DHL Global Forwarding has completed the acquisition of Aero Cargas S.A., a leading Uruguayan logistics and freight forwarding company, marking a significant step in its expansion across South America's Southern Cone.

Although the transaction value remains undisclosed, this move transitions Aero Cargas from a 33-year partner to a fully integrated part of the DHL Group. The acquisition also establishes DHL's first directly operated presence in Uruguay, enhancing its regional network.

Aero Cargas boasts over 58 years of experience in South American logistics, offering air, ocean, road, and multimodal transport solutions. It specializes in industrial project logistics, free trade zones, pharmaceutical logistics, and regional inventory management. Following the acquisition, Aero Cargas will be integrated into DHL Global Forwarding's business cluster for Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile, ensuring seamless service continuity.

Uruguay holds strategic importance for DHL due to its position as a logistics hub in the Southern Cone. Montevideo connects Atlantic shipping routes with inland waterways, facilitating trade within the Mercosur bloc and beyond. With shifting global trade dynamics, Uruguay is increasingly pivotal for regional distribution. In 2025, the country's exports hit a decade-high of $13.5 billion, with China, Brazil, and Argentina as its key trade partners. By embedding Aero Cargas into its operations, DHL gains direct access to a critical regional gateway and its experienced local team.

Pharmaceutical logistics is another key growth area for DHL. Aero Cargas's expertise in this sector aligns with DHL's focus on life sciences and healthcare logistics. Uruguay's role as a pharmaceutical distribution hub for Latin America, handling over $1 billion annually in pharmaceutical products, further strengthens DHL's position in this market.

This acquisition reflects an industry trend where major freight forwarders are converting long-term agency partnerships into directly operated networks. Acquiring established local operators like Aero Cargas allows global giants like DHL to bypass the complexities of building new networks, leveraging existing client portfolios and market expertise.

DHL's investment is part of a broader EUR 2 billion commitment to Latin America, targeting sectors like healthcare, technology, and e-commerce. As global logistics leaders accelerate regional expansions, acquisitions like this highlight the growing importance of embedded local expertise in shaping the competitive landscape.