DHL Express has launched an enhanced Trans-Tasman service, with an upgraded Boeing 767 freighter aircraft flying between Australia and New Zealand overnight, five days a week.
The Boeing 767-300F doubles the freight capacity of DHL’s Trans-Tasman service, with the cargo hold capable of transporting up to 50,000 kilograms of freight.
DHL’s dedication to servicing the Trans-Tasman trade lane began in 1
992 with the launch of an industry-first overnight service. In recent years, the type of cargo moving between Australia and New Zealand has changed from predominately business-to-business (B2B) freight to a mix of both B2B and business-to-consumer (B2C) freight.
The rise in online consumer purchases has been a major driving force in developments to DHL’s express service offering, according to Gary Edstein, CEO/ Senior Vice President, DHL Express Oceania.
“At DHL Express, we have evolved our business over the last 25 years to serve the international express delivery needs of our customers. Globally and here at home we have directly experienced the increased connectivity that comes with globalisation and international trade, and we have worked to provide service solutions that will cater to our customers’ future volume growth,” Edstein said.
Historically, Australia and New Zealand have shared a unique trade relationship dating back to the early 20th century.
The signing of the Australia-New Ze
aland Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANCERTA) in 1983 signalled a significant milestone in Australia-New Zealand trade relations. The free trade agreement (FTA) is today recognised by the World Trade Organization as one of the most comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreements in the world.
In the years since, Australian and New Zealand businesses have made the most of the seamless cross-border trade opportunities on offer, with all goods under ANCERTA’s Rule of Origin criteria free of duty and qualitative import restrictions.
As increasing numbers of Australian businesses turn to the world of online retail, no longer constrained by the confines of traditional brick-and-mortar operating models, New Zealand is often chosen as a safe starting export destination. According to the DHL Export Barometer 2017, New Zealand remains the top export market for Australian businesses, with 61 per cent sending goods across the Tasman, and one in four naming it their largest export market.
“With a familiar consumer buying culture and the trading strength of a World Trade Organization recognised FTA, New Zealand is the perfect starting point for Australian businesses and especially growing SMEs looking to expand their reach overseas,” Edstein said, “With our upgraded Trans-Tasman service now in operation, we are ready to serve the future needs of Australian business.”
