DP World, the Dubai-based logistics and ports group, has introduced two new Express Less-than-Container Load ocean freight services connecting Asia, Europe and North America ahead of peak shipping season. The services are aimed at businesses moving time-sensitive cargo more quickly and reliably between the regions.

DP World is a global logistics and port operator headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company reported revenue of $20.0 billion (€17.2 billion) and adjusted EBITDA of $5.5 billion (€4.7 billion) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Express LCL Europe-USA offers weekly bi-directional service between consolidation hubs in Antwerp, Southampton and Cork, Ireland, and gateways in Wilmington and Chester, Pennsylvania, DP World confirmed, with onward inland distribution to commercial addresses across Europe and the United States.

Express LCL Asia-USA connects manufacturing hubs in China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia with Los Angeles, followed by expedited inland delivery across the United States.

The structural driver is elevated freight rates and constrained ocean capacity, which DP World says the new services address by combining the cost advantages of ocean freight with faster, more consistent transit times.

Joseph Fordney, senior vice president of freight forwarding for DP World in the Americas, wrote in the release, "Businesses need supply chains that can respond quickly without sacrificing cost efficiency. Our new Express LCL services provide customers with faster ocean freight options, dependable weekly schedules and extensive inland connectivity, helping them move priority cargo more efficiently while avoiding the higher costs associated with air freight."

Door-to-door transit times run approximately 18 to 24 days between Europe and the United States and 16 to 24 days between Asia and the United States, according to the release. Both services are supported by dedicated consolidation facilities with container freight station-to-container freight station handling, optimised routing and inland transportation networks.

For the sector, the launch reflects growing demand among shippers for mid-cost alternatives to air freight as ocean carriers compete for smaller-volume, time-sensitive cargo.

Source: WilmingtonBiz / DP World