DHL Company Portrait

From humble beginnings to global market leader

Founded in San Francisco almost 40 years ago by 3 budding entrepreneurs - Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn - DHL has continued to expand at a phenomenal rate. Today, it stands tall as the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry.

Back In 1969, DHL took its first small steps in building for the future by personally shipping papers by airplane from San Francisco to Honolulu. The years passed and the DHL network grew ever larger, gradually reaching out to new customers in every corner of the world. At the same time, the marketplace developed and became more complex, so DHL adapted to meet the changing needs of its customers - both at global and local level.

Today, DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide and employs some 300,000 employees. DHL also offers unparalleled expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistics solutions as well as international mail services.

From 3 employees in 1969 to 300,000 employees in 2008, the approach and dedication has remained the same. Our success has always been based around delivering excellent service for our customers. Never complacent, DHL has become a brand acknowledged for personal commitment, proactive solutions and local strength. At the heart of its success are its employees who focus on the customer's needs and provide individually customized solutions.

DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of more than 63 bn euros in 2007.

Read DHL's Steps to Success: the key dates that helped shape DHL.