DHL Express invests in new, larger San Diego service center

DHL, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, recently relocated its facility in San Diego to a space that is more than double the size of the previous location. The $22M investment in the DHL Express service center increases shipment capacity and enables faster shipment processing, resulting in earlier deliveries for local customers.

The newly-relocated facility at 655 Gateway Center Way is strategically situated near the San Diego International Airport (SAN), and is the company’s third-largest pickup and delivery facility in the U.S. With more than 86,000 square feet of warehousing and office space, along with more than double the number of available courier load positions – from 33 to 85 – around two conveyor belts. This not only gives the operation the space needed to grow, but also improves first-stop delivery times for its delivery services by at least 40 minutes in the local market.

“Situated within the Pacific Rim and near the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego continues to be an attractive area for international business opportunities – and our continued growth in international package volume reflects that,” said Aaron Gallagher, Vice President and General Manager of Western U.S. for DHL Express. “This significant investment in San Diego ensures we can successfully grow with our import and export customers, enabling them to receive the highest level of service as they expand their businesses within the international marketplace.”

The new facility handles U.S. domestic as well as time-definite international shipments to and from the 220 countries and territories served by DHL. Its advanced material handling system can process up to 6,000 pieces per hour (PPH).

The San Diego service center is planning to introduce electric pickup and delivery vehicles, and has installed advanced EV charging systems throughout the warehouse. The facility is also on its way toward LEED certification, which provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings. It’s all part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s sustainability roadmap, with its mission of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.