DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, has acquired Aero Cargas S.A., a logistics and freight forwarding company in Uruguay. The acquisition strengthens DHL Global Forwarding’s presence in Latin America and gives the company its first direct operation in Uruguay, an increasingly important logistics hub for regional and international trade.
Uruguay is positioned at the intersection of Atlantic shipping routes and the Southern Cone’s primary inland waterways, serving as a gateway connecting Mercosur, North America, and other international markets. DHL Global Forwarding’s expansion into Montevideo builds on this location alongside Uruguay’s Free Port framework and expanding deep-water infrastructure. The acquisition supports DHL Group’s Strategy 2030 ambition to accelerate growth through investments in high-growth markets and evolving trade corridors.
Aero Cargas S.A. has more than 58 years of experience in the South American logistics sector and a 33-year relationship with DHL Group, bringing expertise in air and ocean freight, industrial project logistics, land transport, and multimodal services. The company has also developed capabilities in Free Trade Zone operations, pharmaceutical logistics, and regional inventory management. By transforming this longstanding partnership into a wholly owned operation, DHL Global Forwarding is expanding its ability to support customers across Latin America.
The acquisition enhances DHL Global Forwarding’s capabilities in Life Sciences and Healthcare, Free Trade Zone logistics, and industrial project forwarding. More than $1 billion worth of pharmaceuticals moves through Uruguay annually, as global pharma brands rely on the country as a regional distribution center. In 2025, DHL Group announced an investment plan of €2 billion, with about 10% expected to go toward Latin America. The move also comes as Uruguay’s data center sector expands, anchored by investments from multinational tech companies and state-backed AI infrastructure, an area where DHL brings expertise in importing and deploying heavy machinery, cooling systems, and advanced technology components.
Aero Cargas S.A. will become part of the DHL Global Forwarding Peru-Ecuador-Argentina-Chile cluster led by Eduardo Rodrigues, CEO of that cluster. All employees of the former company will transition to DHL Global Forwarding.
KEY QUOTES:
“Latin America is becoming increasingly important as companies diversify supply chains and strengthen regional distribution networks. With Aero Cargas S.A., we are establishing DHL Global Forwarding’s first direct presence in Uruguay and are adding a strategic logistics platform that enhances connectivity across the Americas. Beyond expanding our geographic footprint, Aero Cargas S.A. strengthens our capabilities in Life Sciences & Healthcare, Free Trade Zone logistics and industrial project forwarding.”
Oscar de Bok, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding
“Expanding into Uruguay directly accelerates the execution of our dedicated Life Sciences & Healthcare strategy. Establishing a direct presence in Montevideo allows us to place part of that investment where our healthcare customers need these services most. More than $1 billion worth of pharmaceuticals moves through Uruguay annually, as global pharma brands increasingly rely on the country as their regional distribution center for Latin America.”
Erik Meade, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Latin America
“Over the past three decades, our partnership with DHL has allowed us to build strong customer relationships and develop specialized logistics capabilities. Joining DHL Global Forwarding marks an exciting new chapter for our employees and customers.”
Natalia Sadurskas, General Manager, Aero Cargas S.A.
