DHL 2002 Annual Report Download - page 44

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Among other things, our efforts were concentrated on the EXPRESS Corporate
Division. In the second quarter of 2002, we started to install an innovative online
communications platform which forms a cornerstone of the Europe-wide harmon-
ization of our information technology. This new platform is a multi-functional,
mobile terminal for parcel delivery, and has the footprint of a mobile phone. It allows
information to be transferred between drivers and depot employees quickly and
comprehensively, as well as serving to further optimize route planning. We are aiming
to introduce this courier terminal at all of our European partners by the end of 2003.
The greater data transparency provided as a result will allow us to improve our busi-
ness processes, further improve quality, and identify potential savings.
Environmental protection and sustainable development intensified
In 2002, we set out a Group-wide environmental policy defining the areas of activity
and responsibility within the Group. With these guidelines, we are aiming to ensure
that our actions are even more closely tied to the principles of sustainable development.
We set ourselves the goal of making our transport activities even more environ-
mentally friendly. In our opinion, integrated global transport networks are a pre-
requisite for sustainable mobility in the transport and logistics sector. The measures
implemented in the year under review were concentrated on three key areas: optimizing
transport flows, networking modes of transport, and expanding our fleet of modern,
fuel-efficient vehicles.
For example, we further developed IT-based systems such as “GeoRoute”, a sys-
tem for optimal, down-to-the-minute route planning which helps to reduce deadhead
trips. In 2002, we were already able to reduce the total distance traveled by around
15,000 kilometers per week. With the “Parcel Intercity” project, we are shifting trans-
portation within Germany from road to rail; we have now extended our successful
cooperation with Deutsche Bahn Cargo until the end of 2004. In Switzerland, over
60% of our freight volume is already transported by rail. In Scandinavia, we offer
“Green Tonnage”, a transport system using low-emission biogas and electric hybrid
vehicles. In addition, we are pressing ahead with the employment of alternative drive
technologies within the Group, such as courier vehicles using liquid gas.
The modernization of DHL’s aircraft fleet is a top priority. To this end, DHL
has invested in 34 modern aircraft. Offering a noise reduction of 77%, the Boeing
757-SF more than meets all current noise legislation. It uses 20% less fuel per tonne,
and emits significantly less CO2than its predecessor, the B727. It can also carry
6,000kg more freight than the B727, thereby reducing overall transport costs. 20 of
the 34 aircraft were delivered by December 2002; the remaining 14 will be ready for
use by September 2003. At the same time, we will successively reduce our previous
B727 fleet to 15 aircraft by the end of December 2003.
43
Management Report
Safeguarding the Future