DHL Global Forwarding announced a new regional logistics strategy with the implementation of a hub model in Brazil. By using the airports of Guarulhos (GRU) and Viracopos (VCP) as strategic gateways, the company reinforces the country’s role as a cargo distribution center between Asia, Europe and the Americas.
It projects growth of up to 30% in consolidated cargo volumes by the end of 2026. This means the company will expand the use of Brazil’s extensive connectivity to supply markets in Latin America with greater agility. The model already demonstrates efficiency gains with operational optimization targets ranging from 10 to 30%.
According to the company, with this decision, it reinforces Brazil’s role in the international logistics network by leveraging its privileged geographic location, the strength of its airport infrastructure and the country’s high air connectivity. Historically, cargo from Asia or Europe destined for countries in the Southern Cone was usually sent via Miami, from where it was redistributed. However, this new model reverses this logic.
“Brazil is prepared to be the logistics protagonist of the region and assume an increasingly prominent role on the global logistics stage. We have the infrastructure for complex operations and a location that allows us to offer competitive transit times with the major global gateways,” said Eric Brenner, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for Brazil.
The airports will have complementary roles in the strategy developed by DHL Global Forwarding. Guarulhos offers greater flight frequency for quick connections, while Viracopos absorbs demands for larger cargo with the same connection agility. The focus is on general and dry cargo transportation, serving industries that demand technical rigor and speed, such as technology, automotive, engineering and manufacturing, and oil and gas, segments that tend to capture the greatest efficiency and competitiveness gains with the new regional consolidation model.
By keeping cargo within the customs zone, unlike what happens at other global gateways, the logistics company drastically reduces handling and associated risks, critical factors for high-value-added goods. The operation becomes more agile and digital with solutions that allow managing international transit in a secure and standardized manner.
For the market, the main attraction is tariff competitiveness. “Brazil has an air frequency of over 600 international flights per month, which allows us to optimize routes. In recent years, the country has recorded a surplus in cargo values, with exports exceeding imports. This revision in the logistics operation model is a smart way to leverage this air network and offer a robust logistics alternative for the region, which often relies excessively on passenger flights with limited capacity,” explained André Maluf, Air Product Director at the company.
The agility of the hub is driven by advances in connected customs systems, which have made fully digital and standardized processes possible. In addition to the financial benefit, the strategy contributes to DHL’s sustainability goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, by optimizing routes and maximizing the occupancy of aircraft that would already be in operation.
With the maturation of this ecosystem in 2026 and the favorable scenario of international agreements such as EU-Mercosur, DHL consolidates Brazil not just as a stopover, but as the engine of logistics efficiency in the southern hemisphere.
