Express logistics

We analyze some of the biggest industry players during the past 12 months.

Company: DHL
Category: Express Logistics

Towards the end of 2006, DHL outlined its ambitious strategy to establish a larger footprint in the Middle East and diversify its product offering for customers throughout the region. Twelve months later, and despite increased competition in express logistics, the international heavyweight has surpassed its annual growth targets and reinforced its market position in the Middle East.

"We're ideally placed to keep abreast of this growth and continue to provide the best range of products available in the industry," says Dave Spargo, area director of DHL Express Middle East.

The company has operations in 15 countries throughout the region, offering a variety of different services through the DHL Express, DHL Exel Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding brands. These entities are connected to the group's impressive global network, which includes around 220 countries throughout the world.

"We celebrated our 30th anniversary in the Middle East this year, which was marked by a visit from Dr Klaus Zumwinkel, CEO of our parent company Deutsche Post World Net," says Spargo. "During his tour of the region, we announced plans to develop more than 250,000m2 of land in Dubai World Central Airport, which is testament to the Middle East's growing status as a leading international logistics hub."

DHL has supported its multi-million dollar investments in future facilities with additional funds allocated to the refurbishment and expansion of its existing distribution centres. Over US$60 million of further infrastructure investment is being planned for the region over the next five to ten years.

"The entire DHL team in the Middle East has worked incredibly hard this year, and these efforts were officially recognised during this year's Supply Chain and Transport Awards (SCATA) in Dubai, where we received the award for Express Logistics Provider of the
Year," says Spargo.

Web: www.dhl.com
Tel: +971 4 2995333

Company: Fast Express
Category: Express Logistics

Although it's considered a relative newcomer in the express deliveries sector, Fast Express has quickly established itself in the Dubai marketplace, with a focus on the domestic and international delivery of time-sensitive and critical packages.

"Since our launch in 2005, we have experienced considerable success by targeting a number of industries, such as the financial, publishing and government sectors," says Ahmed Abood Al Boasy, group general manager of Emirates National Group (ENG), the parent company of Fast Express.

"In particular, we received a positive response towards our bullet service in 2007, where critical shipments within Dubai are delivered in the space of two hours and shipments between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are delivered within three hours. We have also secured a number of agreements to provide surface and airfreight movements of heavy shipments, with our service including the handling of customs clearance at Dubai International Airport," he adds.

After experiencing a significant level of growth in 2007, Fast Express has ambitious plans to establish new locations and service centres in the United Arab Emirates, together with other international markets. Earlier this year, following a cumulative growth of 25% in shipments from Abu Dhabi, the company opened two offices in the UAE capital, located in the industrial area of Musaffah and downtown Abu Dhabi.

"We are expanding our branch network to support the company's future growth plans. The opening of the office in downtown Abu Dhabi has given Fast Express good visibility in the prime commercial area of the emirate. The strategic location allows us to better serve our existing and future customers," says Al Boasy.

"On the other hand, the new Fast Express Mussafah branch targets commercial establishments based in the industrial centre. We have found significant growth in volumes in non-document shipments from Mussafah. The growth of bulk shipments was a key reason for us to establish a full scale presence here."

Web: www.fastexpressuae.com
Tel: +971 4 2833448

Company: Empost
Category: Express Logistics

Empost entered a number of different markets this year, to complement its diversification strategy in the Middle East.

One of the company's biggest successes in 2007 has been the launch of a cargo and logistics division, which offers a combination of airfreight, sea freight and land transportation services for customers in the United Arab Emirates.

"We are providing a range of specialised services through the cargo and logistics division, which are customised to meet the demands of customers in the region," says Sultan Al Midfa, CEO of Empost. "There is huge demand for warehousing services in the United Arab Emirates and we're determined to capitalise on this booming market in the coming months. By the end of 2008, we are planning to have a number of different facilities located in the UAE and other regional destinations."

Empost expanded its value-added services by opening a packing and removals department, which specialises in the transportation of exhibition equipment, office relocations and household goods.

The company also entered the European market this year, with ambitions to target itself as a leading provider of customised courier services. "Europe has actively supported the growth of the courier and express services market, which has resulted in strong economic prospects for companies such as Empost," says Al Midfa. "With this expansion, we now cover 225 destinations around the world, including the Americas, Europe, Far East, Indian subcontinent and the Middle East."

Web: www.empostuae.com
Tel: +971 4 2860000