DHL Supply Chain: Transforming Reverse Logistics with ReTurn

DHL Supply Chain is launching its DHL ReTurn Network in North America, ensuring enhanced efficiency and sustainability in reverse logistics.

Through its new facilities, DHL is streamlining the returns process, helping companies of all shapes and sizes to reduce their losses and waste.

The ReTurn Network

DHL Supply Chain is a leading global logistics provider, helping companies maximise the value of their supply chains. It has approximately 1,300 warehouse locations and active operations in more than 50 countries. 

The DHL ReTurn Network in North America is a nationwide multi-client reverse logistics solution designed to ensure businesses can manage returns more efficiently and sustainably.

In years gone by, many businesses have found it more cost effective to send returned items to landfill, rather than attempting to repurpose them.

In 2024, US consumers returned more than US$890bn worth of merchandise, per the National Retail Federation. 

According to Shopify, processing a return can cost 20-65% of the product's original value, with refunds and returns processing leading to decreased profit margins. 

This explains why many online shopping platforms have introduced returns fees or are processing refunds at a discounted price.

The ReTurn Network offers numerous multi-client facilities which have been purpose-built. DHL says companies can expect 10-50% in total savings. 

“The launch of the DHL ReTurn Network is a major milestone for DHL,” says 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.”

Driving efficiency

The ReTurn network offers 11 purpose-built and strategically positioned facilities, helping businesses implement a complete reverse logistics operation.

As each facility is home to multiple clients, they have the capacity to process returns for a range of customers and product types.

DHL Supply Chain is streamlining the returns processing system by reducing the amount of time spent moving products to individual warehouses. 

Businesses no longer need to create extra infrastructure to cope with returns demand. Instead, DHL's network integrates returns initiators, drop-off hosts and direct mail returns.

“Our national network of shared facilities reduces warehousing, labour and transportation costs while optimising the handling and disposition of returned goods," adds Thomas Borders, Vice President of Operations for DHL Supply Chain North America’s ReTurn Network.

"It also provides customers with greater flexibility for managing fluctuating inventories and warehouse space during times of increased market volatility.” 

Sustainable measures

Another major benefit of the network is emissions reduction. Facilities are strategically positioned near major distribution centres, reducing transportation time from return points. 

As a result, vehicles travel shorter distances and are taking returns to a single location, rather than multiple warehouses.

DHL is also able to sort through the products to determine saleable goods, which can either be restocked by the business or taken to a secondary seller. 

“Our goal is to keep products in circulation and out of landfills,” Tom adds.

“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.”

This is done through the implementation of advanced technology. With DHL ReTurn Network's purpose-built ReSKU, items are processed in a standardised and faster way.

Moreover, DHL has a remarketing and liquidation service which reduces landfill waste and helps customers minimise their profit loss.