DHL Group and Alibaba.com have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to utilise artificial intelligence (AI).
The MoU specifically outlines utilising AI to improve the end-to-end logistics experience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in international trade.
Reportedly, the parties intend to evaluate how AI-powered tools can support customers throughout their international trade journey.
This would include sourcing and supplier discovery to logistics quotation, booking and shipment execution to make cross-border trade simpler, faster and more accessible.
The agreement was announced during Alibaba.com’s CoCreate 2026 Conference in Los Angeles.
DHL and Alibaba.com will also explore the integration of DHL Global Forwarding’s logistics services into Alibaba.com’s agentic AI platform Accio.
Accio is Alibaba.com’s plug-and-play enterprise AI agent and agentic business team that equips businesses with an immediate, no-code taskforce designed to support the diverse operational needs of SMEs worldwide.
Through an agentic approach, Accio will be able to connect to DHL Global Forwarding’s Quotation & Booking capabilities, enabling businesses to obtain real-time freight forwarding quotes, evaluate shipping options and book shipments more seamlessly.
DHL Global Forwarding executive vice president accelerated digitalization Tim Robertson said: “Global trade is becoming increasingly digital, and customers expect logistics to be as seamless as the rest of their business activities.
“Through this collaboration, we will explore how advanced AI capabilities can support customers with faster access to information, greater transparency, and more efficient logistics processes.
“We see significant potential in combining intelligent digital platforms with DHL’s logistics network and expertise.”
IntraLogisteX 2026 takes place on 17-18 March 2027 at the NEC Birmingham. For exhibitor information and visitor registration, visit the official event website at www.intralogistex.co.uk
