DHL today said it is preparing for a 2025 winter peak season shaped by shifting tariffs, evolving consumer behavior, and new sourcing strategies across its U.S. operations.
“We’re in what I call the golden age of uncertainty,” Tim Robertson, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Americas, said in a release. “This isn’t about managing one disruption; it’s about staying agile in the face of ongoing volatility.”
According to the parcel delivery firm, it will handle those challenges through a three-part strategy including: multimodal flexibility, real-time visibility, and customs support that keeps pace with shifting trade rules. That approach will ensure resilience, visibility, and speed for shippers and retailers nationwide, across the company’s four business units, DHL Express, DHL eCommerce, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain, the company said.
According to DHL Express, the uncertain U.S. economy has already triggered significant shifts in trade lanes, with volumes from China and Hong Kong dropping by about 30% year-over-year, even as volumes grew from countries like Vietnam, India, Malaysia, and Mexico. In response, the company has expanded its customs team and added over 680 new staff across operations, finance, and customer service to maintain service levels and compliance.
“Customs clearance excellence is a differentiator in a complex and uncertain environment. Our investment in expertise, in customs clearance and customer education ensures we can bring comfort and certainty to our customers. This will help them, and us, be successful through peak,” Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S., said in a release “Despite the challenges, our network remains agile, and we’re ready to flex quickly if demand surges during peak.”
