DHL Global Forwarding, Plantation, Fla., said it will join Interstate Transport, Inc. and Trans World Forwarding Inc. (TWF) to offer "a complete perishable supply chain solution starting from the point of consolidation at origin across Latin America to destinations across North America."
“Given DHL Global Forwarding’s increased focus on the perishables sector, this three-way partnership allows us to provide customers a service that no one else in the market can offer: one process, one contact, and one bill, no matter where their perishable purchases originate across Central or South America,” said Samuel Israel, chief executive officer for DHL Global Forwarding Latin America.
Officials say the partnership will guarantee cold chain integrity from point of origin in Central and South America to the final delivery location at North American consignees. Interstate will take control of the perishable freight at the DHL gateway in Miami and ensure prompt and fresh delivery for all points in North America. This unique partnership will provide controlled temperature trucking for perishables coming in by air or ocean for all kinds of commodities such as cut flowers, produce and fresh seafood – all on one bill – from one freight provider.
Tim Higham is chief executive officer for Interstate Transport, St. Petersburg, Fla.
“This partnership now means importers, wholesalers, and retailers can deal with one point of contact, one bill, and one process for every order, rather than dealing with up to six separate entities," he says. "This complete supply chain solution is the first of its kind in the industry and guarantees that complete cold chain integrity is maintained. For the first time ever, wholesalers and retailers can buy perishables direct from any Latin American country, irrespective of location, and deal with one person."
With more than 20 years of industry experience, TWF will act as DHL Global Forwarding’s preferred provider in charge of receiving cargo from the airport and seaport and then handling and processing the shipment until it is ready to be transported as per the customer’s need. Some of the services that TWF will provide include: customs clearance, inspections, storage, consolidations, pallet breakdown, and cross-docking, direct delivery to importers in the Miami area.
“By working together we can approach customers with strategic solutions tailored for their specific perishable needs. Whether it is transporting rose bouquets from Ecuador or meat from Argentina, by working together we can extend the life of our customers’ products,” said Yossi Hatsor, chief executive officer for Trans World Forwarding, Miami.
Officials say DHL Global Forwarding will have access to TWF’s 270,000 square foot cooler with capacity to hold 27,000 skids/pallets. TWF is one of the few logistics companies with the most advanced cooling systems in Florida to manage perishables, the company says.
