CASE STUDY: DHL POLAND LEFT: 3,000m of conveyor belts can sort 45,000 parcels an hour BELOW: Electric trucks are used to move trailers and containers, helping boost the center’s sustainability credentials HUB BY NUMBERS A 170,000m 2 plot €180m (US$195m) international logistics center for DHL eCommerce and Post & Parcel Germany with three tiers and covering 32,000m 2 A 4,170m 2 DHL Freight terminal 3,000m of conveyor belts Capacity for 45,000 parcels per hour, or one million parcels a day 500 employees 1,500 electronic sensors 800 cameras More than 100 domestic and international destinations The center can accommodate as many as 400 line-haul vehicles at once Poznan has a population of approximately 500,000 – meaning if every Poznan local ordered two parcels, the center could handle all those packages in one day WE HAVE USED INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE NEW CENTER, WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY LIMITS OUR NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT” Pablo Ciano, DHL eCommerce RIGHT: The hub was opened with a huge fanfare on March 1 The Poznan facility has already received a Gold Innovation Award in Fischer Trading Group’s Golden Innovations Competition in recognition of its various environmentally friendly transportation solutions. These include electric trucks that move trailers and containers, thereby eliminating exhaust and engine noise. There are also 40 charging stations for electric cars, vans and trucks and an automated traffic management system at entrances and exits to reduce vehicle waiting times and minimize noise and emissions. Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, says, “Our aim is to achieve net zero logistics-related emissions by 2050. Therefore, we have used innovative technology in the new center, which significantly limits our negative impact on the environment. This has been recognized by international experts through the Innovation Award’s prestigious recognition.” Meyer adds, “We are the largest operator of an electric delivery fleet in the world. We also have electric shunting vehicles that will be used here in the Poznan center, and we’re looking forward to also getting more and more sustainable line-haul, be that through alternative fuels or electric trucks – we’re upgrading our fleet.” The international logistics center also has a photovoltaic system that provides one-third of the facility’s energy needs. The remainder is supplied by purchased green power to minimize the use of fossil fuel energy. Additionally, heat pumps are used for heating all areas and for cooling in offices. 18 www.ParcelandPostalTechnologyInternational.com March 2024