DHL bets on new Mercedes Benz trucks to grow presence
Crates of beer are loaded onto a DHL truck at EABL’s yard in Ruaraka. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
The trucks, which will be used for contracted deliveries, are the first of their make to be used by the firm.
The trucks are customised to specifications deemed suitable for East African roads.
DHL boasts of several top tier clients, including East African Breweries Limited, Unilever Kenya and British American Tobacco.
DHL has acquired 10 customised Mercedes Benz trucks in a bid to improve capacity for serving its customers in the region.
The trucks, which will be used for contracted deliveries, are the first of their make to be used by the firm.
DT Dobie general sales manager Mike Duder handed over the trucks to DHL’s East Africa general manager Ben Clay during a function at DHL’s Kasarani offices on Thursday.
The trucks are customised to specifications deemed suitable for East African roads.
“DT Dobie worked with their supplier in Europe to deliver the prime movers with exact specifications required by DHL supply chain. The acquisition of these trucks by DHL supply chain is the beginning of our programme to roll out new, heavy commercial trucks which will meet the transport requirements of our customers,” said Mr Clay.
Mr Duder assured the supply chain of continued support, and promised to give courses to DHL staff on how to optimally operate the trucks.
“Mercedes Actros owners recognise that the training raises their drivers’ professionalism, pride in being a good driver, safety for themselves and other road users and enthusiasm for reducing fuel consumption.
“The courses are becoming increasingly popular due to the savings achieved by the drivers who have completed the training,” he said.
The move comes as the firm celebrates a clientele growth of over 1,000 per cent, making it one of the most successful in the region. This milestone has created employment for over 4,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa.
The logistics firm has increased its client base from 300 to over 3,600 in three years of operation in the region, which Mr Clay said was a result of partnering with local business owners who are also DHL resellers.
DHL’s head of marketing Sumesh Rahavendra said the firm’s strategy to partner with local firms has been the driving factor in its quick growth, adding that the firm will continue to adapt to create a better fit for itself in the market.
“In a continent like Africa where the informal economy rules, a company’s retail strategy cannot revolve around high-end shopping malls. You have to operate on a level where customers can understand, feel and relate to your product,” said Mr Rahavendra.
He said the firm has also forged similar partnerships with larger companies like mobile network operators, supermarkets and fuel retailers.
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