DHL launches overnight Hong Kong-Shanghai service

DHL Worldwide Express has launched a new overnight service between Hong Kong and Shanghai, claiming the latest cut-off time for China shipments and the earliest next-morning delivery before the business day starts.

The overnight flight is a part of DHL’s plan to expand in the mainland following China’s accession to the World Trade Organization. DHL expects a significant increase in traffic across the border in the coming years.

DHL will partner with China Eastern Airlines, and the overnight flight between Hong Kong and Shanghai will commence on November 26. Shipments from Hong Kong to Shanghai can be picked up as late as 22:00 hrs and still arrive in Shanghai offices in time for start-of-business the next morning.

The China Eastern plane will depart from Shanghai at 22:00 hrs and arrive in Hong Kong at midnight. With quick turnaround and loading, the flight will depart again at 03:30 hrs, and arrive in Shanghai at around 05:00 hrs. The new service will operate every night from Tuesdays to Fridays.

The new overnight service follows the opening of DHL’s Pudong Airport Gateway facility in Shanghai earlier this year. The US$2.4 million gateway has boosted DHL-Sinotrans’ shipment handling capabilities in eastern China. The 6,100 square metre gateway can process up to 10,000 shipments per hour. DHL has direct links to the Customs and Excise Department via EDI, and DHL’s Clear in the Air (CIA) system at the Pudong gateway.