DHL’s specialized services meet Americas toy industry growth requirements

• DHL Global Forwarding works with manufacturers and retailers to get toys on store shelves in time for the holidays
• Purchasing trends in toy gift cards and action figurines drive burgeoning industry

MIAMI, Fla. – November 28, 2011: DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, continues to be the foremost logistics provider for the toy industry across theAmericas. Over the past nine- months DHL Global Forwarding has seen a recent trend in the expansion of its toy distribution business with strong double-digit growth acrossLatin America from some of the top toy manufacturers in the world. Over the last decade, Global Forwarding has been transporting toys, from Asia, to the top toy markets in Latin America:Brazil andMexico. Now, DHL is expanding shipments directly fromChina to markets, such asChile,Colombia,Peru andCentral America. The company also handles shipments of toys from theUnited States to many destinations acrossLatin America.

With two major trends influencing the toy industry, DHL Global Forwarding has shaped its logistics offering to meet all the changing needs of this sector and its specific requirements. The use of gift cards, in place of purchasing toys, as well as the increase of movie action heroes, cartoon figurines and live action movies, requires rapid shipment and transportation to ensure all merchandise is available to the market prior to movie launches and/ or holiday shopping.

“With two peak seasons (July to October and December to February), Global Forwarding is equipped to manage the extensive demands of this growing market so children have their toys just in time for the holidays,” said Agustin Lopez, Ocean Freight director for DHL Global Forwarding. “We have long-standing relationships with our customers in this industry because they know we can provide them with the flexibility and security they need in and out of peak season.”

The Global Toy Market Estimates: 2011 Edition[1] revealed that global toy sales grew by nearly five percent in 2010 to US$83.3 billion. Additionally, the report indicated strong growth in emerging markets, with the BRIC countries (Brazil,Russia,India,China) showing growth of 13 percent.

“We offer a value added program customized for toy manufacturers which is key when customers look to optimize and improve the control, responsiveness, and reliability of their international supply chains from order to fulfilment,” said Ricardo Carrion, senior director, Business Development for DHL Global Forwarding. “By linking customer's country of origin supply chains with their destination market requirements, we can design a solutions like container load optimization programs, origin ground transportation activities and port migration opportunities – that differentiate the toy supply chain!.”

DHL Global Forwarding has become one of the best options for getting toys to the market in time for the holidays, due to its system of operations that manage Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Brokerage, Supply Chain Management, Distribution, Trucking, or any transportation need. DHL has also been selected by customers because of the company’s ability to manage Customs, infrastructure related obstacles in-country, and its extensive experience transporting shipments in high-risk markets.

[1] The Global Toy Market Estimates: 2011 Edition, published in June 2011

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DHL Global Forwarding, Americas                        

Jennifer Pakradooni                                                   

Tel: +1-786-264-3684                                        

Email: jennifer.pakradooni@dhl.com

DHL – The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion euros in 2010. For more information: www.dp-dhl.com

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