DHL Freight, one of the leading providers of road transport services in Europe, officially opened its newest freight hub in the Airport Business Park in Langenhagen. Around 290 employees are currently dispatching and consolidating freight at the new terminal. DHL is also trialing innovative technologies at the state-of-the-art transshipment facility to position itself as a market and innovation leader in the long term. With the new location in Hanover-Langenhagen, DHL Freight is investing in its existing European network of over 200 terminals.
“The opening of the new Hanover-Langenhagen freight terminal adds another important hub in European overland transport,” said Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight. “The combination of a convenient location and innovative technologies makes this new future-oriented freight transshipment center an important growth driver within our network.”
The 8,700 m² transshipment terminal houses more than 86 loading bays, where freight for both the Europe-wide all-in-one groupage service “Euroconnect” and the “Eurapid” premium day-definite groupage service is handled. The approximately 290 employees include a team of experts who assist national and international customers with customized logistics solutions and transport management for the “Euronet” full truck load (FTL) service.
To further strengthen its position as a road transport market and innovation leader, new technologies for the “Terminal for the Future” are being trialed and deployed at the new freight center. In the field of yard logistics, for example, DHL Freight is already testing an electric maneuvering assistant that uses augmented reality and automated steering to independently maneuver and swap bodies at the site. The technology developed by StreetScooter in cooperation with special vehicle manufacturer KAMAG facilitates smooth operations. Assisted maneuvering’s remarkable potential lies in increased process reliability, reduced material wear, and a simplified workplace for drivers.
Another innovation being tested at the new DHL Freight terminal is automated weight, volume, and shipment data recording devices. With the help of a combination of different technologies, all shipment-relevant data is digitally transferred to the transport management system within a few seconds. LTL cargo is primarily still recorded manually. The partial automation of the process increases both efficiency and speed. Accurate recordings of freight dimensions are essential for optimal loading strategy and correctly billing customers.
In keeping with the Group’s environmental protection program, GoGreen, DHL attached great importance to sustainable construction methods and the use of renewable energies when constructing the new site, such as a photovoltaic system and LED lighting. Furthermore, DHL Freight is testing and implementing a variety of environmentally responsible concepts for vehicles fitted with alternative engines and technologies worldwide. For instance, two of DHL Freight’s recent sustainability measures include the purchase of LNG-trucks in southern Germany and the electric maneuvering assistant at the new location in Hanover.
The opening ceremony was attended by, among others, Tim Scharwath, CEO Global Forwarding, Freight and Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight.
