DHL Invests €177 Million to Expand Logistics Capacity in China

DHL Express has expanded its logistics infrastructure in China with a €177 million investment in its Shenzhen “Super Gateway”, marking the company’s largest investment in mainland China to date.

Located at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, the expanded facility has tripled its cargo processing capacity to approximately 900 tonnes per day. The project is designed to support growing cross-border trade, e-commerce and international express shipments from one of China’s major manufacturing and export regions.

The expansion will also create more than 1,000 jobs, further strengthening DHL’s logistics network in southern China. The facility incorporates expanded processing capabilities and automated systems to improve cargo handling efficiency.

In addition to the Shenzhen investment, DHL has launched a new dedicated Boeing 767 freighter service connecting Shanghai, Bangkok, Bahrain and Brussels. The new route provides up to 50 tonnes of additional daily capacity, strengthening logistics links between China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The additional capacity is particularly relevant to heavier shipments from sectors including industrial manufacturing, semiconductors, technology, healthcare, data-centre infrastructure and new energy.

Growing Demand for Heavy Freight Transport

DHL’s expansion reflects the continued importance of China in global manufacturing and supply chains. As international trade becomes more diversified, logistics operators are increasing investment in air, road and distribution infrastructure to improve supply-chain flexibility and resilience.

For the commercial vehicle and trailer industry, the growth of cross-border freight and heavier shipments is also creating demand for more efficient road transportation equipment. Semi-trailers, axles, suspension systems and other key components need to meet higher requirements for payload capacity, reliability, durability and operating efficiency.

As logistics networks continue to develop around major manufacturing and export hubs, the integration of air, road and warehousing capacity is expected to become increasingly important.

DHL said the latest investment will strengthen connections between Chinese manufacturing regions and major international markets, while providing customers with greater flexibility for time-sensitive and heavyweight shipments.

For trailer and commercial vehicle manufacturers, the continued expansion of international freight networks also highlights the importance of developing lightweight, high-load-capacity and reliable transportation solutions for increasingly complex global supply chains.