DP World unveils global freight forwarding network

 Dubai-based ports and logistics giant DP World has expanded its global presence by opening over 100 freight forwarding offices worldwide over the past eight months.

The network is being established as companies like DP World seek to increase control over their supply chains.

“The traditional asset-light freight forwarding model, which moves cargo via third parties, has proven to be susceptible to disruption at key chokepoints and can have knock-on effects for inventory and fulfilment planning for businesses and their customers,” the company said.

Miami is the latest office to open its doors as part of DP World‘s strategy of supporting its customers to navigate complexities of the global trade including disruptions caused by climate change, geopolitics, and macroeconomic challenges.

The offices already employ 1,000 staff, adding to DP World’s 108,000-strong team and DP World expects this number to grow significantly over the next 12 months.

By expanding its freight forwarding offering, with a focus on air and ocean freight, DP World wants to deploy its own ‘toolbox’ of services or capabilities made up of ports, terminals, warehouses, trucks, rail and shipping services to increase control and resilience. The processes would be supported by proprietary digital technology while working with complementary partners across the supply chain to boost efficiency.

“Our expansion in freight forwarding complements our end-to-end supply chain solutions and capabilities. Our asset – appropriate approach is a step-change for the freight forwarding industry that puts customers in the driving seat with more visibility and control and giving them confidence to trade in today’s global market,” Beat Simon, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Logistics at DP World, said.

“As we continue to grow our freight forwarding footprint, we are building a network that will cover more than 90% of global trade. We are focused on densifying our network as we build a best-in-class, strong and resilient global capability.”

The growing service currently spans order and origin management, port handling and freight management for ocean and air, and at-destination services such as customs, drayage, logistics, last-mile delivery, deconsolidation and bonded warehousing services.

Additionally, DP World offers embedded trade finance, commodity-specific services, cars in containers, transload and advanced hubs and more.

This is all accessed through a single digital window, backed by an integrated Global Services Centre that centralises back-end processes. The advanced digital system means customers can track their goods in real time and easily manage their cargo journey.

“Our freight forwarding service uses our proprietary digital technology solutions to simplify global trade for our customers and give them more control. However, it’s not just our digital solutions that offer a next-gen freight forwarding service: our people are foundational to our customers’ success. We employ over 1,000 team members and will continue to grow,” Marco Nazzari, VP Commercial Freight Forwarding at DP World, said.

“Leveraging an asset-appropriate approach, DP World utilises its digital tools, alongside the expertise and local know-how of its team, to make freight forwarding easier and more resilient from end to end.”