DHL expands Vietnam freight stations to handle redirected trade flows

DHL Global Forwarding has expanded its Container Freight Station network in Vietnam as redirected trade flows increase and the country strengthens its position in regional supply chains. The Ho Chi Minh City station has grown from 4,600 to 6,800 square metres, while the Hai Phong station now covers 4,000 square metres, adding capacity at two of Vietnam’s busiest gateways.

The company said the larger footprint will support faster consolidation, shorter turnaround times and greater resilience as supply chains recalibrate. Vietnam’s rise as a sourcing and distribution hub is being accelerated by shifting global trade patterns, with the latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker showing a surge of redirected volumes across ASEAN.

“According to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, Vietnam is emerging as a key beneficiary of global trade realignments. Amid rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions, global trade volumes in the first half of 2025 grew faster than in any half-year since 2010 (excluding the pandemic years), with ASEAN countries, especially Vietnam, absorbing a significant share of redirected flows. Notably, China’s exports to Vietnam surged, making it one of the top five destinations for Chinese goods in 2025,” said Laurence Cheung, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding, Vietnam.

Cheung said longer trade routes and Vietnam’s evolution from a manufacturing hub to a distribution centre underline the need for more strategically located logistics infrastructure. “We are driving logistics transformation by integrating infrastructure, technology, and sustainability to meet the demands of a rapidly shifting trade landscape. Our recent expansions underscore our commitment to help customers navigate complexity with confidence, as we raise the bar for service quality and strengthen Vietnam’s role in global trade,” he said.

The expanded Ho Chi Minh City facility sits in the Binh Duong–Dong Nai industrial belt and supports air, ocean and domestic flows. It offers bonded and non-bonded options, consolidation, trucking, customs coordination and a range of handling services, including pick and pack, repacking and garments on hangers. Security systems include CTPAT compliance, CCTV coverage, manned guarding and generator backup.

In the north, the Hai Phong site is located within an inland container depot near the port and offers bonded and non-bonded services under ISO 9001 certification. It handles storage, consolidation, trucking and customs, with value-added services such as packing, sorting, wrapping and weight checks. Security includes motion sensor CCTV, perimeter protection, fire detection and reusable pallet wrapping.

DHL is also strengthening its Integrated Warehousing Solutions through a 3,000-square-metre site in Bac Ninh, positioned close to Hanoi, key seaports and the Vietnam-China border. The facility supports high-value cargo, offering non-bonded space, value-added services and off-airport options that can streamline procedures and customs clearance. It holds TAPA’s highest-level certifications, with intrusion detection, motion sensing and backup power.

The company has also achieved Leaf 4 Shipper certification under the GFA Labelling and Certification Programme, recognising its efforts to integrate sustainable practises across its operations as part of its Strategy 2030 and long-term emissions goals.