DHL expands multimodal networks for Vietnam trade

Vietnam drives longer routes and multimodal demand.

Global trade routes are stretching to record distances, with Vietnam emerging as a central hub, prompting logistics players to redesign air and ocean networks to manage rising complexity and costs.

Laurence Cheung, Country Manager of DHL Global Forwarding Vietnam, said the shift is being driven by diversification of supply chains and growing trade flows into and out of Vietnam. “We see the global trade diverse… to impact Vietnam,” he said, noting that the company is responding with more flexible, customer-focused logistics solutions.

Traditionally reliant on air and ocean freight, DHL is increasingly deploying multimodal transport to meet evolving needs. “We always have the customer-centric mindset to help the customer provide different kinds of transportation mode,” Cheung said. “Traditionally we will do air freight and ocean freight. But now… more transportation, by the multimodal.”

He cited examples of hybrid routes combining sea and air freight across continents. “We have some customers… from the ocean, from Vietnam to the US and then US air freight to Europe,” he said, reflecting the growing complexity of global trade lanes.

Vietnam’s rise is also linked to supply chain “de-risking,” as companies reduce reliance on single markets. Cheung said trade flows increasingly follow a China–Vietnam–global pattern. He also highlights Vietnam’s role in processing and re-exporting goods.

To support this, DHL is expanding multimodal capabilities to optimise cost and inventory management.

Despite falling direct US-China trade, Vietnam has become a critical conduit in global supply chains. Cheung noted improvements in transparency and infrastructure supporting this role. He also pointed to rising foreign direct investment and government support.

However, challenges remain, particularly in labour. “Vietnam is a really hot labor market,” Cheung said, adding that talent development will be key to sustaining growth.

As global trade patterns evolve, Vietnam’s position as a logistics and manufacturing hub is strengthening, with network adaptability becoming critical for supply chain resilience.