DHL Freight is investing in its existing European network of over 200 terminals. Due to its highly innovative character the new location Hanover-Langenhagen serves as Terminal for the Future.
An important central hub in Europe
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 in mid-September. The ceremony was attended by, among others, Tim Scharwath, CEO DHL Global Forwarding, Freight and Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight. Around 290 employees are currently dispatching and consolidating freight at the new terminal. DHL Freight is also exploring 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, the company is expanding its existing European network of over 200 terminals. DHL Freight had just opened a new terminal Vienna in June.
Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight
The opening of the new Hanover-Langenhagen freight terminal adds another important hub in European overland transport. The combination of a convenient location and innovative technologies makes this new future-oriented freight transshipment center an important growth driver within our network.
Specific logistics solutions for national and international customers
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.
Dr. Bernd Althusmann, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor, Transport and Digitalization, Lower Saxony (© P. v. Dithfurt/Staatskanzlei)
The central location in Europe and the 24-hour operation make Hanover-Langenhagen Airport and the region an attractive logistics location. The location of the new DHL freight center confirms the attractiveness of the region as an important freight hub for northern Germany.
The new location serves as Terminal for the Future
To further strengthen its position as a road transport market and innovation leader, new technologies for the "Terminal for the Future" are being examined and deployed at the new freight center. In the field of yard logistics, for example, DHL Freight is already testing an electric manuvering assistant that uses augmented reality and automated steering to independently manuver and swap bodies at the site. The technology developed by StreetScooter in cooperation with special vehicle manufacturer KAMAG facilitates smooth operations. Assisted manuvering's remarkable potential lies in increased process reliability, reduced material wear, and a simplified workplace for drivers.
More efficiency, speed and accuracy
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 records of freight dimensions are essential for optimal loading strategy and correctly billing customers.
The terminal is an example for sustainability
In keeping with the environmental protection program GoGreen, DHL Freight attaches great importance to sustainable construction methods and the use of renewable energies when building a 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 drive trains 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-powered manuvering assistant at the new location in Hanover.
