DHL announced in a conference call yesterday that it is rolling out a new initiative designed to deliver customer service improvements with superior operational efficiencies for customers nationwide.

According to Logistics Management, Dubbed the Enhanced Route Optimization Program, the company says this effort will improve the company's network efficiency, deliver superior customer service, and meet the growing needs of its customer base.

The new program is comprised of implementing a proprietary route planning software platform in approximately 340 DHL facilities over the next nine months. The software is designed to help DHL better align product offerings by time of day, provide better service for customers and absorb volume growth as business increases, said Jack O'Neil, DHL vice president of field operations.

DHL executive vice president of operations Fred Beljaars said the software will help DHL facilities' personnel to map out optimal delivery routes, streamline sorting processes, and balance daily loads more efficiently.

"This program will take the route planning process a step further by better organizing pickup and delivery [processes] and help oversee volume fluctuations from day to day," said Beljaars.

DHL recently completed pilot programs for the software at facilities in Chicago and New York, and the new system implementation for the 340 facilities, which began in January, is expected to be in operation by September.

Other focuses for the program include restructuring courier routes in different areas, including drive time, route length, number of daily deliveries and pick up stops, and fuel consumption, according to O'Neil.

Along with the route optimization initiative, DHL also said it will begin replacing its older Ford Econoline delivery vans, which are on the small side, with new step vans that hold twice as much capacity and provide better loading and shipping capabilities.