DHL Express has expanded its international logistics portfolio with the launch of Heavy Weight Express (HWX), a new express air cargo solution designed to handle shipments weighing up to 1,000 kilogrammes per piece and 3,000 kilogrammes per shipment.
The new service forms part of DHL Express’ Time Definite International offering and is aimed at industries that require fast, reliable, and time-sensitive transportation of heavyweight cargo across global markets. The company said HWX combines express delivery speeds with enhanced shipment visibility, proactive monitoring, and standardised handling procedures across more than 220 countries and territories.
The launch marks a significant move by DHL Express into a market segment traditionally dominated by freight forwarding and conventional air cargo operators. By leveraging its own aviation network, customs infrastructure, gateways, and last-mile delivery systems, DHL aims to provide customers with greater shipment reliability and reduced dependence on third-party airline capacity.
According to the company, the service has been developed to support industries facing increasing pressure from shorter production cycles, inventory management challenges, and supply chain disruptions. Sectors expected to benefit include automotive manufacturing, engineering, technology, machinery, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, oil and gas, and energy.
DHL said the new solution offers guaranteed transit times, end-to-end shipment visibility, and fixed pricing structures designed to reduce exposure to fluctuating freight rates, unexpected surcharges, and cargo capacity shortages that have impacted global logistics markets in recent years.
John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, described the launch as a strategically important expansion for the company’s global logistics operations.
“Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains,” said Pearson. “As industries face rising volatility, increasingly complex production cycles, and significant financial exposure from delays and supply chain disruption, DHL’s ability to offer express-level speed, access to capacity and higher reliability for shipments up to 3,000 kilogrammes fundamentally changes the service levels that customers can expect from their logistics provider.”
To support the rollout, DHL Express has established dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks across its global network. These specialist teams will oversee shipment tracking, identify potential disruptions, intervene proactively when issues arise, and maintain direct communication with customers throughout the transportation process.
The company said each shipment will receive dedicated case ownership aimed at improving customer responsiveness, shipment predictability, and operational continuity.
DHL added that HWX has been specifically designed to help businesses minimise production downtime, support product launches, reduce inventory buffer requirements, manage procurement-driven shipping demands, meet regulatory handling requirements, and stabilise complex supply chains operating across multiple international locations.
As global industries increasingly demand faster and more resilient cargo movement solutions, DHL Express believes the new heavyweight service will strengthen its position within the international air cargo and supply chain sector while offering customers improved speed, reliability, and operational control.