DHL

About Company
DHL is the global market leader in international express, overland transport and air freight. It is also the world's number 1 in ocean freight and contract logistics. DHL offers a full range of customized solutions - from express document shipping to supply chain management.

History
These are the first letters of the last names of the three company founders:
Adrian Dalsey
Larry Hillblom
Robert Lynn
DHL

Key dates
1969 DHL founded by Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn in San Francisco;
1971 DHL expands its network rapidly and becomes a trusted partner of many companies. Expansion into the Far East;

Key dates
1974 The first UK office is opened in London. Globally, DHL now has 3,052 customers and 314 staff;
1979 DHL extends its services to delivering packages. Only document services had been available until now;
1983 DHL is the first air express forwarder to serve Eastern European countries. An international distribution centre is opened in Cincinnati, USA;

Key dates
1986 DHL enters into a joint venture with the People's Republic of China and becomes the first express company active in China;
1988 DHL was already present in 170 countries and had 16,000 employees;

Key dates
1990 DHL entered into strategic alliances with Lufthansa, Japan Airlines and Nissho Iwai;
2002 Deutsche Post World Net became the major shareholder in DHL from 1 January. A 100% shareholding was completed by the end of the year.

Today…
DHL is the world's largest and most experienced international air express network with service to 120,000 destinations in more than 220 countries and territories. DHL maintains its position as the world's leading international air express network by continually expanding and upgrading its network of offices, hubs and gateways, and by offering superior service through a well-trained and dedicated work force.