DHL: Online orders pushed parcel volume to peak season levels in April

An increase in e-commerce orders over the past five weeks has pushed DHL's parcel volume to peak season levels, according to a press release issued Wednesday. Domestic volume has increased by 36% and cross-border numbers increased by 28% compared to daily averages seen in February. The fastest-growing product categories include nutraceuticals (dietary supplements), health and beauty items, apparel, pharmaceuticals and home office supplies, according to the carrier. These categories are seeing 40% to 50% volume increases, Craig Morris, vice president of strategy and product management at DHL eCommerce Solutions Americas, told Supply Chain Dive via email. The volume increase is primarily showing up in the Northeastern U.S. with "a significant amount of volume" coming in from China as factory operations there begin to normalize, DHL eCommerce Solutions Americas CEO Lee Spratt said in a statement.