DHL joins Chengdu in logistics study to find ways to cut congestion

DHL has signed a memorandum of understanding with south western China city Chengdu on cooperating on a city logistics study to find ways to reduce congestion and increase air quality, Xinhua reports.

The logistics study will focus on the analysis of the supply chain of fast-moving consumer goods from various sectors such as supermarkets, wholesale markets and franchised stores.

"By 2050, more than 70 per cent of the world population will live in cities, and with our global City Logistics programme we develop solutions for more efficient logistics in these growing cities", said DHL chief commercial officer Bill Meahl.

"Advanced logistics services not only contribute to a better living environment by reducing emissions but help businesses achieve full potential by more efficient transport management", he said.

One of the main solutions of DHL's city logistics concept approach is the implementation of urban freight centres that decrease freight traffic, increase the quality of air, improve efficiency, reliability, service quality and offer a better control of the logistic processes by a higher visibility of the supply chain.

"We are very pleased to start this new partnership with DHL, a recognised thought leader in the logistics sector, to face the important challenge of optimising transport activities in our rapidly growing city. The ideal flow of goods and services in urban areas is not only raising its living standard but also its competitive advantage", says Chengdu Logistics Commission chief Chen Zhongwei.