As the e-commerce industry continues to gain momentum, DHL is investing in growing its global network. The company has expanded its existing presence at Chicago O'Hare with a new 54,000 square-foot international shipping gateway.
Chicago O’Hare is a leading international cargo airport, ranking number two in the US by value of shipments. DHL’s new facility is based on the northeast cargo campus of the airport, which is on track to become the largest cargo development built at a US airport in over a decade upon completion, expected in the next few years.
The new facility has the capacity to process more than 4,500 pieces of freight per hour, from small parcels to palletised freight, and is connected to five DHL hubs based in London, Leipzig, Shanghai, Incheon, and Hong Kong. Already LEED-certified, it is also on track to be certified by the Transported Asset Protection Association early next year.
The gateway will not only grow the company’s Chicago presence but will also create 75 new jobs, including import and export agents, and training and office personnel.
“DHL’s expansion in Chicago, which brings new economic activity and jobs to our city, is a direct result of our investments to make O’Hare a top global gateway for air cargo operations,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who was present at the opening ceremony. “The world’s leading companies like DHL are investing in Chicago because O’Hare provides the best connectivity to markets around the globe and has the capacity to keep growing for many years to come.”
DHL Express US CEO, Greg Hewitt, said: “DHL remains invested in Chicago as more opportunities arise for businesses in the region to expand internationally and as e-commerce continues to flourish. Our new gateway is poised for this growth and will help us further serve customers as efficiently as possible.”
