DHL rolls out new Seattle-based facility

Express delivery and logistics services provider DHL said this week that it has expanded its Seattle-based operations, opening a new service center facility.

DHL said this $4 million investment was driven by heavy demand and growth in international shipping by local businesses trading internationally, e-commerce shipping, and Washington state-based technology/software companies and retailers.

The new 26,000 square-foot facility, which can process more than 1,000 pieces per hour, is based out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and will serve Greater Seattle and outlying areas for pickup, delivery, and sorting operations of international shipments, and it also complements a 42,000-sq.-ft DHL service center facility south of downtown Seattle on East Marginal Way.  

DHL said this facility handles different types of shipments, including international small parcels as well as palletized and container freight. 

“Our new facility near the airport provides DHL with growth opportunities as we continue to expand our footprint in the region,” said John Cornish, General Manager for DHL Express U.S., in a statement. “Seattle is home to some of the largest and most successful companies in the world, as well as many growing tech firms. Our import and export customers will appreciate the service benefits as well as another convenient service pickup and drop off point.”

And DHL spokesman Robert Mintz told LM that DHL has been planning this expansion for the last 1.5 to 2 years. 

When asked what the biggest shipper benefits of this new facility are, Mintz explained that “it allows us to keep pace with continued shipment growth as well as provides benefits for our customers in terms of later cut-off times and earlier deliveries.”

The new facility has more than 50 staffers, including management, clerical staff, couriers, and sales personnel.