DHL Express opens Americas region hub in Atlanta

DHL Express has opened its Americas region hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to strengthen its global supply chain capabilities.

Spanning 100,000 sq ft, the $84.5m hub further strengthens the company’s connections and service capabilities between the US and key global markets.

The hub establishes direct connections between 19 cities in the southeastern US and global markets, including Europe and major DHL hubs worldwide.

Future plans involve adding capacity with flight connections to Hong Kong, Mexico, the UK, and Puerto Rico.

The 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, said DHL.

The remaining energy consumed on-site is sourced from renewable sources through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

Additionally, the hub includes LED lights, electric forklifts, dock seals, and rapid rise doors, further minimise 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, chief executive of DHL Express Americas.

The Atlanta hub operates as a fully automated facility, equipped with technology capable of sorting up to 20,000 pieces per hour.

DHL Express has also implemented advanced threat detection and security screening technologies to prevent the entry of illegal and hazardous commodities into its network.