I'm sure that somehow I'll be accused of "leaving out the facts" all over again but here's yet another article regarding the DHL-UPS arrangement...
Appel: ‘No time pressure’ to pick provider
Bonn By GARY HUFFENBERGER 2/26/2009 2:55:00 PM
[email protected]
Although DHL now says companies other than UPS can be “a viable option” to be the air carrier for DHL’s international shipping operations in the United States, so far at least there have been no negotiations with ABX Air.
In addition, the CEO for the parent corporation of DHL emphasized at a Thursday press conference there’s “no time pressure at all” to make the choice of an air carrier, a relaxed approach that may slow down a possible commitment by DHL to turn over control of the Wilmington Air Park to the community.
DHL has advised ABX Air to plan to continue providing air transport for DHL until September, according to an ABX spokeswoman.
Deutsche Post World Net CEO Frank Appel said talks continue with United Parcel Service (UPS) regarding the possibility UPS will become the air carrier for DHL’s international shipping operations in the United States. But he said other air carriers are “also a viable option.”
“We will systematically try to find out who will be the best provider for us,” said Appel during his presentation, prior to fielding questions from reporters.
Appel declined to identify any of the air carrier options other than UPS.
There is “no pressure to conclude” the process of selecting an air carrier for the longer-term, said Appel, because DHL has existing providers of air transport for its international business in the United States — namely, ABX Air and ASTAR Air Cargo, both with Wilmington-based operations.
“We can be very calm and take our time,” added Appel.
Previously, there have been official estimates that keeping DHL’s international gateway business in Wilmington could mean saving the jobs of 800 or more workers at the air park.
Particularly if DHL Express has no presence at the air park, local and state officials hope DHL turns over control of the Wilmington Air Park to the community for redevelopment purposes.