DHL launches new direct LCL service from Sri Lanka to Canada

DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, today announced the launch of its direct Less than Container Load[1] (LCL) service from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Montreal, Canada. The new direct service will greatly enhance the company’s strong presence in both Canada and Sri Lanka where Canada-based customers will benefit from an expanded DHL service portfolio and access to Sri Lanka’s vast natural resources in a secure and efficient manner.

DHL’s latest LCL service offering from Sri Lanka to Canada will serve to bolster the significant trade volumes between Canada and Sri Lanka – bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to CAD$450 billion in 2009[2]. Canada and Sri Lanka have a long history of bilateral trade relations. Among Sri Lanka’s top exports to Canada were apparel and clothing accessories, tires and tea, while top imports included dried leguminous vegetables, muslin and wheat. 

Operated by Danmar Lines, DHL Global Forwarding’s in-house carrier, the new service from Colombo will facilitate trading activities with Canada and benefit business enterprises with the shorter transit time of 23 days from South Asia. The direct service can reduce the risk of damage, loss and other contingencies, resulting in enhanced security for customers’ shipments. 

Amadou Diallo, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Global Forwarding, South Asia Pacific, said, “The launch of DHL’s new LCL service from Colombo to Montreal is timely as more businesses pick up steam amidst the global economic recovery. Colombo is a key part of our LCL network in South Asia as it serves as the natural hub for Bangladesh, India and Pakistan which are connected to this service through our feeder network. With the shorter transit time, the new direct service will undoubtedly help our customers extend their global reach in a cost-efficient manner while still benefiting from our service flexibility and reliability.” 

“The direct LCL service connecting Colombo and Montreal will, in no small measure, enable our customers in Sri Lanka to access a vibrant market like Canada. It will provide customers with a reliable and cost effective solution to their shipping needs between these markets, while leveraging DHL’s global LCL network as they further expand their reach into foreign markets,” said Najeeb-ur Rahman, Country Manager, DHL Global Forwarding Lanka.

Mr. Clas Thorell, Head of LCL Management Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding said, “The launch of this new direct LCL service from Sri Lanka to Canada underscores our forward-looking march ahead as DHL expands its global LCL network. This is part of our continuous effort to deliver quality customer service. As our extensive LCL network continues to grow rapidly, we are committed to further strengthen our position as the global LCL industry leader.”

DHL currently operates the world’s largest LCL network with close to 2,000,000 cubic meters of LCL freight handled annually via 45,000 point pairs within the DHL in-house system.