” at a time of significant disruption to global trade.

According to the company, the traditional asset-light freight forwarding model which sees cargo moved via third parties has proven to be susceptible to disruption at key chokepoints, with a knock-on effects for inventory and fulfilment planning for businesses and their customers.

DP World’s “unique combination of infrastructure ownership and end-to-end services provide customers with more resilience and bespoke solutions for their supply chains”, it considers.

Toolbox of services

By expanding its freight forwarding offering, which focuses on air and ocean freight shipping, DP World can deploy a ‘toolbox’ of services or capabilities made up of ports, terminals, warehouses, trucks, rail and shipping services.

Physical assets are supported by proprietary digital technology, while DP World also works with partners across the supply chain to maximise efficiency.

Beat Simon, group chief commercial officer, logistics at DP World, commented: “Our expansion in freight forwarding complements our end-to-end supply chain solutions and capabilities.

“Our asset-appropriate approach is a step-change for the freight forwarding industry that puts customers in the driving seat with more visibility and control and [gives] them confidence to trade in today’s global market.”

Simon continued: “As we continue to grow our freight forwarding footprint, we are building a network that will cover more than 90% of global trade.

“We are focused on densifying our network as we build a best-in-class, strong and resilient global capability.”

DP World’s freight forwarding network offers order and origin management, port handling and freight management for ocean and air, and at-destination services such as customs, drayage, logistics, last-mile delivery, deconsolidation and bonded warehousing services.

It also offers a variety of value-add services including embedded trade finance, commodity-specific services, cars in containers, transload and more.

All services can be accessed through a single digital window. DP World’s digital offering enables customers to track their goods in real time.

Marco Nazzari, VP commercial freight forwarding at DP World, observed: “Our freight forwarding service uses our proprietary digital technology solutions to simplify global trade for our customers and give them more control.

“However, it’s not just our digital solutions that offer a next-gen freight forwarding service: our people are foundational to our customers’ success.

“Leveraging an asset-appropriate approach, DP World utilises its digital tools, alongside the expertise and local know-how of its team, to make freight forwarding easier and more resilient from end to end.”