Autumn 2008

DHL Exel Supply Chain is to develop a fully-fledged shared-user e-fulfilment operation, targeting both sizeable and smaller retailers selling online.

Development director Nigel Spooner says the company is particularly keen to appeal to 'retailers eager to exploit the many opportunities created via the internet – but who don't have independent access to the right resources and infrastructures'.

DHL Exel is already one of the UK's biggest third-party logistics providers in the e-fulfilment space, but its current work in this sector is almost all done on dedicated contract for leading retailers such as Argos. It has not until now built up a parallel capability for smaller players who would be willing to share resources.

At the launch of the service, Spooner made potential users a confident promise. 'From a standing start, they will be able to launch an e-fulfilment facility within eight weeks,' he said.

 

The service will offer both one-man deliveries, using DHL Express or other carriers, and some two-man deliveries. For this it will subcontract delivery to third-party specialists with a track record in this sector. Its own role will include warehousing, pick, pack despatch and overall management, plus some advanced IT.

The service is already up and running at a site near Warrington, and a major high street DIY brand is said to be in advanced negotiations about using the facility. A full launch is planned for the new year.