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DHL eCommerce to Merge with Evri

Posted on by David Priestman

Evri, one of the UK’s largest dedicated parcel delivery companies, and DHL eCommerce, the e-commerce logistics specialist of DHL Group, have today announced a strategic transaction that will see the merger of DHL eCommerce UK with Evri. The merged Evri business will deliver over 1 billion parcels and a further 1 billion business letters annually and is poised to bring significant benefits to consumers and businesses by offering greater choice and cost competitive solutions. As part of the transaction, DHL Group will acquire a significant minority stake in Evri.

Evri’s cost-effective and flexible courier offer will be complemented with the addition of DHL eCommerce’s premium van delivery network. Rebranded Evri Premium – a network of DHL eCommerce, this will remain a dedicated and secure, separate network that will offer fast, time-sensitive deliveries with enhanced shipping security protection for high-value and large items for B2B and B2C parcel services.
The new Group will include an expanded international capability for inbound and outbound parcels to complement Evri’s own international network by making use of DHL eCommerce’s extensive expertise in cross-border parcel shipping and out-of-home network of nearly 150, 000 global access points. This includes faster transit times across the world with access to DHL’s own eCommerce network in Europe, the U.S. and selected Asian markets such as India.

Notably, Evri is entering the UK business letter market for the first time, with DHL’s UK Mail retained in the new combined Group and offering a best-in-class mail service. This will also offer e-commerce businesses more options for sending lighter-weight items. In addition, customers will benefit from the Group’s new combined out-of-home shop and locker network parcel delivery and collection which will be the UK’s largest.

Martijn de Lange, CEO of Evri, said: “We are excited that DHL eCommerce UK will merge with Evri to bring together two highly complementary UK businesses – committed to innovation and offering customers and clients the best possible service. By combining Evri’s scale, innovation and DHL eCommerce’s best-in-class premium van network, we are creating the pre-eminent parcel delivery group in the UK. Over the last decade Evri has grown ten-fold in size and this transaction will further expand our access into the European and global e-commerce markets. Since Apollo-managed funds came on board as our owners, they have backed our intent to drive forward and grow to become the UK’s premier parcel delivery business.”

Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, said: “DHL eCommerce and Evri both stand for top service quality, reliability, and sustainability, which makes this partnership a great fit for our customers. Together, we’ll be able to offer more efficient, far-reaching, and innovative solutions to keep up with the fast-paced e-commerce market. By joining forces in the UK, we’re creating a one-stop shop for all our customers’ parcel needs here and giving them better delivery options from around the world.”

The service portfolio of the newly formed Group will include:
• Cost-effective and flexible courier network for next-day and standard deliveries for small and large items for retailers, businesses and consumers.
• A separate, dedicated and secure premium network for high-value and larger parcels for B2B and B2C deliveries.
• A leading SME one stop shop solution which offers everything from mail, lightweight, larger, secure, B2B, international and fulfilment services.
• The UK’s largest out-of-home network of 15,000 access points.
• Extensive international capability to complement Evri’s own international network by making use of DHL eCommerce’s expertise in cross-border parcel shipping and global out-of-home network of nearly 150,000 access points.
• The operation of a best-in-class mail service on behalf of businesses in the UK.

On completion, the combined Group, will bring together a team of over 30,000 couriers and van drivers, 12,000 colleagues, with a fleet of 8,000 vehicles to deliver over 1 billion parcels and 1 billion letters annually.

Evri Chairman and Apollo Partner Alex van Hoek, said: “This is a tremendous milestone in Evri’s journey, and we are delighted to welcome a global leader like DHL as a strategic partner and shareholder. By embracing technology and innovation, Evri has grown from strength to strength in a dynamic e-commerce market. With DHL’s complementary expertise and strong network, the business is well positioned to further improve its reliable services and the customer experience.”

Following completion, Martijn de Lange will lead the combined business in the UK, with Stu Hill, currently CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, becoming MD of Evri’s Premium DHL network business. The DHL eCommerce UK executive team will also join the new group.

Evri will continue to be majority owned by Apollo-managed funds. Completion of the transaction and the outlined partnership are contingent upon closing conditions, including customary regulatory approvals. The businesses of DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding in the UK are unaffected by this transaction and will continue to operate as they do at present.

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DHL Suspends High-Value US Deliveries

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Express has temporarily suspended deliveries of goods worth more than $800 to the United States, citing a “significant increase” in customs red tape linked to new tariff rules introduced by US President Donald Trump.

Starting Today (21st April 2025), the company will halt shipments from businesses in all countries to American consumers for packages above the $800 threshold, stating the move will remain in place “until further notice.” Deliveries between businesses (B2B) will continue but may also experience delays.

Previously, goods valued up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork. However, tighter customs checks implemented alongside Trump’s recent tariffs have now lowered that threshold, triggering a spike in formal customs clearances.

DHL said this surge has strained operations:

“While we are working to scale up and manage this increase, shipments worth over $800, regardless of origin, may experience multi-day delays.”

Shipments valued under $800 will still be delivered and continue to face minimal customs scrutiny—for now. But additional changes are on the horizon. On 2 May, the White House is expected to close a loophole that allows low-value packages, particularly from China and Hong Kong, to enter the US without paying duties.

In a related move, Hongkong Post announced it is suspending all sea mail deliveries to the US and will stop accepting any parcels bound for the US starting 27 April. It described the US approach as “unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively.”

As global shipping lanes become increasingly entangled with geopolitics and security concerns, logistics providers are facing new challenges in cross-border parcel delivery—particularly into the US.

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Endangered Bongos Flown to Kenyan Sanctuary

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Express has partnered with Tusk, a charity dedicated to accelerating the impact of Africa-driven conservation, to transport 17 critically endangered mountain bongo antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida to a sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Kenya, run by the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust. Bred in Florida, mountain bongos are on the verge of extinction with fewer than 100 left in the wild due to poaching, forest degradation and habitat fragmentation.

As a partner of Tusk, DHL used its expert and specialist logistics services to provide point-to-point air transfer for the bongos. Meeting the requirement that the full herd be transported together; DHL provided a dedicated aircraft which carried the antelopes 7146 nautical miles directly from Palm Beach International Airport (Florida) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya.

The bongos were transported in custom-built crates, alongside 6 tonnes of pelleted feed and 3 specialist animal care staff including a veterinarian and 2 bongo specialists from the US. The mountain bongos were released into a 20-acre sanctuary, which has been set aside for their long-term management and recovery by the Kenya Forest Service. The sanctuary plays a critical role in the national recovery plan and is key to the ongoing success of the project.

Formed by 12 female and 5 male bongo antelopes, the herd will remain in the paddocks to safely breed. The offspring will then slowly be reintroduced into Mount Kenya’s forest ecosystem, from which they have been absent for over 40 years.

Mike Parra, CEO DHL Express Europe, says: “We are so proud to be able to leverage the power and expertise of our global network to assist in transporting these critically endangered bongo antelopes to their new sanctuary in Kenya. The logistics of moves such as this are incredibly complex, with the welfare of the animals being everyone’s top priority. A huge thank you to our partners at Tusk, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and everyone involved in making this important conservation mission a success”.

Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy which helped to coordinate this complex repatriation, says: “Bringing the bongos back to Kenya is a great moment in the restoration of the country’s natural heritage. For decades, these animals have been largely absent from the very forests where they belong, and this project will be crucial in reversing that loss. Seeing them set foot on Kenyan soil again is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organizations work together.”

DHL Flies Bongos

Dr. Paul Reillo, RSCF Founder and President, says: “There is simply no higher calling for humanity than to protect what remains of nature. The mountain bongo’s story of decline and recovery has been entirely on our watch, and the species’ future lies with all of us. The bongo’s resilience is a story of hope for wildlife and people alike, merging elevated partnerships, proven expertise, vital resources and amazing courage. This humbling, profound project exemplifies true wildlife conservation in real time.”

Charlie Mayhew, Founder and President of Tusk, says: “The return of 17 critically endangered mountain bongos from Florida to Kenya is a significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat, and demonstrates the conservation progress that can be made through collaboration. We are hugely grateful to our global partner DHL Express for their generous support in transporting the bongos – yet another key milestone in the partnership between our organizations. DHL’s dedication to environmental sustainability, and its role as a responsible corporate partner in supporting Tusk’s mission to protect Africa’s wildlife and natural habitat, is invaluable.”

Led by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LEWA), the relocation of the bongos was a collaborative effort supported by the Meru Bongo & Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT) and the RSCF. The local communities surrounding the sanctuary will play a key role in running the conservation program, creating education and employment opportunities that will support the region. In this context, Tusk acts as official partner of DHL Express, working closely together with LEWA, MBRCT and RSCF to provide highly efficient solutions for funding wildlife conservation programs.

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Pacifying Air Cargo

Central Asia Air Freight Hub

Posted on by David Priestman

Hong Kong is the location of DHL’s main Asian DC, one of three global hubs. David Priestman was given a tour of the recently upgraded express facility.

€377 million is a lot to invest in a distribution centre. DHL have deep pockets and needed a best-in-class operation at Hong Kong’s Chep Lap Kok international airport, with direct access to airside and landside. It is the only dedicated express cargo facility here, offering seamless parcel shipment transfers, processing 45% of intra-Asia shipments and close to 20% of DHL Express’s global shipments. Using this location provides just a maximum 4 hour flight time to major cities in the Asia-Pacific region, with Freeport advantages.

General Manager Samuel Lee (pictured), also a member of the DHL Express Global Hub Steering Committee, has 25 years of experience in logistics. The former General Manager of DHL Express’s South Asia Hub, in his native Singapore, Lee has also advised on the development and commissioning of the company’s hubs in Bangkok and Shanghai. As a matter of interest, UPS’ nearest hub is in Shenzhen, FedEx’s in Guangzhou – both in mainland China.

The Hong Kong DC features auto sorting systems and 40-feet telescopic conveyors for container truck loading and unloading. The induction system to the 8.86km long conveyor belt consolidates multiple lines and feeds items to the auto-sorters and 6-sided scanners (supplied by Sick), then on to the designated tunnel for CT X-ray security scans which detect suspicious content via 3D imaging and smart-rendering functions for precise inspection. This is the first facility in Hong Kong to have CT scanners. There are 880 CCTV cameras as well to provide maximum security and the site has its own 24-hour customs hall.

Samuel Lee

The automated sorters direct parcels to their respective destination slide/shute. In this DC Vanderlande’s ‘Crosssorter’ is used, but DHL deploy Beumer, Fives and Interroll sorters in other warehouse hubs. The final process is for parcel details to be scanned by a member of staff before being packed into a ULD for manoeuvring on caster decks onwards to the aircraft. Having direct access airside enables faster loading. The flight information board informs staff of the cut-off time, while shipment sensor indicators notify them when the shipment slides reach 75% or 100% capacity.

Lee justifiably boasts of the hub’s sustainable features. These include 3450 pieces of solar roof panels, with a total PV generation estimated at 1.7 million kWh annually and meaning that the DC has excess electricity. The battery energy storage system (BESS) acts as an energy buffer for optimisation of the solar energy usage and peak load shifting. 100% of the forklifts used are electric, all lights are LED and there are high-efficiency air-cooled chillers near the picking stations. “All our warehouses will be carbon neutral, including older facilities, by 2030,” Lee informed me. This ties-in with DHL’s last-mile delivery target of having 60% of its fleet electric by the same deadline.

Staff safety and well being is paramount here, Lee emphasises. There is a safety committee, regular drills, health checks and programmes for all staff. There are 670 employees here currently and their happiness is central to the culture Lee is cultivating at this site. The DC was calmy quiet when I attended, on an early weekday evening, but gets very busy as the clock ticks down to night flight departures. DHL flies to Leipzig more than other European destinations, as this is the European hub.

After the latest expansion, completed in 2023, the DC, which operates across three floors, can handle six times more in terms of shipment volume than when it was first established in 2004, with a total area now of 49,500 sq.m. The capacity total volume management is now over 1 million tonnes per annum. Bridges provide walkways between the buildings, so as to create synergy.

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Volatile Trade Outlook

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL’s trade outlook conference call today witnessed a cautious attitude to 2025 forecasts and trends. Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe, expects impacts on trade between the US, Eurozone, and UK, and argues that DHL Express is supporting UK businesses in navigating these changes.

“There’s volatility and uncertainty for sure,” Parra said. “But globalization is not in retreat, as shown by our connectedness index recently. There has been a deceleration in global trade growth. Typically trade growth is double GDP growth, and that’s still the case for countries like Turkey. But currently trade is rising by the same as GDP in the UK and other countries,” which is not much therefore. “We are seeing growth in shipments by SEMs,” he added.

Saul Resnick, CEO of DHL Supply Chain UK, who was a guest on our Logistics Business Conversations Podcast recently, discussed inventory levels and infrastructure investments in the UK and what they reveal about business confidence in UK retail and manufacturing. “UK competiveness is under review,” he said. “FMCG investment is ok, as is moves to more automation and digitization. Omnishoring is trending. 90% of the affects of Brexit have taken place and we have adapted with our customers to these new arrangements.” In terms of inventory, “safety stock levels are down, so service is paramount. Products must be in the right place.”

“I thought we had seen the bottom last year, in terms of insolvencies and disruption in the UK, as a result of Brexit, but maybe it will be this year,” added Parra. “We’re getting closer to the full impact, it shall pass and the UK will bounce back. But what’s next? We’ve seen customer stop selling into the EU. On the plus side, our family of businesses offer consolidation warehousing and distribution to help.”

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I asked Parra and Resnick about their opinion on whether the UK should join the forthcoming ‘Pan-Euro-Mediterranean’ (PEM) convention and customs agreement. Is this the single best thing the UK Government can do to boost growth? “Anything that attracts more trade we will support,” responded Resnick. Parra said, “any free trade agreement for the UK now will be seen as positive in nature. Trade equals jobs!”

DHL Express operates 130 flights per day from the UK, particularly the East Midlands Airport hub.

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British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour Tailored Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

The British and Irish Lions rugby team has announced DHL Express as the official tour logistics partner – marking 20 years together.

The 2025 Qatar Airways Lions Men’s Series will be the 20th anniversary of DHL being a proud partner of the Lions, delivering seamless logistics solutions to ensure the team can focus on what they do best. As with the 2021 Series in South Africa, the players in Australia will sport the DHL logo on the back of their Lions jerseys – highlighting that DHL is the team behind the team.

John Pearson, CEO DHL Express said: “Twenty years of delivering The British & Irish Lions is a huge achievement and privilege – one which we do not take lightly. Rugby plays a key role in our extensive sponsorship portfolio, and over the years of ‘delivering rugby to the world’, our brand has become synonymous with rugby on a global level, with longstanding partnerships with the likes of Harlequins, Munster, DHL Super Rugby Pacific and European Professional Club Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

“The sport of rugby represents key values that resonate strongly with our own DHL brand values. For this reason, I am delighted to be continuing our partnership with The Lions – further affirming our commitment to rugby and to keeping the world connected and we look forward to engaging with the fans along the way.”

As a key partner of the Lions since 2005 DHL will support both in Ireland and on Tour during next year’s Series.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British and Irish Lions said: “To have DHL as our trusted team behind the team for 20 years now shows just how crucial their support is to The British & Irish Lions. Getting all of the details right off the pitch, like ensuring the safe delivery of our kit and equipment, gives the Lions the best possible chance of success on the field of play. So we are delighted to be working alongside DHL again as our Official Logistics Partner as we head to Australia in 2025 – following our first ever home game on Irish soil in Dublin next June.”

In 2025 the Lions will bring together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a Tour of Australia from June 28 to August 2, including three highly-anticipated Test matches against The Wallabies.

As Official Logistics Partner, DHL will provide specialised and tailored logistics solutions for the team – delivering around 8 tonnes of equipment, ranging from scrum machines, and training gear to medical equipment. From coaches, support staff and management, to DHL employees and fans, they all play a key part in the team behind the team.

The DHL logo will appear on the back of the Lions Player Jersey, which will be available to buy in Spring 2025. This slim-fit design will be identical to what the players will wear on the field, with the looser-fitting supporter replica jersey available now. The premium Canterbury jersey will feature the full range of tour sponsors that will be worn on the field – Howden, DHL and the Qatar Airways Series mark.

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DHL Relocate Orphan Meat Trade Chimpanzee

Posted on by Will Priestman

DHL Express and Monkey World announced today that they have successfully relocated Chocolat, a female chimpanzee and orphan of the illegal bushmeat trade in the Republic of Congo, to her new long-term home in Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset, UK.

Chocolat’s Rescue from Meat Trade

Chocolat was an infant when her family were hunted and killed. When she was rescued, she was found to have injuries from shotgun pellets that have left her with a paralysed hand and foot on her right side. After spending the past twenty years in Kenya being looked after by her original rescuer, Chocolat has now found a long-term home at Monkey World, which provides specialist care for chimpanzees that have been smuggled from the wild and/or suffered abuse or neglect. To accommodate her needs, her new enclosure has been treated to upgrades such as lower platforms, new nesting areas, and cargo nets, all designed to make Chocolat’s new home as accessible as possible.

Monkey World was established in 1987 to provide a home for chimpanzees who were being abused in the Spanish beach photography trade. Since then, it has continued to rescue monkeys, apes and prosimians who have been used or abused by humans. It has assisted 29 governments to confiscate and rehome the victims of the legal and illegal trade in primates. The 65 acre sanctuary in Dorset is now home to over 230 primates of 25 different species. Chocolat joins 51 other chimpanzees, over 4 groups, living in as natural conditions as possible.

Chocolat’s Journey to the UK

Throughout the journey DHL Express provided Chocolat with VIP service, transporting her in a custom-built crate supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel, and pilots. Throughout the trip Chocolat snacked on fresh fruit, nuts and sweet potato.

Her journey, which was carefully planned to reduce the amount of time she spent in transit, began at Nairobi Airport on August 15th, included a brief stop in Bahrain, and concluded with a seven-hour flight to East Midlands Airport, where she arrived on the morning of August 16th. From there, she was transported by road to her new home at Monkey World.

Meat Trade Chimpanzee saved

Her New Home

At her new home Chocolat is being gradually introduced to six other chimpanzees who will become her adopted family. Monkey World is home to chimpanzees rescued from 16 different countries. Chocolat’s new family were rescued from Mexico, Argentina, Cyprus, and Thailand, and also have various disabilities as a result of their tragic backgrounds. She has already made friendly contact with Bryan, the dominant male in her group, reaching out to him and for the first time in over 20 years, touching a fellow chimp. She is getting used to a diet with a larger variety of vegetables than she has been accustomed to. As she learns how to be a chimp again, Chocolat is expected to live out the rest of her days in peace at Monkey World. Chimps like Chocolat have an average life expectancy of 50 years.

Those Who have Helped

Other organisations who have supported and assisted Chocolat’s transfer are African Apes and the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, founded by actress Stefanie Powers in honour of her lifelong love William Holden.

Stefanie Powers, founder of William Holden Wildlife Foundation, said “In my avocation as a wildlife conservationist, I am concerned about the illegal trafficking of primates which continues unabated. It is only through the extraordinary efforts of individuals such as Alison Cronin and her Monkey World team that our fellow primates may be rescued and rehabilitated. We are only a fraction of DNA removed from all our primate brothers and sisters and it is a privilege to play a small part in helping to preserve and protect them. Thanks to the outstanding generosity and support from DHL one very special chimpanzee called Chocolat will have a chance at a fulfilling life. As a friend of Chocolat I am grateful to DHL and Monkey World.”

Dr Alison Cronin MBE, Director at Monkey World, said “We’re so happy to welcome Chocolat. The reason we exist is to offer a nurturing environment for chimpanzees and other primates and to give them back a fraction of what has been taken from them by humans, providing them with a family again. Companionship of their own kind is vital to chimpanzees’ wellbeing, as they are social, intelligent animals. Living in family groups in as natural an environment as possible is the best kind of rehabilitation we can provide to chimpanzees like Chocolat. Her integration will be gradual, but her journey has been very smooth, thanks to the support of DHL and so far, she is settling in well.”

Cain Moodie, EVP Network Operations for DHL Express in Europe, said, “It has been an honour to help Chocolat, the chimp, relocate to her new home at Monkey World. The logistics of transporting her were quite challenging, but our team of experts, in collaboration with Monkey World and her carers in Kenya, took every possible measure to ensure her journey was safe and comfortable. It’s a real pleasure for everyone at DHL when we can use our skills and network to contribute to projects such as this.”

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