COVID-19 Update and Emergency Situation Surcharge

DHL and Preferred Shipping are open
In the face of the challenges posed by the current global COVID-19 situation, DHL Express is working diligently to maintain a reliable delivery service. DHL's corporate mission is: “Connecting people, improving lives”. Never has that been more necessary than it is today. Enabling the flow of goods, ranging from consumer products to relief supplies, plays a crucial role in the welfare of the world’s citizens and the stability of our societies.

As many areas of the country go under "Stay Home, Work Safe" directives, Preferred Shipping and DHL are open for business and here to support your logistics needs. Logistics is deemed one of the essential business sectors according to the US Department of Homeland Security.

We all take the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and are responding appropriately to mitigate risk while also continuing the important work we do for our customers.

In order to ensure operational continuity and to keep connecting the world with a high-quality service, DHL Express has communicated that they will temporarily and until further notice levy an Emergency Situation Surcharge to all shipments over 6lbs beginning on April 1, 2020. This surcharge will be reflected in PSCSHIP when you create a shipment or generate a live quote.

Why the surcharge?
DHL Express transports your shipments around the world using a fleet of dedicated DHL cargo aircraft, supported by significant amounts of commercial air cargo purchased on passenger flights. This unique model provides the coverage, capacity and service levels that you have come to expect, connecting all 220+ countries and territories worldwide.

As you've seen or personally experienced, the current COVID-19 crisis is having a dramatic impact on the global aviation industry, resulting in significant reductions or complete cancellations of passenger flights.

As a partner to DHL, we know firsthand that the DHL's Global Network teams have been working around the clock to react and adjust the network, adapting it to reflect the changes in capacity and demand resulting from the global upheaval. The massive reduction in available commercial air cargo capacity and destinations has necessitated a switch to more indirect routes and the purchase of additional cargo aircraft lift, which is in high demand.

These factors, among others, have increased costs during this period to unsustainable levels.
This Emergency Situation Surcharge will allow DHL to cover part of the operating cost increases and the necessary air network adjustments during the time of this emergency situation.