DHL Supply Chain Launches ReTurn Network to Transform Reverse Logistics

• Multi-Client ReTurn Network drives cost efficiency for manufacturers, retailers and ecommerce businesses
• Shared facilities enable customers to scale reverse logistics without increasing infrastructure
• Comprehensive returns processing minimizes waste to landfills

DHL Supply Chain, the world’s leading contract logistics provider, announced the launch of its DHL ReTurn Network in North America, a nationwide multi-client reverse logistics solution designed to help businesses manage returns more efficiently and sustainably.

According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers returned over $890 billion worth of merchandise in 2024, a 15% increase over 2023. Additionally, Shopify reports that the cost to process a return can range from 20% to 65% of the product’s original value, further eroding margins. With DHL ReTurn Network, companies are able to achieve 10% to 50% off in total savings by taking advantage of the network of purpose-built, multi-client facilities.

“The launch of the DHL ReTurn Network is a major milestone for DHL,” said Kraig Foreman, President of eCommerce for DHL Supply Chain North America. “Since acquiring Inmar Supply Chain Solutions we have systematically integrated DHL’s operational expertise and advanced technology to address the growing complexity and costs associated with returns.”

Shared Facilities Reduce Cost and Add Scalability

The new network expands DHL’s capabilities beyond dedicated distribution centers by offering 11 strategically located, purpose-built facilities that streamline returns processing for multiple customers and product types within shared centers. The ReTurn Network, which integrates with returns initiators, drop-off hosts, and direct mail returns, enables businesses to implement a complete reverse logistics operation without needing additional infrastructure.

“Our national network of shared facilities reduces warehousing, labor, and transportation costs while optimizing the handling and disposition of returned goods. It also provides customers with greater flexibility for managing fluctuating inventories and warehouse space during times of increased market volatility,” said Thomas Borders, Vice President of Operations for DHL Supply Chain North America’s ReTurn Network.

Technology-Driven Returns Management

In addition to offering cost savings and scalability, customers benefit from DHL ReTurn Network’s proprietary purpose-built technology ReSKU®, a decision-tree-based processing engine that standardizes and accelerates returns decisions. Additionally, DHL’s advanced analytics track returns and provide data-driven insights to reduce friction associated with returns processing. The company also offers comprehensive remarketing and liquidation services to help customers recover value from returned goods while reducing landfill waste.

Prioritizing Sustainability in Returns Processing

Strategically positioned near major distribution centers, the Network minimizes transportation time from return points, reducing carbon emissions.  Additionally, by combining advanced technology with recommerce partnerships, DHL identifies salable goods for restocking or routes them to secondary markets. “Our goal is to keep products in circulation and out of landfills,” Borders said. “Through proven processes, we are able to divert up to 99% of consumer returns from landfills and have kept over 200 million pounds of returned goods from landfills in 2024 alone.”

The ReTurn Network allows DHL to serve a broader market, from emerging brands to established retailers, without requiring customers to overhaul existing distribution strategies.

In addition to the launch of the DHL ReTurn Network, DHL has acquired the technology rights from brand-owned recommerce provider Arrive Recommerce, further expanding its remarketing solutions to customers.