DHL Express said it is helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a suite of digital tools to expand their footprint and increase international trade and shipping activities.

The logistics behemoth noted that these digital tools will enable resource-constrained SMEs to better manage cross-border shipping logistics as they import and export goods and products from multiple sources and locations.

DHL noted that evidence from the DHL Global Connectedness Report showed companies continue to have an appetite for international expansion.

"Globalization reached a record high in 2022, and most international flows are taking place over stable or longer distances," DHL said, adding that in ASEAN and Greater China, four in five businesses want to expand overseas, citing a study by UOB Group.

"However, SMEs often face significant challenges in traversing the complexities of international trade," DHL added.

It noted that for instance, intricate customs processes, insufficient knowledge about exporting and international trade regulations, as well as a lack of internal staffing and financial resources significantly hinder their ability to enter global markets.

"We pride ourselves on being the provider of choice for all, including SMEs, which form the backbone of many economies," said Yung C. Ooi, senior vice president for commercial – Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

"In Asia Pacific, SMEs make up over 97% of all businesses, and we have heard from many of our customers that they face various challenges when selling globally. By providing SMEs with the tools and resources they need to easily trade and ship internationally, we can help them boost their presence in a dynamic global marketplace. Our international footprint and committed team of logistics experts can help SMEs reach their full potential," he added.

Recognizing these hurdles, DHL Express noted that it has developed a comprehensive suite of digital solutions to help SMEs and startups quickly sign up for an account anytime, anywhere and start selling globally.

This covers planning to aftersales. DHL said the tools help SMEs streamline cross-border trade processes, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency, ultimately driving growth and competitiveness on a global scale.

The digital tools include My Global Trade Services (myGTS) — a free, online self-serve pre-shipment planner that companies can use to find the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes to classify products for shipping; DHL Express Commerce, which integrates DHL Express shipping services with many e-commerce platforms to help businesses automate shipment creation and manage the fulfilment process; and Track & Trace, which allows the shipper to track all shipments accurately across the DHL Express network.

Moreover, it noted that its On Demand Delivery tool helps both the shipper and the recipient to customize their delivery preferences. 

Meanwhile, with DHL Pass, the logistics firm said its customers can use DHL online platforms with one login and multi-factor authentication also provides customers with a seamless and secure digital experience.

"This is gradually being rolled out worldwide," DHL added.

Other than digital tools, DHL Express noted that it is also focused on supporting small businesses in trading their goods internationally through the GoTrade program, which allows SMEs to tap into the global marketplace.

Moreover, DHL also organizes webinars and workshops to guide entrepreneurs in building an online business and understanding the complexities of international shipping, such as customs processes.

It said that across Asia Pacific, DHL Express has also formed alliances with several organizations, such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, Asia Foundation, and Bayan Innovation Group, and organized workshops and webinars to help them become acquainted with trade regulations and reduce barriers to international trade.