DHL has launched a new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) Service from Port Kelang, Malaysia to Los Angeles and Shanghai.

This brings the number of destinations served in the US by DHL to 54 with its inland network operated via Los Angeles, while China locations are served through Shanghai.

"The launch of the new direct LCL service from Port Kelang to Los Angeles and Shanghai extends our extensive network capabilities in Asia Pacific," said Amadou Diallo, chief executive officer of DHL Global Forwarding, south Asia Pacific.

"Since the start of 2009, we have introduced 17 direct services from China, Thailand, Japan, India as well as Malaysia to key cities around the world, enabling Malaysian businesses to tap into an unrivalled network and leverage opportunities in global markets," he said.

The new guaranteed weekly direct LCL services will enable shipments to arrive up to a week earlier than before through Danmar Lines, DHL's in-house carrier. This includes pick-up at any location in Malaysia, consolidation and deconsolidation, delivery at destination and customs clearance.

DHL handles more than 2,000,000 cubic metres of LCL freight annually, a company statement said.