DHL launches new direct LCL service from Nhava Sheva, India to Los Angeles

DHL has launched its new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) service from Nhava Sheva, India to Los Angeles, USA. Operated by Danmar Lines, DHL's in-house carrier, the new service will facilitate trade between India and the USA and offers customers reliable and and cost-effective services with a reduced transit time of 26 days between the two ports.

Container traffic at major ports in India surged 21.5 percent in April compared with a year earlier, driven by a strong turnaround in the country's foreign trade. Nhava Sheva is the largest port in India and handles close to 60% of the total containerized cargo in India. Ranked among the top 30 ports in the world, Nhava Sheva alone handled over 4 million TEUs in 2007-2008.

"The US is India's 2nd largest export partner and 3rd largest import partner. The launch of this direct LCL route connecting Nhava Sheva to Los Angeles will further facilitate foreign trade between the two countries and support the growing needs of small and medium enterprises. This service will enhance the strong global connectivity offered by DHL's extensive LCL network and will help customers expand and strengthen their supply chain in the India-USA trade lane," said Amadou Diallo, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding."

As one of the largest Ocean Freight service providers for Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments, 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.