DSV tracking

Transport and global logistics from Denmark

DSV (acronym for De Sammensluttede Vognmænd af 13-7 1976 A/S) is a global transport and logistics group originating from Denmark. Founded in 1976 by Leif Tullberg and a consortium of nine independent road hauliers, DSV has grown to become one of the international leaders in the sector. Based in Hedehusene, Denmark, the company offers comprehensive freight services by road, air, sea, and rail, as well as advanced warehousing and supply chain logistics solutions. Present in more than 80 to 90 countries, DSV employs tens of thousands of employees and manages a global network of partners and agents. The group is among the world's leading freight forwarders, with a strategy focused on growth, customer service, and global presence. DSV's organization is structured into several operational divisions (mainly DSV Road (road transport), DSV Air & Sea (air and sea freight), and DSV Solutions (contract logistics)) which allows it to cover the entire supply chain. Adopting an "asset-light" model, DSV does not own its own maritime or air fleet and only a limited fleet of trucks, favoring subcontracting and flexibility to quickly adapt to the market. This approach, combined with a policy of strategic acquisitions, has propelled DSV to the rank of a leading global logistics player, recognized for the reliability and scope of its services.

History and growth

DSV has experienced rapid expansion since its creation. The company was born on July 13, 1976, from the alliance of ten small Danish road hauliers led by entrepreneur Leif Tullberg, eager to unite their forces under a common entity. During its early years, DSV operated mainly as a domestic road transport provider in Denmark. From the late 1980s, the company began its international expansion through a series of targeted acquisitions. In 1989, DSV acquired two Danish export carriers (Borup Autotransport A/S and Hammerbro A/S-Bech Trans) to expand its presence. The external expansion strategy accelerated in the following decades: DSV integrated Samson Transport in 1997, then the SVEX group in 1999, strengthening its network in Northern Europe. A major milestone was reached in 2000 with the acquisition of DFDS Dan Transport Group, which provided DSV with a vast road network in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, the Baltic countries, and continental Europe, as well as an international platform in air and sea freight. The acquisitions of the German J.H. Bachmann in 2005 (specialist in international freight) and the Dutch Frans Maas in 2006 made DSV a major pan-European logistics provider, now among the three largest road hauliers in Europe. In 2008, the acquisition of ABX Logistics allowed DSV to expand its footprint in South America and ensure a presence on all continents. During this period, DSV also consolidated its internal structure into three divisions (Road, Air & Sea, Solutions) to cover all its activities. Leif Tullberg, historical co-founder, led the company until 2005, ensuring this initial growth. He was then replaced by Jens Bjørn Andersen, who took the reins in 2008 and actively pursued the international expansion strategy.

Major mergers and acquisitions

Since the 2010s, DSV has pursued a policy of large-scale acquisitions to strengthen its global positioning. In 2015, the group announced the acquisition of the struggling American company UTi Worldwide, thus integrating a significant logistics network in North America and Asia-Pacific. This operation, finalized in early 2016, propelled DSV among the global leaders in freight forwarding. In 2019, DSV launched a public takeover bid for the Swiss company Panalpina Welttransport (a historical player in air and sea freight) for several billion dollars. Despite initial reluctance from Panalpina's main shareholder, DSV's improved offer succeeded, and the merger was concluded in August 2019. Following this transaction, the group temporarily adopted the name DSV Panalpina A/S, reflecting the scale of the merger. The integration of Panalpina significantly expanded DSV's agency network in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and elevated the company into the top 4 global logistics providers. DSV did not stop there: in 2021, the group acquired the global logistics division (Global Integrated Logistics) of the Kuwaiti company Agility. This merger strengthened DSV's presence in the Middle East and Africa and made the company one of the world's top three freight forwarders. At the same time, Agility became a significant shareholder of DSV following the operation, symbolizing a capital partnership. More recently, in September 2024, DSV announced a major acquisition project: the purchase of the company DB Schenker (the logistics subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn) for a record amount of several billion euros. If it receives the green light from competition authorities, this acquisition will create a new global transport and logistics giant, likely the largest in size after integration. In addition to these mergers, DSV also maintains strategic partnerships with major industry players. For example, for its air freight activities, DSV enters into capacity agreements with leading global airlines to secure cargo space for its customers. Similarly, the group collaborates with local carriers in many countries to ensure last-mile delivery. DSV's growth is thus based on a clever mix of competitor integrations, partnerships, and internal innovations, allowing it to continuously expand its service offering and geographic coverage.

Transport and logistics services

DSV offers a comprehensive range of logistics services covering all modes of transport as well as contractual supply chain management. Its services are aimed at all types of businesses (from small local structures to multinationals) and cover numerous industrial sectors (automotive, high technology, healthcare, energy, consumer goods, etc.). The main categories of services offered by DSV are detailed below.

Air freight

Air freight is one of DSV's core expertise. Through its DSV Air & Sea division, the group organizes air shipments to and from all regions of the globe, relying on a global network of air sorting centers and privileged agreements with major airlines. As DSV does not own its own aircraft, the company reserves capacities with partner airlines to ensure regular cargo space for its customers. Different air transport solutions are offered, adapted to the urgency and nature of the goods: express services for critical shipments (including an international courier service called DSV XPress), consolidated groupage shipments (grouping goods from several customers on the same flight to reduce costs), as well as partial or full air charters for oversized or bulky cargo. DSV even offers "on-board courier" solutions to accompany sensitive packages directly in the cabin by a dedicated agent. Whatever the selected service, DSV air freight is organized to ensure optimized lead times and high reliability. DSV's air teams are well-versed in the specific regulations and procedures of international air transport, particularly in terms of security, dangerous goods (IATA), or perishable products. They also handle export/import customs formalities related to air transport. Thanks to its large shipment volume, DSV obtains frequent rotations and can offer capacities even during periods of high demand. In summary, DSV air freight enables the rapid transport of goods worldwide, with rigorous tracking and customized solutions to meet the highest requirements in terms of time and security.

Sea freight

Maritime transport is a cornerstone of DSV's services, ideal for the economical transport of large volumes of goods over long intercontinental distances. DSV offers comprehensive sea freight services via regular connections to all major commercial ports worldwide. Thanks to the significant volumes the group handles each year, DSV negotiates advantageous rates and conditions with shipping companies. The range of maritime solutions covers full container loading (FCL (Full Container Load) for shippers with enough goods to fill an entire container, as well as maritime groupage (LCL) Less than Container Load: allowing the consolidation of shipments from multiple customers in the same container when individual volumes are smaller. DSV also organizes the transport of non-containerized cargo (oversized or bulk parcels, for example for industrial machinery or special projects) by chartering conventional ships or break bulk solutions. Specialized services such as buyer's consolidation can be implemented, consisting of grouping and optimizing shipments from different suppliers for the same importer. DSV's expertise in sea freight is not limited to sea transport: the group ensures end-to-end management including initial pickup from the supplier, final delivery to the recipient, as well as the coordination of documentary and customs formalities. In each major port, DSV has expert personnel familiar with local import-export regulations and port practices, to ensure compliance and operational efficiency (management of bills of lading, licenses, customs inspections, etc.). Customers thus benefit from a single point of contact managing all maritime stages of the logistics chain. Relying on an extensive network of trusted shipping carriers, DSV is able to offer great flexibility in terms of maritime route choice, departure frequency, and capacity, allowing transport to be adapted to the specific constraints of each shipment. DSV sea freight is therefore a reliable and optimized solution for transporting large quantities of goods at a lower cost, while benefiting from comprehensive logistical support and the experience of a sector leader.

Road transport

Road transport is DSV's historical activity and remains at the heart of its logistics offerings, particularly in Europe. Through its DSV Road division, the company operates a vast land transport network covering the entire European continent, as well as connections in North America, Southern Africa, and the Middle East through subsidiaries or partners. DSV ensures daily truck departures to more than 30 countries in Europe, guaranteeing regular shipments and reliable transit times over short and long distances. The road offer is modular according to the client's needs: DSV offers groupage services (partial loads where goods from multiple shippers are grouped in the same vehicle), full loads (FTL (Full Truck Load, chartering an entire truck for a single client) and partial load solutions (LTL) Less than Truck Load: for intermediate volumes. Thanks to a dense network of strategically distributed agencies and cross-dock platforms, DSV can efficiently collect and distribute goods, including door-to-door. The company has expertise in handling both standard palletized goods and the transport of non-standard or non-palletized items. DSV Road is also able to manage cargo requiring special conditions: for example, the group has capabilities in temperature-controlled transport (positive/negative cold for sensitive food or pharmaceutical products) as well as in the transport of dangerous goods (in accordance with ADR regulations). The security of road shipments is paramount: DSV follows strict protocols to prevent damage and theft, and ensures continuous vehicle tracking, notably via GPS tracking systems on trailers. Furthermore, the group offers intermodal and multimodal transport solutions, combining road with other modes of transport when relevant. For example, for long distances or to reduce the carbon footprint, DSV can integrate a rail or sea leg into the journey, while maintaining road flexibility for the first and last mile. This integrated approach allows for optimized lead times and costs while offering flexibility. Finally, DSV provides its clients with online road transport management services (pickup booking, digital documentation, delivery visibility) to facilitate operational management. By choosing DSV for road freight, shippers ensure reliable, fast, and tailored land transport to the specific requirements of their goods, supported by the experience of a major European transport player.

Rail transport

In addition to road, DSV also offers rail transport solutions to meet specific logistical needs. Rail freight represents an interesting intermediate alternative between air and sea in terms of speed and cost, particularly for intercontinental Eurasian connections. DSV notably operates freight train services linking China and Europe, taking advantage of the development of new rail silk routes. These solutions allow containers to be transported between East Asia and Europe in a significantly shorter time than by ship, and at a much lower cost than by plane. For example, a China-Europe rail transit can take around two weeks, positioning this mode as an effective compromise for companies seeking an intermediate lead time without exorbitant costs (no numerical value is indicated here in accordance with the guidelines). DSV offers to organize combined transport shipments, where containers are loaded onto trains for the main leg, then picked up by truck at rail terminals for final delivery. This road-rail intermodality combines the reliability of rail over long distances and the flexibility of road over the last miles. The group oversees all stages, coordinating capacity booking with rail operators, wagon tracking, as well as customs formalities at borders when the train crosses multiple countries. In addition to the Asia-Europe axis, DSV can also use rail on other logistical corridors, for example for intra-European or North American flows when suitable rail infrastructure is available. Rail transport is also integrated into DSV's "green" offerings, as it reduces the carbon footprint of transport compared to road alone. Eligible goods (including full containers of industrial goods or consumer products) travel safely, as trains are less subject to severe weather conditions or road congestion. In summary, DSV's rail services enrich the group's logistics offering by providing clients with a reliable transport solution, less expensive than air and faster than sea, perfectly suited to modern supply chains seeking flexibility and sustainability.

Contract logistics

Under the DSV Solutions brand, the group provides comprehensive contract logistics services (3PL/4PL) encompassing warehousing, inventory management, and goods distribution. DSV operates a global network of large-scale logistics centers and warehouses. In 2024, the group's Solutions division represents about a quarter of the total revenue and manages more than 17 million square meters of warehouses worldwide. These facilities allow products to be stored close to final markets and quickly delivered to end customers. DSV offers modular warehousing solutions: this ranges from simply providing additional storage space to fully outsourcing stock and order management on behalf of a client. DSV's logistics sites are equipped with efficient warehouse management systems (WMS), integrable with clients' ERPs to ensure real-time visibility on stock levels and goods movements. Among the services offered are the receipt and control of incoming goods, storage (including bonded if necessary), order preparation (picking and packing), packaging and labeling, as well as the organization of outgoing shipments to distribution points or end consumers. DSV also handles value-added services such as returns management (reverse logistics), light assembly or kitting, repackaging, or even administrative management (billing, customs documentation) related to logistics flows. Aware that each industry has its requirements, DSV develops specialized solutions for certain industries: for example, controlled atmosphere warehouses compliant with Good Distribution Practices for pharmaceutical products, secure facilities for high-value goods, or dedicated areas for sensitive and perishable products (food, cosmetics). The group invests in automation and optimization technologies (conveyor systems, voice picking, logistics data analysis) to continuously improve the efficiency and reliability of warehousing operations. DSV Solutions clients benefit from experienced local teams capable of designing tailor-made and scalable logistics schemes according to their specific needs. Whether to support the growth of a young e-commerce company or to streamline the supply chain of a large industrial group, DSV offers the flexibility and expertise needed. The goal is to provide real added value by optimizing product availability, reducing overall logistics costs, and ensuring a high level of service (meeting deadlines, order accuracy, quality tracking) throughout the logistics chain.

Industrial projects and exceptional cargo

DSV has a dedicated unit for oversized transport and large-scale industrial projects, often referred to as "DSV Projects" or "Project Transport". This service is aimed at exceptional shipments of very heavy, bulky, or logistically complex goods that fall outside traditional transport schemes. With several decades of experience in this field, DSV designs tailor-made solutions to move industrial equipment, machinery, or gigantic structures worldwide, adhering to extremely strict safety and quality standards. The projects covered include, for example, the transport of components for energy installations (wind turbines, electrical transformers, turnkey plant elements), parts for the oil and gas sector (drilling masts, offshore modules, pipelines), or even the complete relocation of factories and production lines from one country to another. For these operations, DSV mobilizes teams of logistics engineering experts capable of assessing weight, dimension, and route constraints to plan each stage of the journey. This often involves using special transport means: multi-axle low-loader trucks for heavy loads, river barges, specialized charter vessels (semi-submersible ships, industrial ro-ro), and sometimes even giant cargo planes if urgency justifies it. DSV coordinates the entire chain, from technical feasibility studies (including route reconnaissance, infrastructure reinforcement if necessary, obtaining exceptional transport permits) to on-site supervision of lifting, handling, and convoying operations. The company also liaises with administrative and customs authorities for special permits, exceptional convoy escorts, etc. Flexibility is a key word: the schedule and mode of transport are adjusted on a case-by-case basis to meet the client's requirements (for example, synchronizing the arrival of multiple packages on a foreign construction site in the correct assembly order). DSV has demonstrated its ability to tackle unique logistical challenges, such as the vertical transport of 35-meter-high parts for a British offshore wind farm, or the transport of a giant port unloader equivalent to 13,000 m³. In addition to commercial industrial projects, DSV provides logistical support for humanitarian or government operations in hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to its global network, the group can deliver relief supplies to disaster-stricken regions or provide logistical support to armed forces and international organizations, even in areas lacking infrastructure (deserts, theaters of operation, etc.). By entrusting an industrial project to DSV, clients benefit from a single point of contact capable of turning complex logistical challenges into concrete solutions, with total commitment to safety, compliance, and meeting the critical deadlines specific to this type of mission.

Recent developments and innovations

Beyond external growth through acquisitions, DSV continuously invests in improving its services and deploying new logistics solutions. A notable example is the launch in 2020 of the "DSV Silkway Express" service, an intercontinental road freight corridor directly connecting China to Europe. This land bridge, set up during the air transport crisis linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a fast and flexible alternative to traditional modes. Without citing specific figures, it can be indicated that this service allows for a door-to-door transit much shorter than by ship and at a lower cost than by plane, while offering on-demand departures. The Silkway Express illustrates DSV's ability to innovate by combining its multimodal skills to create new logistics routes adapted to the market context. Similarly, DSV has strengthened its digital platforms to offer its clients an optimized experience. The online portal myDSV, for example, centralizes booking, shipment tracking (track & trace), and document collaboration functionalities, allowing clients to manage their transports in real-time via a single interface. Digitalization is a strong axis of DSV's strategy, which deploys technologies such as data analysis for flow management, robotic automation of certain administrative processes, or EDI/API integration to interface directly with its clients' systems. In terms of environmental responsibility, DSV is also committed to "green logistics" initiatives. The group seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of its activities by optimizing load rates, renewing its truck fleet to less polluting models, and offering carbon offset or alternative fuel solutions to its clients. DSV also participates in the design of new eco-efficient warehouses (solar panels, LED lighting, energy consumption reduction technologies) and encourages the use of rail and sail or LNG sea transport when feasible. These recent projects demonstrate DSV's desire to stay at the forefront of the logistics sector, anticipating global trade developments and providing ever more reliable, fast, and environmentally friendly services. The company thus strives to combine growth and innovation to maintain its competitive advantage and support its clients in facing the logistical challenges of tomorrow.

DSV tracking numbers

Each shipment entrusted to DSV is assigned a unique tracking number, which allows the client to track the progress of their shipment at all stages of transport. DSV tracking numbers (often called "Track & Trace ID") generally take the form of a series of numbers, sometimes combined with letters depending on the type of shipment. Most of the time, these are purely numerical identifiers of variable length: some may contain 6, 7, or 8 digits, other common formats contain 10 or up to 16. For example, a typical tracking number may be a sequence of 16 consecutive digits. In some cases, notably for certain internal references, the format may start with 3 or 4 letters followed by 7 digits (for example, an agency or service code followed by a number). In any case, the tracking number serves as the main identifier in DSV's information system to associate all shipment data (route, statuses, events, etc.) with the concerned shipment. Once a package or batch is registered and taken over by DSV, this number is communicated to the sender and/or recipient. It can then be used on DSV's online portal or via tracking tools to obtain real-time information. It should be noted that DSV also accepts other tracking references depending on the case: for example, a booking number, a sea waybill number (B/L), or the container number may be recognized in the traceability system. However, the dedicated DSV tracking number remains the most direct element to access the status of a shipment via DSV's tracking interfaces. In summary, the format of DSV tracking numbers, although heterogeneous in length, is designed to ensure unique and unambiguous identification of each shipment worldwide. The role of this number is central: it offers transparency and visibility to the client, who can track the journey of their cargo from initial pickup to final delivery, through all intermediate transit points.

Delivery times by mode of transport

The transit times of shipments managed by DSV vary significantly depending on the mode of transport used, the distance to be covered, and any formalities (customs, transit, etc.). Qualitatively, the following trends can be distinguished without resorting to explicit numerical values. Air freight is generally the fastest way to transport goods internationally. Urgent shipments entrusted to DSV by air can reach their final destination in a very short time (a few working days are often enough to connect continents, excluding special procedures). This mode is preferred for high-value goods or those requiring express delivery. In contrast, sea freight is the slowest, suitable for large or less urgent cargo. Ocean crossings span long durations (on the order of several weeks for classic intercontinental connections) and depend on ship rotations and port calls. Clients choose sea freight for its low cost per ton, accepting a longer transit than other modes. Road transport provides intermediate times on a regional or continental scale. In Europe, a DSV truck can deliver goods in a travel time ranging from one to a few days depending on the distance between neighboring countries, while a transcontinental road connection may require up to a small week when multiple borders or a very long journey are involved. Road transport is therefore quite fast over short and medium distances, especially since DSV organizes daily tours and optimizes routes to save time. Rail transport positions itself as a compromise solution on long-distance routes. Faster than the ship, a freight train can reach distant destinations (for example from China to Europe) in the space of a few dozen days, where a ship would take twice as long. However, rail remains slower than air. It offers a good balance when aiming for a reasonable lead time without resorting to the high cost of air. Finally, the combined multimodal solutions by DSV (for example road + rail or sea + road) allow for the best time/cost ratio. For example, DSV can first ship a container by sea to a regional port, then perform the final delivery by truck, which improves the lead time compared to a full maritime route while maintaining a controlled budget. Moreover, DSV's contractual logistics services (warehousing, distribution) are organized to minimize break time: goods stored at DSV can be prepared and shipped quickly upon receipt of an order, to avoid unnecessary waiting times. In summary, DSV offers optimized transport times for each modality: air for speed, sea for economy, road and rail for the middle ground. The group strives to meet announced deadlines and proactively inform its clients in case of events that may impact transit duration (weather, additional formalities, disruptions). This mastery of deadlines, combined with transparent tracking, allows DSV clients to plan their supply chains with confidence based on the chosen mode of transport.

DSV shipment tracking statuses

When a shipment is in progress with DSV, a number of standardized statuses allow knowing the situation and progress of the package or freight. Below is a table listing the main tracking statuses used by DSV, accompanied by a clear description of their meaning. These statuses appear in the tracking tools as soon as the corresponding events occur. The list aims to be as comprehensive as possible to cover most messages a client may encounter when tracing their shipment.

This table covers the major stages and possible exceptions that may occur during the transport of a shipment by DSV. Thanks to these tracking statuses, clients have complete visibility over the journey of their goods and can act quickly in case of unforeseen events (for example, provide a missing document, reschedule a delivery, etc.). DSV updates these statuses in real-time in its Track & Trace system, thus ensuring maximum transparency of the logistics process from pickup to delivery.