DHL Express is preparing for a surge in international parcel volumes across New Zealand, with shipment activity expected to jump 25% over Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The logistics company says November 28 and December 1 will be the busiest days for international pickups and deliveries as Kiwi shoppers take advantage of global online sales.
To manage the spike, DHL has increased staffing across its courier network and processing facilities, extended operating hours, and added extra aircraft capacity on key trade routes. Its Auckland Gateway – a major hub for inbound and outbound freight – will run at full capacity throughout the peak period.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady rise in cross-border e-commerce, and this year is no exception,” DHL Express New Zealand vice president of operations Dinesh Dasanayake says.
“We’re seeing strong demand from both consumers and businesses, and we’re scaling up our operations to meet that demand. To give a picture of what this looks like, this year alone, if all DHL parcels were stacked on top of one another, it would be taller than three times the Auckland Sky Tower.”
Driven by e-commerce and early gift purchasing, DHL expects to handle up to 25% more parcels than usual. The most-shipped items this season include clothing, fabrics, supplements, personal care goods and electronics.
The busiest trade lanes for Kiwi buyers will be Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, with fashion and lifestyle products dominating incoming parcels. DHL says consumer behaviour continues to shift, with nine in ten shoppers now using smartphones to purchase from both local and overseas retailers.
Global trade trends are also driving activity. The latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker reports Asia-Pacific economies are leading global trade growth, underlining the importance of strong international links for New Zealand exporters and importers.
Dasanayake says DHL will continue processing freight throughout the holidays to avoid strict cut-off dates.
“Unlike traditional postal services, we don’t have a fixed Christmas cut-off date. We continue processing and delivering shipments right through the holidays to ensure customers receive their parcels as quickly as possible,” he says.
“Peak season is always a high-pressure time for the logistics industry, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. We’re proud to play a role in connecting people and delivering a little bit of joy to homes across New Zealand.”
The company is encouraging customers to send parcels early to avoid potential delays from global congestion or weather disruptions.
