The new system will provide immediate visibility and real-time tracking for customers, and increase the shipment processing speed at both customer locations and DHL facilities.

DHL’s wireless scanners leverage the latest GPRS and WLAN technologies, which will enable DHL to transmit customer shipment information automatically – from pickup to final delivery – without the need to wait and place a device within a transmission cradle.

The information will be immediately fed into DHL back-end systems, providing instant visibility to customers.

The new handheld system will provide the same functionality as current DHL scanning devices, such as electronic signature capture, barcode scanning, and instant communication links to dispatchers, but will also have expandable memory to allow for future applications such as image-capturing.

The system is RFID-ready, enabling DHL to integrate the new technology with future RFID products already in development.

DHL will integrate its Microsoft Windows-based courier application within the new Motorola HC 700 devices. More than 20,000 of the new scanners will be placed into operation throughout DHL’s US network during the next nine months.

DHL Express International Americas has also announced the implementation of the wireless technology to be used throughout Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, with plans for completion by the second quarter of 2007