DHL launches one stop platform: Customs Connection

DHL Global Forwarding has launched a new one-stop shop platform for its US clients moving goods internationally.
Customs Connection replaces the previous DHL platform and is designed to act as a one stop-shop for all customs processes at the air and ocean freight transport specialist within Deutsche Post DHL Group.
“With the changing customs landscape, DHL Global Forwarding now offers a platform that is more dynamic, robust and easy to use, allowing our US customers to obtain their data in a more accessible manner,” commented David Goldberg, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding, US.
“This platform complements the Customs Brokerage services we offer through our team of 800 experts across the US,” he added.
Enhanced functionalities
Customs Connection is based upon “sophisticated technological architecture”, a statement from DHL observed, and features “enhanced functionalities” including a dashboard via which customers can view and download their current and historical information and data, filter through commodities/origin and destination categories, generate reports obtain invoice information and view a breakdown of their total brokerage costs.
Prior to the official launch of Customs Connection, DHL Global Forwarding held a pilot programme at the beginning of this year with select customers.
“We are transitioning all of our US Customs Brokerage customers onto this new platform and have obtained very positive feedback and reviews thus far,” informed Alejandro Palacios, head of Customs Brokerage for DHL Global Forwarding, US.
“It is a platform that will help our customers be more efficient by giving them the opportunity to take control of all of their customs data with complete visibility and tracking.”
For customers elsewhere wishing to book, track, trace and generate reports on their shipments, DHL Global Forwarding also offers DHLi, an online platform designed to support shipment bookings and “proactive” supply chain management.
Ongoing development
The launch of Customs Connection follows hard on the heels of DHL’s announcement earlier this month (September) that it is establishing an e-commerce division to ensure it can take advantage of the growing sector.
The German express and logistics giant said that separating e-commerce from its Post and Parcel (PeP) division would allow its postal business to concentrate on its turnaround plans.
At the same time, by creating the DHL eCommerce Solutions division, the group will be better positioned to leverage opportunities "within the booming e-commerce logistics sector in Europe and around the world", it said.