DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has launched a helpdesk in Berlin that is custom-tailored to the needs of start-ups. The logistics professionals working at the DHL Start-Up Helpdesk assist dynamic start-up entrepreneurs and expanding start-up companies in the areas of logistics and supply chain development to enable them to achieve success both in and beyond Germany.

“Our customer base of start-ups with global operations is growing rapidly at our branch in Berlin. Understandably, they have a greater need for advice and services, particularly in the initial stages,” explains Joachim Hermansky, Vice President Customer Service Germany at DHL Global Forwarding. “That is precisely why we trained up a young team that acts as a link between companies going global and traditional handling departments. They understand both worlds and that allows them to provide swift and flexible support.”

The Start-Up Helpdesk at DHL Global Forwarding helps young companies enter the international business market. The digital world and e-commerce accelerate and simplify cross-border expansion for entrepreneurs. However, what requirements need to be met if products and goods are to be offered in other countries, and perhaps even outside the European Union, with immediate effect? The same applies to the procurement of products or materials and components for their own business when it is essential to deliver or receive the goods on time, and with the correct shipping and customs documents. That is where the Start-Up Helpdesk’s work begins. Have the goods been properly packaged? What transport mode is the best to be used? What customs requirements need to be met for imports and exports? What shipping documents need to be furnished? Have the goods been properly insured? These and many other questions suddenly become relevant in order to successfully develop and manage a business’s supply chains. The start-up team at DHL Global Forwarding is the right port of call for all these issues. DHL’s global network makes it possible to find the right transport services and solutions in no time and, if necessary, to contact experts able to deal with issues relating to all aspects of customs, regulations and transport routes.