The flow of goods keeps South Africa moving from the busy streets of Johannesburg to the rolling vineyards of the Western Cape. Reliable freight shipping isn’t just a “nice to have” , it’s the backbone of business.
But these days, efficiency alone doesn’t cut it. We’re all waking up to the environmental impact of how we move things, and businesses are stepping up to help protect the future of our country.
That’s where DHL comes in. We’re not just a global logistics leader, we’re your partner in sustainable progress. Our suite of green shipping solutions is tailored for South Africa’s unique needs, helping you get your freight moving the right way. For your bottom line, yes. But just as importantly, for the place we all call home.
What Does Green Shipping Mean?
Green shipping starts with a simple idea: move goods while doing less harm. That means cutting emissions, reducing waste, and making smarter use of resources, without slowing you down. It’s about keeping your business running smoothly and your conscience clear, all while helping protect our skies, highways, and harbours.
Our Pledge to a Cleaner Tomorrow
DHL has put real money behind its climate ambitions: we’re investing €7 billion by 2030 in clean energy and climate-neutral logistics. Our goal? Net-zero emissions by 2050. And it isn’t just talk. You’ll see it in the electric delivery vans rolling through Cape Town, and in the greener shipping options at Durban’s bustling port,solutions built for the South African context.
Sustainable Freight: Solutions That Work
DHL’s approach to sustainable shipping covers every link in your supply chain, driving down greenhouse gas emissions at every turn. Here’s how we’re making a real difference in Mzansi:
GoGreen Plus: Cleaner Skies, Same Reliability
Our GoGreen Plus programme lets you cut the carbon emissions tied to your shipments by using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). For air freight, that means your parcels travel with a lighter footprint,no compromise on speed or reliability. This is sustainable shipping that works, making it easier than ever for South African businesses to make a difference.
Smart, Sustainable Packaging
Packaging often gets overlooked, but it’s a key part of the sustainability story. DHL offers eco-friendly packaging,recyclable, reusable, or made from recycled materials. Our AI-powered packaging tools help you save costs and resources by optimizing sizes and reducing excess material, so every shipment is as efficient as possible.
Low-Emission Options Across Every Mode
We know sustainability isn’t just about what flies. Our sustainable freight solutions extend across all transport modes:
Ocean and Rail Freight: We offer emission-reduced choices for bulk movements, using the latest tech and smarter routes to shrink your carbon footprint.
Road Transport: For deliveries up close, we’re rolling out electric vehicles part of a global push to deploy 80,000 e-vehicles by 2030. That means quieter, cleaner deliveries for your customers and communities.
Carbon-Neutral Warehousing: Our contract logistics include carbon-neutral storage, so your goods are housed in facilities designed to tread lightly on the environment.
Clarity and Control with Carbon Reporting
Knowing your impact is the first step to reducing it. With the DHL GoGreen Dashboard, you get real-time tracking of emissions across your shipments. Need to meet South Africa’s Carbon Tax requirements? We provide detailed, legally verified Carbon Reports, fully compliant with ISO 14083 and the GLEC Framework, and independently verified by SGS.
Digital Tools and Local Expertise
We back our green services with the resources you need to plan, measure, and improve your sustainability journey. Use our Carbon Calculator and Decarbonization Assessment tools to see exactly where you stand and how you can do better. Our local sustainability experts are always on hand to tailor solutions for your needs, whether you’re moving goods across the Karoo or within Johannesburg.
Getting Started: Greener Shipping, Made Simple
Choose GoGreen at checkout for parcels and freight.
Chat to your DHL advisor about sustainable packaging and electric vehicle options.
Sign up for the GoGreen Dashboard to track your progress and set clear reduction targets.
Open a DHL business account for preferential green shipping rates and hands-on support.
Deliver for Tomorrow, Today
With DHL’s sustainable freight solutions, South African businesses can deliver on time and in harmony with the environment. Let’s work together to protect our oceans, wildlife, and communities while building a resilient and responsible supply chain for the future.
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