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DHL: The Beginning
In 1969, Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn (D, H, and L) founded DHL as a service shuttling bills of lading
between San Francisco and Honolulu. The company grew rapidly and in a few years initiated service to the Philippines, Japan,
Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, creating an entirely new industry of international door-to-door express service in the
Pacific Basin. Steady expansion continued in the 1970's as DHL initiated service to Europe (1974), Latin America (1977), the
Middle East (1978) and Africa (1978). The international delivery company was the first to bring air express to the Eastern
Bloc countries in 1983 and to the People's Republic of China in 1986.
DHL: Today
DHL's rapid growth reflects the globalization of trade. As our customers expand into international markets, DHL is there
to meet their needs. Today, DHL is the world's largest and most experienced international air express network with service
to 120,000 destinations in more than 220 countries and territories. DHL maintains its position as the world's leading international
air express network by continually expanding and upgrading its network of offices, hubs and gateways, and by offering superior
service through a well-trained and dedicated work force.
More than 4,400 offices support DHL's extensive worldwide coverage. Of that total, over two-thirds are owned and operated
by DHL, far greater than any other company in the air express industry. As a result, DHL has a significant advantage over
other air express carriers who use more third party agents in the foreign countries they serve. DHL also has dedicated customs
personnel in nearly every country where it operates to assist with customer shipments. These advantages result in faster transit
times, streamlined customs clearance, effective tracking of shipments and simplified billing.
DHL operates an unmatched global system of 238 gateways and more than 450 hubs, warehouses and terminals. This allows
for the rapid and efficient movement of shipments, resulting in fast, reliable and cost-efficient service to over 4.2 million
customers worldwide. More than 400 aircraft operate for or on behalf of DHL, giving DHL the flexibility to use the fastest
possible means of transportation to any given destination.
So huge as these facilities and equipment are to supporting DHL's global network, it is the worldwide team of more than
170,000 professionals whose commitment to anticipating, understanding and meeting each customer's unique shipping needs that
makes DHL the industry leader.
DHL Timeline
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