The transition to battery-electric or biogas-powered commercial vehicles rarely fails due to a lack of will, but rather due to price, specifications, and the question of where to charge the vehicles. The DHL Group’s Partner Store is a solution to these issues. It is a procurement platform through which transportation partners can access special rates for vehicles, fuels, and charging solutions.
What does the Partner Store offer?
What began in 2000 as a marketplace for fleet procurement to support DHL Service Partners in Germany has evolved into a tool for fleet transformation. The Partner Store is open to DHL Group transport partners. Through the platform, registered transport companies have access to the terms and conditions that DHL negotiated with manufacturers and suppliers. DHL itself does not act as a seller or contracting party. Purchases, leases, and rentals are handled directly between transport companies and suppliers.
The original emphasis was on discounts for yellow vehicles, rental vehicles, and fuel cards. With the “Strategy 2030”, however, the focus has shifted. Diesel-related offerings will be phased out after a transition period. Instead, heavy-duty commercial vehicles powered by electricity or (bio)gas, as well as the corresponding products, will take center stage. The offering is also expanding internationally in close coordination with DHL’s business units.
This change is part of the DHL Group’s decarbonization strategy. DHL Group aims to increase the share of alternative fuels and electric drive systems in road transport to over 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. A significant portion of European road freight is transported by logistics partners. Without them, this goal cannot be achieved.
There is also the cost factor to consider. The technology transition requires substantial investments that would otherwise be reflected in freight rates. Negotiated terms mitigate this effect, making lower-emission transport more predictable for both parties.
What types of vehicles and fuels are available?
In Germany, the offering covers drive systems, fuels, and infrastructure. It is continuously expanding. Most recently, additional partners for public charging were added at the end of August 2026.
| Type of product | Offers |
| Vans | Battery electric and diesel (expiring) |
| Truck | Battery electric, (bio)CNG, (bio)LNG, and diesel (expiring) |
| Fuels | HVO 100, (bio)LNG |
| Charging | Charging cards for public charging infrastructure, charging at DHL locations, setting up your own charging infrastructure |
| Rent | Rental vans and trucks |
It is the combination that makes the offers so remarkable. Anyone who purchases an electric truck can find the corresponding charging solution in the Partner Store, whether at public charging stations, DHL facilities, or their own company premises. This integrated approach addresses one of the biggest practical challenges of transitioning to battery-electric drive systems.
How do transport partners gain access?
Access depends on a confirmed partnership with DHL. Then, ordering the discounted vehicle or charging card only takes five simple steps.
- Register in the Partner Store and have your partnership confirmed by DHL.
- Select the product you want.
- Download the authorization form or use the manufacturer’s link.
- Receive an exclusive offer from the respective partner.
- Place your order directly with the manufacturer or supplier.
How is this offer expanding across Europe?
International expansion is one of the Partner Store’s strategic priorities. Poland went online in early July 2026 with offers for electric trucks, becoming the second market after Germany. And in the Netherlands, the Partner Store was launched on September 15, offering electric trucks and discounts for public charging.
Additional European markets are currently being evaluated. This expansion is being carried out in coordination with local DHL units to ensure that offerings, the supplier landscape, and the charging infrastructure are tailored to each market.
Gain access and comply with expectations
The decarbonization of road freight does not hinge on which company sets the most ambitious goals, but rather on how many companies can successfully complete the transition. Emissions reductions occur where the vehicles operate. In European road freight, this largely means within the partner network. For small and medium-sized transport companies, purchase price, charging infrastructure, and lack of experience pose real challenges; it’s not just a matter of attitude.
The Partner Store addresses these challenges with negotiated conditions, predefined specifications, and expert advice. At DHL Freight, we consider this a vital part of achieving widespread reductions in European road freight emissions – in collaboration with partner companies that handle these shipments every day.
Are you a DHL transport partner interested in taking advantage of these terms? If so, you can register at partner-store.com. Do you assign transports and want to reduce emissions? Please contact us!
