DHL Express has opened its Americas region hub based at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
In the announcement, DHL said the US$84.5 million investment further strengthens the company's connections and service capabilities between the US and key global markets, increasing capacity, speeding transit times, and adding resilience to its network with a focus on sustainability.
Spanning 100,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art hub establishes direct connections between 19 cities in the Southeastern US and key global markets, including Europe and major DHL hubs worldwide.
DHL said future plans involve adding flight connections to Hong Kong, Mexico, the UK, and Puerto Rico.
The DHL Atlanta Hub generates up to 50% of its on-site energy consumption through 65,000 sq. ft of rooftop solar panels, preventing the release of 380 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
The remaining energy consumed on-site is sourced from renewable sources through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), guaranteeing zero emissions from electricity consumption.
Moreover, the hub uses LED lights, electric forklifts, dock seals, and rapid-rise doors, further minimizing its environmental impact.
"The new DHL Express Atlanta Hub represents a milestone in our ongoing pursuit of sustainability and technological advancement. It also exemplifies our belief in the power of international trade and recognizes the significance of Atlanta and the Southeast US in the global marketplace," said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Americas.
The Atlanta hub operates as a fully automated facility equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of sorting up to 20,000 pieces per hour.
To ensure swift clearance of DHL customer shipments, DHL noted that the hub employs in-house Customs brokers and collaborates with on-site US Customs and Border Protection personnel.
Additionally, DHL implements advanced threat detection and security screening technologies, effectively preventing the entry of illegal and hazardous commodities into its network.
